Le Zénith Explained

Le Zénith (pronounced as /fr/) is the name given to a series of indoor arenas in France. The first arena, the "Zénith Paris" is a rejuvenation of the Pavillon de Paris. In French culture, the word "zénith" has become synonymous with "theater". A zénith is a theater that can accommodate concert tours, variety shows, plays, musicals and dance recitals. All zeniths carry a similar internal design of an indoor amphitheater that can seat at least 3,000 spectators.

A venue was planned to open in Saint-Denis, Réunion entitled Zénith du Port. The arena was proposed in 2005 by the city council. Planned to open in 2008 with a capacity of 6,000, the construction of the arena was shut down.[1] It was determined the venue would not be profitable as there was no research done to see which events the arena could house. They also felt the venue would be a hard sell to bring in international talent. Kabardock was built on the proposed site of the zenith.

Zénith Paris

The Zénith Paris - La Villette is an indoor arena in the 19th arrondissement in Paris. The arena was built in 1983 at the site of the former music hall, Pavillon de Paris, by architects Phillippe Chaix and Jean-Paul Morel. The construction of the arena was initiated by Minister of Culture, Jack Lang, to maintain the rock and roll scene to Paris.

The first musician to perform at the venue was French singer-songwriter Renaud Séchan. Over the years, the venue has played host to many French artists including Jenifer, Jean-Jacques Goldman, Vanessa Paradis, Mr. Hankey, Johnny Hallyday, Alizée, and Michel Sardou. Several international artists have played the venue including Koffi Olomidé, Werrason, Janet Jackson, Suprême NTM, Sigur Rós, Pantera, Toto, Blur, Nas, Björk, Lara Fabian, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Bruce Springsteen, Grateful Dead, Alicia Keys, Demi Lovato, Anastacia, Rihanna, Amy Winehouse, Korean K-pop group Super Junior, LOONA, Finnish band Nightwish, and Japanese band L'Arc-en-Ciel. Live albums by Simple Minds, The Cure, Muse, Evanescence, Morrissey, Les Cowboys Fringants, The Hives, Archive, and Chico Buarque have been recorded at the venue.

The arena has hosted the MTV Europe Music Awards in 1995, World Wrestling Entertainment in 2007 and Total Nonstop Action Wrestling in 2010.

It is the first incarnation of the "Le Zénith" franchise.

Le Zénith Sud

Le Zénith Sud (originally known as Zénith de Montpellier) is an indoor arena in Montpellier. The venue was designed by architects Phillippe Chaix and Jean-Paul Morel, who have designed several other "Le Zénith" buildings. The building opened in 1986 and was renovated in 2001 and 2006. It was the main arena in Montpellier until the Arena Montpellier opened in 2010. Over the course of 25 years, the arena has hosted concerts by Ben Harper, Muse, -M-, Yannick Noah and Deep Purple.

It is the second incarnation of the "Le Zénith" franchise.

Zénith Oméga de Toulon

The Zénith Oméga de Toulon (also known as Zénith Omega) is an indoor arena located in Toulon. The arena opened September 7, 1992. The venue also has a nightclub called Omega Live. The space is used for private events and after parties. The arena has hosted concerts by Mylène Farmer, Zazie, Depeche Mode, Jenifer, Tina Turner and David Bowie.

It is the third incarnation of the "Le Zénith" franchise.

Zénith de Pau

The Zénith de Pau is an indoor arena located in Pau. Located near the Hippodrome du Pont-Long, the arena's design is identical to the Palais des Sports de Pau, which is nearby the venue. The venue opened on December 12, 1992. A concert by Johnny Hallyday followed the next day. The venue host many musical events along with theatrical shows. Concerts by Garou, André Rieu, Frédéric François, Véronique Sanson and William Sheller.

It is the fourth incarnation of the "Le Zénith" franchise.

Zénith de Nancy

The Zénith de Nancy (also known as Zénith Nancy de Maxéville or Zénith du Grand Nancy) is an indoor arena located in Maxéville, northwest of Nancy. The venue consists of an indoor theatre (known as "Grande salle du Zénith") and an outdoor amphitheater. It is the largest and most frequently used zénith. The venue has hosted concerts by Rammstein, Depeche Mode, Elton John, Guns N' Roses, Tokio Hotel and Natasha St-Pier.

It is the fifth incarnation of the "Le Zénith" franchise.

Zénith de Caen

The Zénith de Caen (also known as Zénith Caen - Normandie) is an indoor arena located in Caen. The venue, designed by Jacques Millet and Claude Renouf, opened in June 1993. Leonard Cohen and Eddy Mitchell, along with stage performances of Grease and the Cuban National Ballet.

