Jean Deschamps Theatre, Carcassonne

On the morning of June 3, 1908, Doctor Jean Sempre, assistant to the Mayor of Carcassonne and a member of the Society of Arts and Sciences, firmly suggested in council that what the city required at this point was none other than a huge open air theatre.

The theatre would be built on the site of the ruined cloister of Saint-Nazaire. During the siege of 1209, the cloister was partially destroyed to reinforce the fortifications and walls of the town. Dr Sempre pointed out that the space formerly occupied by the cloister would make a spanking open air theatre.

"We are persuaded that a [great] tragedy done in this arena...would produce a grandiose effect and attract a great number of spectators to Carcassonne....on the other hand, from a practical point of view, it would be a notable source of benefits for the merchants of the city." So the the open-air theatre of the Cite was born.

The theatre is scooped out of a hillside like an ancient amphitheater of classical times. Seating capacity is about 5,000 souls seated on chairs and benches. In 1957 the theatre was renamed in honor of actor Jean Deschamps, a world famous stage and film performer and a member of the Comedie Francais.

Dr Sempre's vision came true. The theatre over the years has hosted many great plays and events. Since the name change The Festival of the Cite is presented here annually in the summer.