Open-Air Theatre

On the edge of the town centre, just a stone’s throw from the old ramparts, you’ll find a place cherished by the people of Beaune: the Théâtre de Verdure. Tucked away in the heart of Parc de la Bouzaize, this peaceful green haven is home to an open-air stage where spectators sit on the grass or on simple stone steps. There are no red curtains or gilded chandeliers here—just trees as a natural backdrop, birdsong as the soundtrack, and the occasional breeze weaving through the performers’ lines. Back in the 19th century, this spot was home to Beaune’s public baths. Locals came not just to bathe, but to relax, enjoy the fresh air or take the waters, which were once thought to have healing properties. It was as much a social space as a place for hygiene, popular at a time when private bathrooms were still rare. The original bathhouse is long gone, but the site still carries a tranquil, almost spa-like feeling. In the 1950s, the town transformed the space into an open-air theatre. The gentle slope of the land made it a perfect natural amphitheatre, and with the addition of stone terraces and a modest stage—no walls, no roof, just the leafy canopy overhead—the Théâtre de Verdure was born. Since then, it’s become a beloved venue for concerts, plays, readings and children’s shows. And every summer, during the Baroque Music Festival, it hosts a few magical outdoor performances that draw audiences enchanted by its serene and intimate setting.