Olivier Giraud’s show turns Parisian habits into an hour of comic instruction: how to dress, speak, and carry yourself with the city’s famously irritable charm. The format is part stand-up, part audience participation, and it has run for more than a decade, drawing close to a million people.
I like the clear premise and the chance to see a distinctly Paris-focused comedy show in English. I also like that Giraud brings audience members into the action, so the jokes can feel lively and personal rather than like a string of observations from a stage.
One thing to weigh: this is a comedy show, not a guided introduction to Parisian culture, and its humor will not suit everyone. Some of the physical comedy happens while Giraud is seated, so a tall person in front of you could block part of the action, particularly if you are sensitive to sightlines.
At a glance
- A 70-minute English-language show: Olivier Giraud pokes fun at Parisian dress, behavior, and speech.
- Audience participation is part of the act: He may invite people to join in, and he is quick with a comeback.
- The show starts at 20:00: It begins exactly on time, and late entry is not allowed.
- Three seating categories are offered: Category 2, Category 1, and Golden Square, with no option to choose a specific seat.
- The theater is on Boulevard Poissonnière: Théâtre des Nouveautés is a one-minute walk from the Grands Boulevards bus stop on route 20.
👉 See our pick of the 25 Best Shopping Tours In Paris
- At a glance
- A Paris lesson with punch lines
- From the 20:00 start to the final Parisian pose
- Humor built around Parisian stereotypes
- Choosing between Category 2, Category 1, and Golden Square
- Getting to Théâtre des Nouveautés
- Who will enjoy the show most
- My booking advice
- FAQ
- How long is How To Become A Parisian In One Hour?
- What time does the show start?
- What language is the show in?
- Where is the theater?
- How do I get to Théâtre des Nouveautés by bus?
- How do I exchange my voucher for a ticket?
- Can I choose my seat?
- What is the minimum age?
- Can I bring a suitcase or large backpack?
- The Best Of Paris!
- More Shows & Entertainment in Paris
- More Tours in Paris
- More Tour Reviews in Paris
- Not for you? Here's more nearby things to do in Paris we have reviewed
A Paris lesson with punch lines
How To Become A Parisian In One Hour is Olivier Giraud’s solo comedy show about the habits and attitudes associated with Paris. The premise is simple: for 70 minutes, he presents a comic guide to dressing, speaking, and behaving like a local, while playing with the stereotypes that visitors often bring with them.
The show is in English, which makes it an easy evening option if you want live entertainment without needing to follow French dialogue. It is also described as suitable for non-native English speakers. Still, the jokes depend on timing and wordplay, so a good grasp of conversational English will help you catch more of the act.
The production has had a decade-long run and has entertained nearly a million people. That track record makes it a well-established part of Paris’s English-language comedy scene, though longevity is no guarantee that the style will suit your taste. If you enjoy broad comic characters, teasing stereotypes, and spontaneous exchanges, the premise is promising. If you prefer subtle observational comedy, this may not be your night.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Paris
From the 20:00 start to the final Parisian pose
The advertised show begins at 20:00 and runs for 70 minutes. Plan around that fixed start: the performance begins exactly on time, and there is no entry after it starts. Arriving early is not just a comfort; it is the practical way to avoid missing the show.
The box office opens 45 minutes before the performance, and the room opens 30 minutes before. You need to exchange your voucher for a physical ticket at the Théâtre des Nouveautés box office on the day. If you book close to showtime and the paper ticket has not yet been printed, have your QR code ready. Showing it can help resolve the issue quickly.
Once seated, expect Giraud to move through the show’s central themes: clothes, behavior, and speech. The performance uses comic instruction to build toward a Parisian persona, with the aim of sending you out better prepared to project style and a little sharp-edged charm. The supplied details do not give a scene-by-scene script, so it is best to treat the premise as a playful framework rather than a literal lesson.
Audience interaction is a notable part of the evening. Giraud may engage people in the room or bring them into the action, and he is described as quick with clever responses. That can add a sense of surprise, but it also means you should be comfortable with a comedian addressing the audience. You can enjoy the show without volunteering, but there is no promise that the exchanges will stay entirely onstage.
Humor built around Parisian stereotypes
The comedy leans into familiar ideas about Parisian style and temperament. Giraud’s comic Parisian is not a neutral city guide: the show exaggerates the local image of a person who is stylish, self-assured, and prone to impatience. The pleasure comes from seeing those traits turned into a performance and recognizing how visitors sometimes interpret them.
That approach is useful if you are new to Paris because it gives you a lighthearted lens on the city’s social reputation. It is not a serious cultural briefing, and you should not leave thinking that every Parisian dresses or behaves the same way. The stereotypes are the material, not a reliable set of rules for judging people you meet.
