opera garnier tickets tour

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The Opera Garnier Guided Tour

• Information

Theatre tour

Recommended for all ages

In French or English

Highlights: The Opera Garnier Guided Tour

Welcome to the most prestigious opera and ballet house in all of Paris! Book a tour with a professional guide to discover the historical and architectural wonders of the ornate Palais Garnier. Should you choose to visit the Opéra Garnier at 5 p.m., after its doors are shut to the public, your guide will take you on a journey following the footsteps of Erik – the famed Phantom of the Opera from Gaston Leroux's novel! Visit the Palais Garnier to uncover the secrets and myths of this palace that seems to transcend time itself…

Story: The Opera Garnier Guided Tour

Built in 1875 by architect Charles Garnier, the Palais Garnier is the largest opera house in Europe, housing more than 2,000 seats under its elaborate roof. As well as being regarded as the most prestigious of Paris' theatres, the Opéra Garnier is also one of the capital's most emblematic monuments, a museum in its own right with a spectacular selection of paintings, sculptures, and fascinating architectural features.

Your tour begins at the Rotonde des Abonnés, a glorious vestibule which once served as the audience entrance. Your guide will then lead you to the fascinating statue of the Pythia, and then to the Grand Escalier - a lavish split staircase with grandiose decor, featuring marble, onyx, copper, paintings, gilding, and mosaics. At its summit, you will then reach the Grand Foyer. You may find that its splendor and captivating use of mirrors and windows are reminiscent of the Hall of Mirrors at the Château de Versailles. Technical and artistic conditions permitting, you will also have access to the auditorium.

To make your visit to the Paris opera an exquisitely unique experience, you can choose to visit in the evening (5 p.m.), after the Palais Garnier is closed to the public. Your guide will take you on a tour in the footsteps of the Phantom of the Opera, the titular character from the celebrated novel by Gaston Leroux. As you discover the secrets and anecdotes of this historically and culturally rich palace, you will enjoy the rare privilege of having the entire monument to yourself, and exclusive access to the dressing room number 5 – that of the ghost himself. This tour offers you a rare opportunity to learn all of the facts and secrets about Paris' most revered (and most mysterious!) monument from an insider's perspective. What are you waiting for…?

Book a guided tour for your group of 10+ people!

Fancy sharing your trip to the Opera de Paris with friends? Look no further - Theatre in Paris offers guided group tours of this architectural relic! Indulge in an unparalleled journey through time with your closest companions and marvel as the secrets and surprises of this enchanting edifice unfold before your very eyes… a beautiful experience to share with friends and family. Enjoy reduced rates for larger groups - get in touch!

Contact us at [email protected] to make your reservation! If you are interested in booking for a group of 10 or more people , we ask that you please book at least 45 days in advance . For groups of any size, we strongly recommend booking in advance of your desired dates to guarantee your place. We’ll see you there…!

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Opéra Palais Garnier

History and fun facts about the opéra palais garnier.

One of the most prestigious stages in all of France, the Palais Garnier was constructed between 1860 and 1875, designed by legendary architect Charles Garnier, who was selected among a handful of talented architects in a fierce design competition. The building itself is considered an artful masterpiece, and was one of the most expensive construction projects to come from the Second French Empire under the reign of Napoléon III. The elaborate use of different materials to lend a lavish multicolored facade was typical of many of the works under the rule of Napoléon III, and features sculptures of various figures of Greek mythology. The official inauguration in 1875 was attended by the Mayor of London and Amsterdam, the King Alphonso XII of Spain, and hundreds of members from European high society.

The interior was meticulously designed with intertwining corridors, alcoves and landings to allow for easy movement of large numbers of people; complete with a grand marble staircase and the grand foyer, acting as the drawing room for all of Paris high society and covered in gilded paintings. The auditorium itself is in a traditional Italian horseshoe shape, seating 1900. The stage is the largest in Europe and can accommodate 450 artists, revealed by the opening of the legendary painted curtain. Garnier himself designed the 7-tonne chandelier sparkling above the audience. In 1896, one of the many chandelier counterweights broke free and killed a concierge, the incident that inspired the scenes in the 1910 novel-turned-musical The Phantom of the Opera . The space above the auditorium in the copula dome was once used strictly for cleaning the chandelier, but has since been transformed into a space for opera and dance rehearsals.

The legendary building was initially deemed the Academie Impériale de Musique, yet with the fall of the Second Empire and the start of the Third Republic, this was aptly changed for the Academie Nationale de Musique, which we see written across the exterior facade to this day. Garnier envisioned his design and the transformation of the surrounding area, and to this day the opulence of the Second Empire lives on in this living monument. The avenue de l'Opéra remains the only large Parisian corridor without trees, as Garnier explicitly prevented Haussmann from adorning the street with trees, arguing that his Palais Garnier was to be the main focus. Palais Garnier became the official name in 1989 with the construction of the Opéra Bastille, and the venue now houses primarily ballets.