It is the sixth incarnation of the "Le Zénith" franchise.

Zénith de Lille

The Zénith de Lille (also known as Zénith Arena) is an indoor arena located in Lille near the Université du Droit et de la Santé. The arena was a long term project commissioned by former mayor of Lille, Pierre Mauroy. The space was intended to be a competitor for Paris' Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy to bring sporting events, theatrical shows and concerts from South England. The project began in 1980 however it was not completed until June 1994.

The venue, designed by Rem Koolhaas, contains three auditoriums, 28 meetings rooms, a banquet hall and the Zénith Arena. It has hosted concerts by Kylie Minogue, Aretha Franklin, Goldfrapp, Dusty Springfield, Eminem and Portishead.

It is the seventh incarnation of the "Le Zénith" franchise.

Zénith d'Orléans

The Zénith d'Orléans (also known as Zénith Orléans) is an indoor arena located in Orléans. The venue opened on September 26, 1996. The first concert was by Charles Aznavour on October 3, 1996. Not only does the venue host entertainment events, it is one of the few zéniths that serves as a sporting arena. The venue is the home arena of the Orléans Loiret Basket. The arena has hosted concerts by Grégoire, Julien Clerc, Patrick Fiori, Élie Semoun and Joan Baez.

It is the eighth incarnation of the "Le Zénith" franchise.

Zénith de Toulouse

The Zénith de Toulouse is an indoor arena located in Toulouse. The venue was designed by André and Serge Gresy, who have also done the Palais Nikaïa, Zénith d'Auvergne and the Grande Halle d'Auvergne. The arena began construction in 1998 and opened in April 1999. The first event held at the venue was a concert organized by Jean-Pierre Mader. The concert was hosted by French actor Ticky Holgado and featured performances by Chevaliers du fil, Pauline Ester, Bernardo Sandoval, and the l’Orchestre de chambre national de Toulouse. The venue faced renovations after the explosion at the nearby AZF Factory.

Over the years, the arena has hosted concerts by The Cranberries, Muse, Depeche Mode, Kylie Minogue, Norah Jones, Green Day, The Who and Snarky Puppy.

It is the ninth incarnation of the "Le Zénith" franchise.