The act’s physical elements matter, too. One audience member found that Giraud spent a substantial part of the show seated, and that a tall person ahead obscured the view of some physical comedy. This is worth keeping in mind if you are short or especially keen to see every movement. The seating category does not let you select an exact seat, so the ticket alone cannot guarantee a clear view.
Choosing between Category 2, Category 1, and Golden Square
The standard package described here is a Category 2 ticket. Other options include Category 1 and Golden Square, at higher listed prices. The supplied ticket details do not spell out the precise differences in view or location between the sections, so do not assume a particular seat or sightline based on the category name alone.
You cannot choose a specific seat, and you may not move to another zone or exchange seats once inside. Your voucher gives the seating arrangement. If seat location is important to you, check the voucher carefully and consult the theater’s official information before booking rather than counting on a change at the door.
The listed prices vary by package and booking details. Category 2 is shown from US$26.99 in the package options, while the experience summary gives a starting price of US$29.69. Category 1 is listed from US$34.85 and Golden Square from US$41.59. Treat those as starting figures, not a guaranteed final price.
For value, the strongest case is the combination of a live English-language performance, a compact 70-minute running time, and an act built around a subject that belongs to Paris. It is a focused evening rather than an expensive, multi-part event. Category 2 is the lower-cost way in, while a higher category may be worth considering if you value seating position, though exact seat selection is not available.
Getting to Théâtre des Nouveautés
The venue is Théâtre des Nouveautés, at 24 Bd Poissonnière, 75009 Paris. Bus 20 stops at Grands Boulevards, about a one-minute walk from the theater. Check your route before setting out, then leave time to find the box office and exchange your voucher.
All visitors are subject to a security check. Suitcases, travel bags, large backpacks, and parcels are not allowed, so this is not a good activity to attend straight from a station or airport with your luggage in tow. Make other arrangements for bags before arriving.
If accessibility is important, check the venue’s official website for current information about access for people with disabilities. The provided ticket details do not specify the theater’s accessibility arrangements.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Paris
Who will enjoy the show most
This is a good fit if you want a light evening out, understand English, and enjoy comedy that plays directly with local stereotypes. It may be especially appealing early in a Paris stay, when the city’s social codes are still new to you, or later in the trip, when you have enough context to recognize the jokes.
The show can also work for a mixed-language group because it is performed in English and is described as suitable for non-native speakers. That said, children must be at least 10, and they pay the same rate as adults. The recommended age is 16, a sensible guide if you are deciding whether the humor and audience interaction are right for a younger child.
This is not the best choice if you are looking for a French-language performance, a conventional theater play, or a detailed cultural history. It is an English comedy show with a specific subject and style. The rating is high, but comedy is personal: some people leave laughing hard, while others simply do not connect with Giraud’s humor.
My booking advice
I would book this if you want an easy-to-fit, English-language comedy night and the Parisian stereotype premise sounds fun to you. The lively audience exchanges and quick responses are the strongest reasons to choose it over a more passive show.
Before paying, compare the available seat categories and decide how much the price difference matters to you. Then plan to arrive before the 20:00 start, travel without large bags, and keep your voucher or QR code handy for the ticket exchange. If sightlines are a major concern, remember that exact seats cannot be selected and some physical comedy takes place while Giraud is seated.
How To Become A Parisian In One Hour Comedy Show in Paris
“Amazing show!! First time to france and i've learnt the ways of a parisian. Im glad this was one of the few things to do within paris.”
FAQ
How long is How To Become A Parisian In One Hour?
The show lasts 70 minutes.
What time does the show start?
The listed performance starts at 20:00. It begins exactly on time, and late entry is not allowed.
What language is the show in?
The show is in English and is described as suitable for non-native English speakers.
Where is the theater?
The performance is at Théâtre des Nouveautés, 24 Bd Poissonnière, 75009 Paris, France.
How do I get to Théâtre des Nouveautés by bus?
Take bus 20 to the Grands Boulevards stop. The theater is about a one-minute walk away.
How do I exchange my voucher for a ticket?
Present your voucher at the Théâtre des Nouveautés box office and exchange it for a physical ticket on the day of the show. The box office opens 45 minutes before the show.
Can I choose my seat?
No. You cannot select a specific seat, and moving to a different seating zone or exchanging seats is not allowed. Check your voucher for your seating arrangement.
What is the minimum age?
Children must be at least 10 years old, and they pay the same rate as adults. The recommended age is 16.
Can I bring a suitcase or large backpack?
No. Suitcases, travel bags, large backpacks, and parcels are not allowed, and all visitors are subject to a security check.