Fast facts Capacity: 1,979 Handicap Accessible: Yes – in order to guarantee access to specific locations, we ask that you make your reservation at least 15 days before the performance. Air conditioning: Yes Heating: Yes Coat Check: Yes (free service)

How do I get to the venue?

The Palais Garnier is accessible by the metro station Opéra (Lines 3, 7, 8) and Auber (RER Line A). Our hotline can be reached in case of difficulty finding the venue weekdays from 10 am to 7pm Paris time. For details, we invite you to consult the map above.

What do I do when I get to the venue?

We invite you to arrive 30 minutes before the beginning of the tour. Once you have entered the building, the meeting point with your guide is located at the Rotonde des Abonnés. Please present your voucher to the guide upon your arrival.

How long does the tour last?

The guided tour of the Palais Garnier Opera House lasts 1 hour 20 minutes.

Is it a guided tour of the Palais Garnier for tourists or French people?

Both! The Palais Garnier is an iconic monument of Paris, visited as much by travelers as by the local public. Tours are offered in French or English, usually at different times. The language is indicated in the price list after you select a day and time to visit when you make your reservation, so be sure to check your choice.

Is it possible to visit the theatre and backstage?

Palais Garnier

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Visitor's Guide to the Opera Garnier in Paris

19th-Century Historic Building

TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre

Seating 2,200 people, the imposing Opera Garnier in Paris —also known as the Palais Garnier or simply the Paris Opera—is an architectural treasure and essential spot for the city's ballet and classical music scene.

Designed by Charles Garnier and inaugurated in 1875 as the Academie Nationale de Musique—Theatre de l'Opera (National Academy of Music–Opera Theater)—the neo-baroque style Opera Garnier is now the home of the Paris ballet. This does create some confusion for many tourists (ballet in the opera theater).

For anyone hoping to enjoy a Parisian Opera rendition of La Traviata or Mozart's The Magic Flute,  the city's official opera company relocated to the starkly contemporary Opera Bastille in 1989.

Location and Contact Information

The Palais Garnier is located in Paris's relatively central 9th arrondissement, more or less directly north of the Tuileries Gardens and the adjoining Louvre Museum. It's one of the crowning attractions of the Opera-Haussmann neighborhood; one of Paris's most coveted shopping districts and the hub of major department stores like Galeries Lafayette and Printemps.

To make a morning or afternoon of it, you can visit the Opera, take a stroll around the old department stores, and have lunch in one of the gorgeous old 1900 brasseries in the vicinity (such as Cafe de la Paix, right across from the Opera). Then wander through the grand old streets in the vicinity—an area that's considered one of the crowning jewels of Haussmann's remodeled Paris. 

• Address: 1, place de l'Opera, 9th arrondissement
• Metro: Opera, Pyramides or Havre-Caumartin
• Website : https://www.operadeparis.fr/en

Access, Opening Hours, and Tickets

Visitors can tour the main premises of the Opera Garnier during the day and visit the site's museum, either on an individual basis or as part of a guided tour.

Opening Hours

10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (September 10th to July 15th); 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (July 15th to September 10th). Closed January 1st, May 1st. The cashier closes 30 minutes before the official closing time.

Ticket prices for ballet and other performances vary. Current performances at the Opera Garnier change so be sure to check to see what is upcoming.

Food and Dining

A recently opened restaurant situated on the Palais Garnier's eastern side (simply called "L'Opera") offers good-quality cuisine for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Fixed-price menus are available at limited times.

Like This? Read These Related Features

Make sure to read our complete guide to Paris for music lovers , which gives you an excellent overview of the city's best venues, annual festivals, and more.

Music fans of all persuasions will love the Philharmonie de Paris, the latest newcomer to the city's art landscape and offering an eclectic program of musical performances, from classical to the world to rock. Meanwhile, if you want to enjoy contemporary opera in Paris, check out the boldly modern charms of the Opera Bastille. 

Finally, for traditional French "chansons," dance, and late-night reveries check out our guide to the best traditional cabarets in Paris, from the Moulin Rouge to more avant-garde (and less expensive) revues like the Zebre de Belleville. 

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Visit The Palais Garnier

Almost 150 years old and classified as a historical monument since 1923, discover a dazzling and unrivaled place, in the very center of Paris: the Palais Garnier.

Discover a unique and prestigious place in the heart of Paris

Individual rates.

23.00 €

16.50 €

Reduced Rate*

Under 10 years

10.00 €

26.00 €

Single rate for visits after closing

Several tours are available. Consult our tour descriptions to book the time slot corresponding to the tour of your choice.

Free for children under 4 and accompanying disabled people. *Under 25s, disabled people, seniors (over 65s), jobseekers, students.

Group rates, click here

Practical information

Doors open at 10am. Please arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled visit.

