The Palais Garnier is a perfect testament to the place art holds in Parisian society. Long known simply as the Paris Opera, this architectural masterpiece is part of the wave of grand building projects the capital saw under Baron Haussmann during the reign of Napoleon III. Famous for its majestic marble staircase linking the building's various spaces, the Opera boasts an auditorium lined with equally majestic boxes and balconies. Even if you don't want to visit the interior, it's still an excellent starting point for exploring the surrounding neighborhood. The Palais Garnier sits right between Place Vendôme, the Galeries Lafayette, and the Église de la Madeleine. So you can enjoy the splendor of this imposing architectural jewel while snapping photos and admiring the other nearby monuments from a distance.
Highlights
The Grand Foyer
The Grand Foyer was designed as a meeting place for the audience between acts. Impressive in both scale and detail, it showcases the excellence of French craftsmanship. Take the time to admire the abundance of chandeliers, paintings, sculptures, and gilding.
The Grand Staircase
You won't be able to miss this staircase: it's the junction point between the auditorium's various sections.
The Auditorium
With its balconies and boxes, the auditorium is the centerpiece of the Palais Garnier. The great domed ceiling replaced the old vault above the subscribers' rotunda. Adorned by the greatest artists of its time, the Opera Garnier chose to crown itself with an 8-ton chandelier as its jewel, cementing its elegance before the 1,900 people it can seat.
Infos pratiques
Tips
Don't forget to book your tickets online to avoid the line. Access to the auditorium may be restricted for various reasons. Don't hesitate to ask ahead of time about the current situation.
How to get there
The easiest way to get there is by metro: Opéra station (lines 8, 7, 3). You can also get there by bus (lines 20, 21, 22, 27, 29, 42, 52, 53, 66, 68, 81, 95) or by RER (line A, Auber station).
Opening hours
Nearby
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