List of entertainment events held at Zénith de Toulouse! scope="col"
DatePerformer(s)EventOpening Act(s)AttendanceRevenueAdditional notes
1999
April 27Pierre Bachelet
April 28Zazie
June 3Scorpions
June 4Zucchero
June 23Lenny Kravitz
June 26Alanis Morissette
November 16Francis Cabrel
November 17
November 18Sylvie Vartan
December 1Mylène Farmer
2000
April 3The CureThe Dream Tour
May 27Patrick Bruel
June 2Johnny Hallyday
June 3
December 4Patrick Bruel
2003
May 3Lorie
June 4Renaud
June 5
June 10Moby
July 10Patrick Bruel
2004
March 22MuseAbsolution Tour
April 27LorieWeek end Tour
April 28
June 1Evanescence
June 10Norah Jones
October 12GarouTournée 2004
November 17Charles Aznavour
November 18
November 19
December 11JeniferTournée le passage
2005
March 30JeniferTournée le passage
June 26Snoop Dogg
September 2250 Cent3,500[2]
November 18ColdplayTwisted Logic Tour
2006
February 3Depeche ModeTouring the Angel
February 4OasisDon't Believe the Truth TourStereophonics
March 15TotoFalling in Between Tour
March 11Bénabar
March 16Thomas Fersen
April 18Corneille
May 17Jean Louis Aubert
June 14Alain Souchon
2007
May 24Michel SardouZénith 2007
October 9Status QuoDodgy Holiday Tour
October 16MikaDodgy Holiday Tour
October 20ZazieTotem Tour
October 22Tokio HotelZimmer 483 Tour
October 25Kool & the Gang
November 15Charles Aznavour
November 16
November 19Joe Cocker
November 23Vanessa ParadisDivinidylle Tour
November 29Scorpions
December 6Michel Sardou
December 7Yannick Noah
December 8Calogero
December 15Bombes 2 Bal
December 20IAM
2008
March 5Sylvie Vartan
March 19JeniferLunatique Tour4,000
April 8Christophe Mae
April 10Cali
May 20Bernard Lavilliers
September 13Snoop Dogg
October 30Alicia KeysAs I Am Tour
November 29LorieLe tour 2Lor
2009
February 17OasisDig Out Your Soul TourPoet in Process
March 8MuseThe Resistance TourBiffy Clyro
October 9Green Day21st Century Breakdown World TourPrima Donna
October 18IndochineMeteor Tour
2010
March 8The Cranberries
March 23Jean-Michel Jarre
March 30IndochineMeteor Tour
April 10Matthieu Chedid
April 20The Prodigy
April 30MikaImaginarium Tour
October 21Chic
Kool & the Gang
Imaginarium Tour
2011
March 11Kylie Minogue
October 23MotörheadThe Wörld Is Yours Tour
November 5Alice CooperNo More Mr. Nice Guy Tour
November 17Scorpions
December 3Zaz
2012
February 6Arctic MonkeysSuck It and See Tour
February 7Julien Clerc
February 22StingBack to Bass Tour
March 6Shy'mShimi Tour
June 14Guns N' RosesUp Close and Personal Tour
December 6Deep PurpleThe Songs That Built Rock Tour4,000 [3]
2013
June 15Toto35th Anniversary Tour
November 17Patrick Bruel6,500 [4]
November 12IndochineBlack City TourKlink Clock
November 19Bruno MarsThe Moonshine Jungle TourMayer Hawthorne
2014
March 25IndochineBlack City TourKlink Clock
April 14TalÀ l'infini Tour18,000 (including the October concert).[5]
April 29StromaeRacine Carrée Tour31,000 (including the October concerts).
May 26Patrick Bruel6,600
September 25Florent Pagny6,500[6]
October 4TalÀ l'infini Tour
October 6Pharrell WilliamsDear Girl Tour9,500
October 23StromaeRacine Carrée Tour
October 24
November 6Pascal Obispo6,600
November 14Shaka Ponk10,500
November 16Peter GabrielBack to Front Tour8,000
November 26Calogero5,000
2015
February 14ViolettaVioletta Live—25,000
February 15
March 2015Florent Pagny
April 21Shy'mParadoxale Tour
June 20M. PokoraRED Tour
October 20Johnny HallydayRester vivant Tour
October 21
December 17M. PokoraRED Tour
2016
February 26Chica VampiroVampiTour
March 12Johnny HallydayRester Vivant Tour
March 22NekfeuFeu Tour
April 20LouaneChambre 12 Tour
June 16ZazieHeureux Tour
June 17
October 11Ben HarperCall it what it is TourThe Innocent Criminals
October 30Kids United6,600[7]
December 3Pascal Obispo
2017
March 30SaezLa tournée du manifeste
April 13Bigflo & Oli22,000 (first two shows).
April 14
April 15
April 23M. PokoraMy Way Tour
May 11Boulevard des airsWonderful Crazy Night Tour
November 22JamiroquaiAutomaton Tour
December 12Elton JohnWonderful Crazy Night Tour—
December 17M. PokoraMy Way Tour
2018
January 30Charles Aznavour
February 1Claudio Capeo
February 2Shaka Ponk
February 18Soy LunaSoy Luna Live—
March 9Indochine13 TourRequin Chagrin
March 11Orelsan
March 19Franz Ferdinand
March 25Frédéric François
March 26Toto
April 13Bigflo & Oli40,000[8]
April 14
April 15
April 16
April 21Kids United
May 31LouaneLouane Live
October 3Brigitte
November 8Indochine13 Tour
November 28BénabarTournée 2018
November 30DadjuG20 Tour
December 20MC Solaar
2019
May 9JeniferNouvelle Page 2 Tournées
June 9Shy'mAgapé Tour
October 11M. PokoraPyramide Tour
November 13AngèleBrol Tour
November 16MikaRevelation Tour
November 19Snarky Puppy
2020
February 12Bigflo & Oli11,000[9]
2022
March 10Asaf AvidanAnagnorisis Tour
March 31OrelsanTour 2022
May 5AngèleNonante-Cinq Tour
May 9Eddy de PrettoÀ tous les bâtards Tour
November 10TaycCrystal destiny Tour
November 14The CureShows of a Lost World
November 20OrelsanTour 2022
December 16DadjuCulliman Tour
2023
March 16LomepalMauvais Ordre Tour
April 13Bigflo & Oli
April 14
April 15
April 22JeniferN°9 TourPhilippine Lavrey
November 3Zola
November 11JainThe fool Tour
November 16LomepalMauvais Ordre TourShien
November 25M. PokoraÉpicentre Tour: La Tournée des 20 ans
December 13Djadja & DinazTour 2023
2024
April 2HoshiCoeur Parapluie Tour
May 4Patrick BruelTour 2024
June 7M. PokoraÉpicentre Tour: La Tournée des 20 ans
June 17Deep PurpleTour 2024Sortilège
December 4Claudio Capeo
December 12Patrick BruelTour 2024
2025
January 15Ninho
Niska
Goat Tour
February 5Clara Luciani
February 25Dadju & TaycHéritage: Le Tour - French Édition
March 11IndochineArena TourLou Strummer32,000
March 12
March 14The Salinger
March 15
April 17TiakolaBdlm Tour
April 25Pierre GarnierChaque seconde Tour
October 24IndochineArena TourLou Sirkis20,000
October 25
November 8HamzaInsomnia Tour
November 28Helena1ère: la tournée
November 29Julien DoréNouvelle tournée des Zéniths
November 30GimsLe Dernier Tour30,000
December 1
December 2
December 19M. PokoraAdrenaline Tour
2026
January 22Clara LucianiTour MMXXV
February 4OrelsanTour 2026
February 5
February 6LouaneSolo Tour
February 7RilèsSteve Ibrahim
February 14Ultra VomitMononc Serge
Anonymus
February 27Santa
February 28MikaSpinning out Tour
March 19Jean-Baptiste GuéganJohnny, Le Show d'une Vie
March 21ThéodoraMéga BBL Tour
March 25Jérémy Frérot
March 28Kendji GiracNos 10 ans Tour
March 30ZazZaz Tour 2026
April 5Florent PagnyLa Tournée des 65 ans
April 6
April 7
April 8DamsoBeyah Tour
April 9
April 17Biglo & OliKarma Tour
April 18
April 19
May 3LorieParty 2026
May 6Amel BentMinuit une Tour
May 9Vanessa Paradis
May 14Biglo & OliKarma Tour
May 15
June 26Kendji GiracNos 10 ans Tour
September 26NejIrréel Tour
October 1Djadja & Dinaz
October 3Christophe Mae
October 25Chantal Goya
November 6Joe Bonamassa2026 Europe Tour
November 7Helena
November 13PLKTour 2026
November 19Gaëtan Roussel
December 2DisizOn s'en rappellera Tour
December 3Saez
December 4Claudio Capeo
December 16Feu! Chatterton
2027
February 2Christophe Mae
February 26HoshiBonjour Docteur Tour
Cancelled shows
November 12, 2003David BowieA Reality TourThe Dandy Warhols
March 26, 2020NiskaLe sal Tour
April 14, 2020Kally's Mashup
January 21, 2026La Fouine