Luggage is not accepted on the site and no left luggage is available for security reasons. Scooters, rollerblades, skateboards and electric scooters are strictly forbidden in the Palais Garnier.

ATTENTION: Mystery visits are unavailable between 15/07 and 01/09.

Mystery visits: The visit is not accessible to people with reduced mobility after 5 pm.

Access to the auditorium may be impossible for reasons beyond our control.

Discover the world's most beautiful opera house on one of our guided tours

Discover a unique and prestigious place in the heart of Paris: the Palais Garnier. Several visits are to be discovered: Intermezzo visit to the Palais Garnier: Through the rooms of the Opera accessible to the public, discover the extraordinary history of the Palais Garnier, a monument of architecture and a total work of art.  Length of visit: 1 h 30 - (any time slot other than Belle Époque). Visit Palais Garnier in the Belle Epoque: Go back in time with Charles Garnier, experience the atmosphere of the temple of social life in the 19th century, let yourself be transported and join the dance!  Length of visit: 1 h 30 - (usually between 11 h 30 and 15 h 30). Visit The Mysteries of the Palais Garnier (after closing):   Discover all the secrets of the Paris Opera in this visit outside opening hours to the general public. In a cozy atmosphere, discover or rediscover a timeless place.  Length of visit: 1h15 - (after 5pm closing time).  VISIT UNAVAILABLE BETWEEN 15/07 AND 01/09.

The Palais Garnier: a hymn to magic

Initiated by Napoleon III after an attempted attack and inaugurated in January 1875, it was after 15 years of work carried out by Charles Garnier, an architect unknown at the time, that the Palais Garnier was born. Today, this building, also called Opéra Garnier is one of the most emblematic monuments of the 9th arrondissement.

Spread over an area of 11,000 m², this eclectic style building will charm you with its many influences: Louvre Museum, Palace of Versailles...

Enter the largest opera house in France and enjoy its famous  grand staircase, the Bassin de la Pythie or its sumptuous grand foyer and lounges.

Also discover...

Printemps Haussmann

See all tours in île de france.

La Défense district

See all culture tours, how to get to the palais garnier.

Address Palais Garnier 1 rue Auber 75009 Paris Access Metro: Opera / Chaussée d'Antin (L3 / L7 / L8) RER: Auber Bus: 20, 21, 22, 27, 29, 42, 52, 53, 66, 68, 81, 95 Parking: Haussmann Galeries Lafayette 75009 Paris  

Explore the Opéra Garnier with your students on one of our guided tours!

Cycle 1 school visit : .

Designed for nursery school pupils aged between 3 and 6, this Cycle 1 school visit will enable your pupils to discover the Palais Garnier through a rich sensory experience, placing observation at the centre of the visit.  It will teach them to use language by encouraging them to put into words their emotions, feelings and impressions. Role-playing activities will enable them to learn and discover through play, using the major concepts that they are learning about at school: shapes, colours and the senses. 

Length of visit: 1 h 30 

Public: Nursery school children (3 to 6 years old) 

Cycle 2 School Visit : 

At the age when children are beginning to learn to read, introduce your pupils to music by explaining that, like a book, music can be read, played and told in spellbinding stories. Through this captivating experience, your pupils will explore the fascinating world of art, broadening their artistic horizons and stimulating their imagination. Introduce your students to the world of opera and its rich vocabulary: ballet, auditorium, stage, orchestra pit, opera singers and much more. As well as its spectacular architecture, explore the pictorial and sculptural works in the Palais Garnier that enrich the timeless art of opera.

Length of visit: 1 h 30

Public: primary school

Cycle 3 School Visit : 

Explore the many areas of artistic expression with your pupils on our cycle 3 school visit. Discover the eclecticism of the arts and allegorical representations that will arouse their curiosity and enrich their understanding of the artistic world. During this exciting excursion, your pupils will be introduced to the allegorical representations of music and opera, from the inspirational muses to the symbolic caryatids of Tragedy and Comedy. 

Immerse yourself in the fascinating history of the Second Empire and the background to the construction of this architectural masterpiece, the Palais Garnier. Explore the spellbinding myths of Orpheus and Eurydice, represented in the Grand Escalier. Discover also the legend of Apollo and Hermes, who gave birth to the lyre, the timeless symbol of music. As well as nourishing their minds with history and mythology, your students will understand the basic concepts inherent in each form of artistic expression, from the organisation of space through architecture to the expression of feelings through music.

Public: primary school and secondary school

To book a school visit, please contact our reservations department:

For further...

The Arop, Association for the Outreach of the National Opera of Paris, offers you unique private tours of the Palais Garnier. The latter reveals its most secret places to you, such as the "Lac de l'Opéra", the   sewing workshops or the mysterious "castans room".

The funds collected through the sale of backstage tours are used to finance the activities of the Opéra national de Paris: shows, tours, educational projects, or even the purchase of equipment for the workshops.

