The Opéra Garnier or Palais Garnier is the main building used by the Opéra national de Paris. The Palais Garnier is mainly used for classical opera and ballet performances.
It was here that the famous Phantom of the Opera, which is known throughout the world, was born. If you are a fan, this is definitely a place not to be missed.
Architecture
The beautiful opera house was completed in 1875 at the request of Napoleon III and designed by Charles Garnier, after whom it is named. The building became the centre of opera and ballet until 1989, when the new Opéra Bastille was built.
Today, tours of the interior are possible and ballet performances are held here. Some of the biggest attractions when visiting the opera house include the grand marble staircase and the famous massive chandelier in the auditorium.
Admission and opening hours
The Opera House is open to the public daily 10:00am-5:00pm, and only until 1:00pm if there is an afternoon performance.
For an unguided tour of the interior, pay 15 eur, children and students 10 eur, children under 12 are free. Booking in advance is required.
Booking and official website: operadeparis.fr/palais-garnier
Tickets for the performance
If you want to see a show, book your tickets well in advance (2 to 5 months) and the price range varies according to the seating and the type of show, ranging from 40-300 euros.
Tickets for performances and guided tours can be found on the opera's official website: operadeparis.fr/en.
Transport and location
It is advisable to visit the venue as part of a stroll through the streets of Paris, where you will find, for example, the church of La Madeleine or the Grévin wax museum nearby.
- Metro 3 station Opéra (approx. 50 metres)
- République, Père-Lachaise Cemetery
- Gare Saint-Lazare
- Metro 7 - station Opéra (approx. 50 metres)
- Louvre, Palais Royal, Notre-Dame, Hotel de Ville, Le Marais, Bassin de la Villette, Place d'Italie
- Gare de l'Est
- Metro 8 - stations Opéra (approx. 50 metres)
- Place de la Concorde, Invalidovna, Champ de Mars, République, Bastille, Zoo
- Metro 9 - stations Chaussée d'Antin — La Fayette (approx. 50 metres)
- Champs-Elysées, Trocadéro, République, Nation, Pont de Sévres (bus to Versailles)
- RER A train - station Auber (approx. 150 metres)
- Arc de Triomphe, Chatelet, La Défence, Nation
From the stops named "Opéra" you can also take buses to the following directions:
- 21 - Louvre, Palais Royal, Chatelet, Notre-Dame, Sainte Chapelle, Conciergerie, Latin Quarter, Place de Clichy (Montmartre)
- 27 - Louvre, Palais Royal, Latin Quarter, Luxembourg Gardens, Gare Saint-Lazare
- 29 - Centre Pompidou, Place des Vosges, Bastille, Gare Saint-Lazare, Gare du Lyon
- 45 - Place de la Concorde, Gare du Nord
- 52 - Arc de Triomphe, Denfert-Rochereau
- 66 - Gare Saint-Lazare, Saint-Ouen
- 68 - Louvre, Palais Royal, Musée d'Orsay, Montparnasse Cemetery, Place de Clichy (Montmartre)
- 95 - Louvre, Palais Royal, Place de Clichy (Montmartre), Gare Saint-Lazare, Gare Montparnasse
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