Cirque d'Hiver

Walking from Boulevard du Temple toward Rue Amelot, you encounter the rich legacy of Cirque d’Hiver: a landmark indoor circus in Paris. Opened in December 1852 by Emperor Napoleon III on the site of a former water tower, this permanent venue differs from traditional tent circuses.

Designed by architect Jacques Hittorf, previously involved with Gare du Nord and Place de la Concorde, it initially opened as Cirque Napoléon and adopted the name Cirque d’Hiver in 1870. Legendary acts followed: Jules Léotard’s pioneering flying trapeze in 1859, Bouglione pantomimes such as The Pearl of Bengal and The Saltimbanque Princess, and motorcycle juggling by the Russian Kurbanov Troupe. Shows typically last around two hours, with doors opening 45 minutes beforehand.

Located at 110 Rue Amelot in the 11th arrondissement, it hosts resident performers year-round and features special events including sporting competitions, concerts and acrobatic performances. Cirque d’Hiver combines Parisian tradition with modern entertainment.