Find all the information by clicking here or by downloading the brochure here

And discover the Arop here: https://arop.operadeparis.fr/

A Worthwhile Guided Tour: Paris Opera House (Palais Garnier)

I much prefer taking guided tours when I travel because the learning is interactive. I often start to daydream when the self-guided audio-tour I’ve been given goes on and on and on. After a while it just becomes boring and I zone out. That’s why I especially liked taking the guided tour of the Paris Opera House (Palais Garnier), which, according to Tripadvisor, is #4 on the list of top attractions in Paris attracting almost 480,000 visitors a year. 

The in-depth, expert commentary about the building’s creation, architecture, and history was one thing. But being able to ask questions and discuss things with our tour guide made the experience more meaningful and worthwhile and our tour guide really brought the building and history to life. If you’re going to do a guided tour, do it at the Palais Garnier, considered one of the world’s grandest theatres.

*This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I get a small commission at no extra charge to you. It helps support the running of this website and I do appreciate your help.*

1. Palais Garnier Opera House Tour, Paris

About a month before visiting the Paris Opera House, my niece, her husband, and I ordered tickets online for the guided tour. We chose one of the morning, English-speaking tours. In addition to French and English tours, there are also Spanish-speaking tours with a maximum of 30 people. The cost of the guided tour is currently 18.5 €  and the self-guided visit is 14 € where you get access to the public areas and any exhibitions going on.

With the self-guided tour, you can pay an extra 6.5 € to get a tablet which will provide you with a 1 hour multi-media tour through the opera. So it’s actually quite reasonable to take the guided tour.

We arrived 30 minutes before the tour was to start to exchange our voucher for our tickets. We then had to go through security and join the other ticket-holders in a waiting area, the Rotonde des Abbonées.

Consider Booking Tickets To See A Show At The Palais Garnier : Really keen on seeing a ballet, a concert, an opera, or even demonstrations of the Paris Opera Dance School at the Palais Garnier? Check out what’s available and the best prices here: Performances At Palais Garnier .

(a) The Rotonde des Abbonées

The Rotonde des Abbonées is a circular room or vestibule that has pillars on the perimeter, mosaic tiles on the floor, and a very decorative ceiling. Throughout much of the Paris Opera there are symbols of Greek mythology and as you head to the Grand Escalier (Grand Staircase) you pass by La Pythonisse (or Pythia), priestess of the god Apollo greets you.

Interesting fact #1 : the Pythia sculpture was done in bronze by Marcello who was actually a woman, Adèle d’Affry, the Duchess Castiglione-Colonna.

You might also like to read these posts:  – What’s So Special About The Wallace Fountains In Paris? Free Water – Where You’ll See Famous Arches In France   – Best Views Of Paris? From The Pantheon Dome 

(b) Special Headphones

Our tour guide spoke excellent English and explained how the opera house can get very busy and crowded and rather than try to speak over all the voices, she would speak into a microphone and we would be able to clearly hear her using special headphones. These headsets amplified her voice but her words remained very clear. And no matter how close or far we were from her, we could hear her.

We did have to provide her with a piece of identification (ie. license or passport) that she held onto in exchange for the headphones. This is not uncommon when you borrow audio-guides at museums.

During our 90 minute tour, was informative and provided interesting commentary. Of course, she elaborated on the Phantom of the Opera and parts of the story that were true and not true. She took us to various areas and rooms and gave us time to take photos, wander around a bit, and ask questions. 

2. History Of Palais Garnier

She began our tour by telling us some stories about the opera’s history. Napoleon III was on a mission to reconstruct and modernize Paris, adding sewers, creating grand boulevards and more light to the area. This was done with the help of Baron Haussmann.

A competition was established to choose a design for the new Opera House. There would be 2 phrases where applicants would be narrowed down to 7 in the 2nd phase. Architect Charles Garnier was one of 7 finalists and after revising his project, it was finally selected as the winning design. He began construction of the Opera in 1861.

The Paris Opera house was one of the most expensive buildings to be built at a cost of 7.5 million francs.

Interesting fact #2: the Opera House was so expensive that the government had to borrow over half of the money (4.9 million francs) from wealthy entrepreneur, François Blanc, who managed Monaco’s Monte Carlo Casino.

Palais Garnier was finally completed January 5, 1875. Electrical lighting was installed in 1881. Up until then gas lighting was used. The opera house was originally called Salle des Capucines but became known as the Palais Garnier, named after the architect.

Interesting fact #3 : during the construction, water kept seeping into the basement,  and eventually a pond was formed and Garnier decided to create an artificial reservoir or pond to hold the water.

Interesting fact #4 : in 1896, a part of an enormous chandelier—a counterweight—broke free and fell, killing one person. In 1910, author Gaston Leroux used the area of water or “lake” of stores as well as the chandelier incident as inspiration for his famous story, Le Fantôme de l’Opéra (The Phantom of the Opera). The story and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical of the same name has certainly made the Palais Garnier even more famous.

