Simone Veil Theater

Another remarkable survivor of wartime destruction, the Simone Veil Theater stands as a fascinating blend of history and architecture. Inaugurated in 1867, shortly after the Paris–Saint-Nazaire railway line was opened, the building originally served as the city’s train station. It remained in operation until 1955. In 1978, the city acquired the site, and by the early 2000s, it had been transformed into a theater. This shift in purpose is reflected in the building’s design: the original structure, with its classical lines and ancient influences, now contrasts beautifully with the modern additions from the renovation.Today, the Simone Veil Theater is part of France’s national network of 74 recognized cultural stages under the Ministry of Culture. Its programming is proudly multidisciplinary—offering everything from dance and music to circus arts and more. In a clever nod to its former life, the very first performance held here in 2012 was, quite fittingly—or perhaps coincidentally—titled “Once Upon a Time, There Was a Train station…”