Zénith de Rouen

The Zénith de Rouen (also known as Zénith de l'Agglo de Rouen) is an indoor arena located in Le Grand-Quevilly, five miles southwest of Rouen. The arena was designed by Swedish architect, Bernard Tschumi in 2001. His designed was honored by the American Institute of Architects. The arena has hosted concerts by Eddy Mitchell, Michel Sardou and Frédéric François.

It is the tenth incarnation of the "Le Zénith" franchise.

Zénith d'Auvergne

The Zénith d'Auvergne is indoor arena located in Cournon-d'Auvergne, nearly seven miles east of Clermont-Ferrand. It is located at the Grande Halle d'Auvergne. It was designed by André and Serge Gresy. The building completed construction in October 2003, followed by a concert featuring Johnny Hallyday in December 2003. The venue has hosted the Davis Cup in 2007 and 2010. It was also the site for the Dakar Rally in 2004.

It has hosted concerts by Jean Michel Jarre, Pierre Perret and Yannick Noah, along with stage performances of Dora the Explorer, Lord of the Dance and Scooby-Doo and the Pirate Ghost.

It is the eleventh incarnation of the "Le Zénith" franchise.

Zénith de Dijon

The Zénith de Dijon (also known as Zénith Dijon) is an indoor arena located within the Parc de la Toison d'Or in Dijon. The venue was designed by Philippe Chaix and Jean-Paul Morel. Construction began October 2004 and was completed in August 2005. The venue opened on October 6, 2005. To celebrate its fifth anniversary, the venue hosted a celebration festival that included a performance by American rock band Santana.

Over the years, the arena has hosted concerts by Sylvie Vartan, Thomas Fersen, Franz Ferdinand, Moby and Joan Baez.

It is the twelfth incarnation of the "Le Zénith" franchise.

Zénith de Nantes Métropole

The Zénith de Nantes Métropole is an indoor arena in located in Nantes (in the suburb of Saint-Herblain). The arena is located near the Atlantis le Centre. The venue was designed by Phillippe Chaix and Jean-Paul Morel, who have designed several "Le Zénith" arenas. Construction began in 2003 and completed in 2006. Alternative rock band, Placebo became the inaugural event for the venue on December 2, 2006. Since then, the arena has hosted numerous artists including Muse, Sheryl Crow, Linkin Park, Jeff Beck, Simple Plan and Sting.