The Paris Opera House is one of the largest and opulent opera houses in Europe, seating almost 2000 people. It became a national heritage site—“Monument Historique“—  in 1923.

3. The Highlights Of The Palais Garnier

We were brought to various rooms and areas in the building, including the famed auditorium, where you can see the famous painting that Marc Chagall did on the ceiling. The style of the architecture throughout was eclectic with a mix of Greek, Baroque, Renaissance, and Beaux-Arts styles.

(a) Grand Escalier (Staircase)

As you climb the Grand Staircase from La Rotonde des Abbonées, you are presented with additional staircases and landings which take you to the different floors, salons, and foyers. The staircases are made primarily of white marble with additional added coloured marble columns (balustrade) supporting the railings. There are two female sculptures, dressed in robes, on each side of the entrance to the orchestra and balconies.

This whole area was for socializing before the performance. Spectators were surrounded by broad staircases, painted ceilings, and elaborate chandeliers.

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(b) Ceilings

Remember to look UP in the Opera house where ever you are because you’ll see elaborate ceilings and enormous chandeliers. The ceiling above the Grand Staircase was done in 4 panels with scenes from Greek mythology by Isidore Pils (1815-1875).

Interesting fact #5: part way through the painting of the ceiling, Pils became ill and his students (many who became famous in their own right), had to finish his work.

(c) Grand Foyer

The Grand Foyer is quite impressive and ornate. It reminds me of Château de Versaille’s Hall of Mirrors where the light streams through the many windows and illuminates the many chandeliers, gold painted pillars and walls, grand mirrors, and the colourfully decorated paintings on the ceiling by Paul-Jacques-Aimé Baudry (1828-1886).

(d) Salon du Glacier

The Galleria du Glacier is a long hallway featuring elements and designs of the Belle Époque and it leads to the Salon du Glacier, a rotunda that was opened after the opening of the Opera House. It has another large chandelier and an decorated ceiling painted by Georges Clairin (1843-1919). In this area there are also marble busts, tapestries of hunting and fishing scenes and paintings of dancing Greek Bacchantes.

(e) Library-Museum Of The Paris Opera

Quite surprising to many of us was that the Paris Opera is also a library-museum (Bibliotèque-Musée de l’Opera de Paris). There are many sites that belong to the Bibliothèque nationale de France (National Library of France) including the Richelieu Library which I recommend visiting so you can see the magnificent Labrouste Reading Room (the Salle Labrouste).

This particular library and museum contains hundreds of thousands of documents, paintings, photographs, letters, and other items which date back hundreds of years.

(f) Auditorium: Marc Chagall’s Painting On The Ceiling

One of the items on display in the Library-museum is actually the initial ceiling for the auditorium. It was painted by Jules-Eugene Lenepveu and was called, “The Muses and the Hours of the Day and Night”.

Interesting fact #6: Lenepveu’s painting was considered too old-fashioned and in 1964, French Culture Minister, André Malraux, commissioned artists Marc Chagall to paint a new ceiling. This is the painting that is there today; however, there continues to be controversy about the painting and whether it is appropriate for its surroundings, where many consider it too modern.

The chandelier in the centre has 340 lights, weighs 8 tons, and is made of bronze and crystal. At the time it cost 30,000 francs. Even the chandelier had controversy. There were complaints that the chandelier obstructed the view and Lenepveu’s painting of the ceiling by those sitting in the box seats on the fourth level.

There is NO guarantee that you will have access to the auditorium on the self-guided or guided tours as there could be rehearsals going on. We were fortunate to be able to visit it and sit on the very plush seats.

Our tour also allowed us to “peak” into one of the opera boxes) which are located on the side or facing the stage called loge de côté and loges de face)—-a separate room where 4-6 guests can watch a performance in the privacy of their own “space”. You might also be able to visit box #5, which is the Phantom’s box in the story. The plaque on the door, “Loge du Fantôme de l’Opera” indicates the box is reserved for the Phantom. 

4. Attend A Performance At The Paris Opera House

We didn’t really have much time to gaze around the horseshoe-shaped auditorium; however, many years before this tour, I did attend a ballet with a friend.

When we arrived at the Opera, we couldn’t get a ticket for a tour, but we could get last-minute tickets to see a performance by the American Ballet, so we bought tickets. Our box was very high up and we had it all to ourselves. I will be very honest and say I had to leave early. It was in the summertime and the heat was just too much. (Remember, hot air rises!) I was getting faint! It was a long time ago and there wasn’t air conditioning.

Does the Palais Garnier have air conditioning today? I have heard yes, however, if you are on one of the highest levels it can still get stuffy and hot in those boxes. The only downside of seeing the ballet was that we didn’t really get to see all the salons, rooms, and areas of the Opera House, which is why I did the tour many years later.

