Since its première in 1859, Gounod’s Faust has been at the pinnacle of French opera. Goethe’s text deeply influenced the Romantics – Liszt, Berlioz, Gounod, and later Boito all set it to music. Gounod was twenty years old when he discovered this work during his Prix de Rome stay in 1839 and fell under its spell. And for good reason: the hero, in the twilight of his life, wants to poison himself, convinced that all science and belief are futile. Doctor Faust calls upon the Devil and sells his soul in exchange for youth, through the diabolical figure of Mephistopheles. What follows is a love story, as passionate as it is doomed, with Marguerite… leading ultimately to death.

The music took two decades to mature, first in building a vast libretto, then in developing a work as rich as it is coherent, offering a vast range of emotions and effects, and a succession of scenes evoking medieval Germany: Faust’s study, the fair, Marguerite’s garden and room, the church, the mountain, the prison… A whirlwind in which each character is powerfully drawn.

Gounod thus created a truly grand romantic opera, beloved for its famous arias (the Jewel Song, the Song of the King of Thule, the Golden Calf, “I want youth!”, etc.) and iconic choruses of students and soldiers (“Immortal glory to our forefathers!”). »). French romantic opera reaches its peak here, blending fantastical storytelling with soaring lyricism, worthy of the strength of the Count of Monte Cristo. With over 2,800 performances in Paris since its première – almost without interruption – this masterpiece was even chosen for the opening night of the Metropolitan Opera in New York in 1883.

There is no doubt that Julien Behr and Vannina Santoni will stir your heart, when the Chœur de l’Opéra Royal and the Chœur de l’Opéra de Tours sweep you away in celebration or sacred redemption.

Co-production Royal Opera / Château de Versailles Spectacles, Opéra de Tours.

World premiere on March 4th 2026 at the Opéra de Tours.

Set design, costumes, and props created in the workshops of the Opéra de Tours.

This show has been made possible through the generous support of ADOR – the Friends of the Royal Opera.

Opera in five acts with a libretto by Jules Barbier and Michel Carré, based on the eponymous legend and Goethe’s play, premiered at the Théâtre-Lyrique in 1859.

New production by the Royal Opera.

Show in French with surtitles in French and English.

PRESTIGE VIP CATEGORY : Best seats in house, you will receive a complimentary programme and a glass of champagne.

PRESTIGE CATEGORY : Excellent seats, you will receive a complimentary programme and a glass of champagne.

REDUCED RATE : applicable to under 26s, Chateau de Versailles Spectacles card holders and groups of more than 10 people (excluding special company offer).

GROUP RATES : for more information, please refer to our page dedicated to works councils and groups.

In case of any technical problem, the box office service remains available to complete your order by phone at +33 (0)1 30 83 78 89 (Monday-Friday from 11am to 6pm) or in our box office-shop (3 bis rue des Réservoirs, 78000 Versailles ; Monday-Friday from 11am to 6pm, and on Saturdays with concerts or shows except during the Musical Fountains Shows, from 2pm to 5pm).

To ensure the best welcome possible, people with limited mobility are advised to book their seats by telephone.