It is the thirteenth incarnation of the "Le Zénith" franchise.

Zénith de Limoges

The Zénith de Limoges (also known as Zénith de Limoges Métropole) is an indoor arena located in Limoges. The venue was designed by Bernard Tschumi, who also designed the Zénith de Rouen. The arena was originally proposed in 1995 to be included in Limoges Métropole. Construction was pushed back until 2005 due to funding. The first brick was laid on April 8, 2005. The building features a unique exterior feature that displays several douglas-fir surrounded in a polycarbonate shell. The venue opened on March 17, 2007, with a concert by Michel Polnareff. Since its opening, the arena has hosted events by Patrick Bruel, Pascal Obispo and Joan Baez.

It is the fourteenth incarnation of the "Le Zénith" franchise.

Zénith de Strasbourg

The Zénith de Strasbourg (also known as Zénith Europe) is an indoor arena located in Eckbolsheim, three miles west of Strasbourg. The venue began construction in January 2006 and ended in December 2007. The venue was designed by famed Italian architect, Massimiliano Fuksas. The exterior of the building was meant to mimic the lantern of Aladdin. On opening night, the venue hosted several free concerts from local bands in Strasbourg.

The first event held at the arena was "W9VIP Live" on January 9, 2009. The event was organized by French television stations W9 and M6 to commemorate Télévision Numérique Terrestre (digital television in France). The concert contained performances by Alizée Jacotey, Amel Bent, Emma Bunton, Christophe Maé, Jenifer Bartoli, Laure Pester, Melissa M and Les Déesses.

The venue has hosted many artists including: Coldplay, Beyoncé Knowles, Guns N' Roses, Lady Gaga, Depeche Mode and Elton John. It has also hosted WWE Smackdown and Festival des Artefacts.

It is the fifteenth incarnation of the "Le Zénith" franchise.

Zénith d'Amiens

The Zénith d'Amiens (also known as SAS Zénith Amiens Métropole) is an indoor arena located in Amiens near the Stade de la Licorne and Hippodrome d'Amiens. The venue was designed by famed Italian architect, Massimiliano Fuksas. Construction began in May 2006 and was completed in July 2008. The arena was to be completed in November 2007 but was stalled an additional eight months due to financing. The arena conveys a smiler design to Zénith de Strasbourg, completed only seven months earlier. It opened on September 27, 2008, with a free concert by Arno Elias, Rokia Traoré and Keziah Jones.

Artists to have played the venue include Marc Anthony, Lara Fabian, Christophe Maé, Nicolas Canteloup and Pascal Obispo

It is the sixteenth incarnation of the "Le Zénith" franchise.

Zénith de Saint-Étienne

The Zénith de Saint-Étienne (also known as Zénith de Saint-Étienne Métropole) is an indoor arena located in Saint-Étienne, near Stade Geoffroy-Guichard. Construction began in September 2006 and was designed by Norman Foster. The building has an aluminium roof that is designed to capture winds, acting as a natural ventilation. The arena opened October 10, 2008, with a concert by Johnny Hallyday for . The venue has hosted concerts by Bernard Lavilliers, Jean Michel Jarre and Michel Sardou.

It is the seventeenth incarnation of the "Le Zénith" franchise.

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Le projet de Zénith au Port est enterré. LG. Zinfos 974, l'info de l'ile de La Réunion.
  2. News: Rap. 50 cent, la gangster attitude . fr . ladepeche.fr . 2005-09-23 . 2025-12-15.
  3. News: Deep Purple : les fans seront ce soir au Zénith de Toulouse . fr . ladepeche.fr . 2012-12-06 . 2025-12-15.
  4. News: Patrick Bruel s'offre un second Zénith de Toulouse . fr . ladepeche.fr . 2014-05-05 . 2025-12-15.
  5. News: L'année record du Zénith . fr . ladepeche.fr . 2014-12-08 . 2025-12-15.
  6. News: Toulouse : Florent Pagny revient au Zénith lundi prochain . fr . ladepeche.fr . 2015-03-14 . 2025-12-15.
  7. News: Kids United : 6 600 enfants et parents hier au Zénith . fr . ladepeche.fr . 2016-10-31 . 2025-12-15.
  8. News: Bigflo et Oli enflamment le Zénith! . fr . ladepeche.fr . 2018-04-15 . 2025-12-15.
  9. News: Bigflo & Oli annoncent un nouveau concert au Zénith de Toulouse au profit du Secours Populaire . fr . ladepeche.fr . 2019-09-14 . 2025-12-15.