5. The “Other” Opera House: Opera Bastille

There is another opera house in Paris. In 1989 the Opera Bastille was constructed and is located at Place de la Bastille. This is now the location for operas. Palais Garnier is primarily used for ballet performances.

Between 1994 and 2007 major renovations were made on the Palais Garnier to modernize the stage, improve the electrical components, and reinforce the structure and foundation. The architecture is stunning and the Opera House Paris tour is well worth the 18.5€ . On the Palais Garnier website you can see that their calendar indicates the number of available spots on the tour and quite often many are available.

6. Paris Opera House (Palais Garnier)

• Visit The Palais Garnier (website) : https://www.operadeparis.fr/en/visits/palais-garnier
• Hours: open daily 10:00-5:00  (and 10-6 pm in the summer) except for afternoons when there are performances
• Most guided tours: are at 2:00 pm.
• Cost for the guided tour tickets : 18.5€*
• Reduced rate: if you have a ticket from the Musée d’Orsay or Musée Gustave Moreau that is not greater than 8 days old you can save a few Euros on the cost of your ticket.
• To check out what shows you can see and the best prices, click here : Performances At Palais Garnier .
• Address : Place de l’Opera

*Prices are subject to change.

Check out my post about booking tours in advance for more information: Trip Advice Part 1

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Guide to the Palais Garnier: How to See the Paris Opera House

The Palais Garnier, home to the Opéra Garnier, is a place of art, beauty, and even intrigue.

You can appreciate its art and beauty in the live shows and lovely architecture that brightens the 9th arrondissement of Paris. And there’s some intrigue thanks to its connection to the famous Phantom of the Opera, which still draws adoring fans to the opera house today.

Want to see this photo-worthy landmark? Here’s everything you need to know before visiting the Palais Garnier in Paris.

Where to find the Opéra Garnier

The Opéra Garnier is in the busy 9th arrondissement in Paris, right at the corner of Scribe and Auber streets. Appropriately, it holds court at the center of the Place de l’Opéra.

It’s accessible from the metro stop Opéra on lines 3, 7 and 8, or the station Auber on the RER A.

Local tip: If you like shopping, Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann is just a short walk away.

Some Paris Opera House History

The Opéra dates back to the mid-19th century when French architect Charles Garnier designed the building in the Second Empire Style, a term used to describe architecture heavily influenced by the Italian Renaissance. It officially opened on Jan. 5, 1875. And if you were curious, the very first opera performed here was “La Juive,” a five-act libretto featuring forbidden love, vengeance, and plenty of dramatic arias.

And what about that connection to the Phantom of the Opera connection ? The famous play is based on none other than the Opéra Garnier in Paris.  The famous tale of a haunting love triangle was a hit on Broadway and in England. While the story is fictional, the setting was inspired by the beautiful maze-like interior of the Paris Opéra. You can take a Phantom-themed tour of the opera house to see for yourself.

The Mysterious Underground Lake of the Paris Opera House

Yes, there’s an underground “lake” at the Opéra Garnier. Unfortunately, no one (guests and employees alike) have access to it.

Rumor has it, French firefighters use it to practice mock rescues here. What we do know is that the eerie subterranean reservoir inspired the French writer behind the “Phantom of the Opéra” novel, who decided to set the phantom’s lair there.

In reality, the “lake” is actually a cistern used to manage the groundwater below the building’s foundations.

What to Expect Inside the Opéra Garnier

The opera house is as extravagant and imposing as the different shows you can enjoy there. It seats over 2,000 in its massive gilded auditorium. But it’s not just a theatre. The architecture and art is an experience all on its own.

Here’s what to see before you take a seat.

Rotunde des Abbonées

When you enter the Palais Garnier, you’ll find yourself at the “Rotonde des abonnés,” a glamorous rotunda with a decorative ceiling. This is where you can buy tickets, but it’s also a great place to snap photos. Look for the sculpture of the Greek goddess Pythia right underneath the grand staircase.

The Auditorium

It’s the classic opera house: plush red seats and gold trimming. The auditorium is breathtaking when you see it for the first time, with a structure made of everything from stucco to velvet.

Of course, there are two stars of the theater — and I’m talking about stars on the stage. One is the 8-ton bronze and crystal chandelier, complete with 340 lights. The other is the house curtain. The original, painted according to Charles Garnier’s instructions, was replaced with a replica, first in the 1950s and then in the 1990s.

Salon du Glacier

If you are a fan of awe-inspiring mosaics, don’t skip this section of the Palais Garnier.

The long gallery has a colorful painted ceiling with themes from music history. But the main thing to look out for is the replica of Charles Garnier’s bust near a window looking toward the Louvre .

Grand Escalier

This means “grand stairway,” and it certainly is a fitting name. The marble double staircase, with various chandeliers lighting the way up each step, leads to different floors of the opera house. And it’s vault is nearly 100 feet high.

This isn’t just a library — it’s an impressive museum in it’s own right with 300 years’ worth of history. Along with books, you’ll find paintings, drawings and set models.

The Palais Garnier library actually falls under the French National Library system and is open to the public 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. While the reading room is reserved for researchers only, the museum section of the library is part of the opera house tour.

Visiting the Opéra Garnier (AKA Palais Garnier)

This famous opera house is too big for one name. You’ll find it referred to as the Palais Garnier or the Opéra Garnier. The name Garnier is a nod to the architect behind the building, Charles Garnier. But the building has had a few names over the years, including “National Academy of Music,” which you can see emblazoned on the front in gold letters as “Académie Nationale de Musique.”

Before going inside, take a moment to admire the exterior. It’s heavily decorated all along the many-columned facade. Besides the sculptures embedded into the front of the palace, you’ll notice gold winged statues on either side of the roof and a central sculptural group at the very top. That’s Apollo, Greek god of music and dance (and the sun and other things), holding a golden lyre with the figures of Poetry and Music by his side.

Opéra Garnier Tours

If you like classical sculptures referencing mythology and ornate, gilded architecture, you definitely should go inside the Palais Garnier.

Fortunately, there’s no need to watch a show to take in all of the Palais Garnier’s glamour. You can opt for a guided or self-guided tour of the Opéra . Group tours happen daily starting at 10 a.m., with the last tour at 5 p.m. Individual tours are offered in the afternoon in both English and French.

On a budget? You can walk inside for free, just to get a glimpse of the lobby. But to get any further and see more of this palace, you’ll need to sign up for a tour or ticket.

But a virtual tour is always free. The Opéra Garnier teamed up with Google Cultural Institute to provide an in-depth look at all the building has to offer, so opera-lovers can take the tour from anywhere in the world.

Seeing a Show

You can catch a variety of shows at this Paris opera house — not just operas.

There are certainly plenty of classic operas, often sung in Italian, but there are also ballets and concerts highlighting work from composers like Mozart, Bach, and Vivaldi.

Before you book, take a look to see if you can get discounted tickets. The Opéra Garnier offers special pricing for those under 28 and gives another discount for those under 40.

Answers to Your Questions About the Palais Garnier

Is the Palais Garnier open to the public?

Yes, it is. You can tour it for a fee or stop into the lobby where you would buy tickets, just to take a peek inside. The opera house is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

What can you do nearby?

Hardly a block away from the Palais Garnier is the Galeries Lafayette, a shopping experience with all of the luxury brands you can think of. In fact, if you go to the rooftop of Galeries Lafayette, you’ll get a direct view of the opera house and the Eiffel Tower. After enjoying this vista, why not get a closer look by joining one of our Eiffel Tower tours ?

If you have a sweet tooth, you have to go to Fauchon, a high-end pastry shop a short walk away near the Madeleine metro stop on line 12, 14, and 8. They’re known for their gold-encrusted hazelnut tart. You must give it a try.

If you’d like a nice bar, check out Harry’s New York Bar, merely a five-minute walk away. It’s legendary — the bloody mary was invented at this famous cocktail joint.

Why is the Palais Garnier famous?

The Palais Garnier is one of many monuments dedicated to Paris’ rich art history. It’s Second Empire architecture captivates tourists and locals alike.

But one of the main draws — apart from the impressive concerts — are its ties to Andrew Lloyd Webber’s smash Broadway hit, “The Phantom of the Opera.”

Art, Architecture, and History at the Opéra Garnier

Like many Paris monuments, this place packs a lot into one location. It’s an opera house, museum, library, and architectural marvel. With nearly 480,000 visitors each year, the Palais Garnier is one of Paris’ most visited monuments. It has been listed as a historical monument since 1923.

Whether you want to enjoy the architecture from the outside alone, take a tour indoors, or splurge on a show, this is an easy add to your Paris itinerary, thanks to its central location not far from the Louvre. Many Paris tours include this iconic landmark, making it simple to incorporate into your exploration of the city.

Looking for another landmark that pulls double (or triple) duty? Check out our guide to the Panthéon , a monument, crypt, and art gallery all in one.

Opera Garnier – tickets, guided tours, prices, what to expect

Opéra Garnier, also known as Palais Garnier, is a 1,979-seat opera house in Paris. 

Ace French architect Charles Garnier built the structure from 1861 to 1875 at Emperor Napoleon III’s request. 

Till 1989, Paris Opera performed at Opéra Garnier, after which they moved to a new building called the Opéra Bastille.

Today, the company uses Palais Garnier primarily for ballet and offers tours for visitors who want to explore the interiors of the beautiful architectural jewel of Paris. 

This article covers everything you must know before booking tickets for the Opera Garnier.

Top Opera Garnier Tickets

# Opera Garnier Entry Tickets

# Private Guided Tour of Opera Garnier

Table of contents

What to expect at opera garnier.

At the Opera Garnier unveil the history of this opulent landmark that served as a platform to showcase famous operas and ballets which are an intrinsic part of the French culture.

Stroll through the Member’s Rotunda, Library Museum and climb the Grand Escalier.

Catch sights of the Prophetess Pythia and look up to see the giant chandelier hanging from the ceiling made from nearly eight tonnes of bronze and crystals.

Walk into the horseshoe-shaped French auditorium and discover its extraordinary architectural design.

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Where to book tickets 

Tickets for the Opera Garnier are available online and at the attraction. 

Online ticket prices tend to be cheaper than tickets at the venue.

When you buy online, you can avoid the long queues at the attraction’s ticket counters.

When you book early, you also get your preferred time slot.

Because some attractions sell a limited number of tickets, during peak days they may sell out. Booking early helps avoid last-minute disappointments.

How do online tickets work

Go to the Opera Garnier booking page and choose your desired date and time and the number of tickets. 

Once you purchase Opera Garnier tickets, they get delivered to your email address. 

There is no need to get printouts of the ticket. 

You can show the e-ticket on your smartphone when you visit the attraction.

Bring your official IDs.

Opera Garnier ticket prices

The Opera Garnier entry tickets are priced at €15 for all visitors aged 26 years and above.

Discounted tickets are available on site for visitor between 12 and 25 years old (on presentation of proof).

Opera Garnier tickets

With this ticket, head on a self-guided tour to discover the Parisian most iconic attraction – Palais Garnier and marvel at its magnificent interiors.

Also, take a look at a range of interesting exhibits that gives insights into rich French art and culture.

Learn about the rose-marble columns, Grand Foyer, baroque statues, and intricately carved friezes and many more.

Ticket Cost (26+ years): €15

Opera Garnier Mysteries Private Guided Tour

Get your hands on this ticket that offers you a private guided tour of the Opera Garnier in which only your group participates.

Choose from a morning or afternoon tour and meet the tour guide right at the entrance gate.

From the tour guide learn about the Avant-Foyer, the Subscribers’ rotunda, the Moon and Sun Rooms, the Bassin de la Pythie, the Grand Staircase, the Grand-foyer, the Ice Rotunda, the Library and the Auditorium. 

Ticket Prices

Adult Ticket (18+ years): €310 Youth Ticket (12 to 17 years): €25 Child Ticket (5 to 11 years): €25

Box: If you want to save money, check out this combo deal – Opera Garnier and Seine River Cruise .

Visual Story : 11 must-know tips before visiting Opera Garnier

How to reach Opera Garnier

The Opéra Garnier is in the busy 9th arrondissement in Paris.

Address: Pl. de l’Opéra, 75009 Paris, France. Get Directions

You can reach the Opera House by public transport or personal vehicle.

Bus routes 20, 21, 27, 29, 32, 45, 52, 66, 68, and 95 serves a few nearby bus stops like Capucines – Caumartin , Haussmann – Mogador and Choiseul .

From all these bus stops, the Garnier Opera House is at a walkable distance.

Lines 3, 7, and 8 can get you to the Opéra station , the closest subway station to Palais Garnier.

If you are taking the RER, you must board Line A and get down at Auber station . Palais Garnier is around 100 meters (330 feet) from the station.

If you’re driving by car, turn on Google Maps and get started.

Paid car parking is available at Q-Park Edouard VII – Rue Bruno Coquatrix 75009 Paris. It is in front of 23 Rue de Caumartin. Book Your Spot

If you have booked an Opera performance, check the venue on your tickets. The Paris Opera has two opera houses – the Palais Garnier and the Opéra Bastille – and you don’t want to end up at the wrong place. 

Opening hours of Opera Garnier

The Opera Garnier is open from 10 am to 5 pm daily.

From 10 September to 15 July, the Opera House closes a little early at 04:30 pm. 

How long does the tour take

It takes 1 hour to explore the Palais Garnier completely.

The private guided tour last for 1.5 hours which is more comprehensive and takes you through the hidden corners of the attraction.

Best time to visit Opera Garnier

The best time to visit Opera Garnier in Paris is when the attraction opens at 10 am. 

During the early morning, the opera house sees minimal foot traffic, allowing you ample time and space to leisurely explore every corner at your own pace.

Weekdays are better than weekends if you want to avoid the rush.

What’s inside Palais Garnier Paris

Palais Garnier isn’t just about the performances. 

Architect Charles Garnier ensured that the exterior and the interiors of the opera house followed the Napoleon III style of leaving no space without decoration.

As a result, today, thousands of tourists line up for a tour of Opera Garnier every day. 

During the tour, the visitors are dazzled by the almost 150-year-old building’s facade, the grand staircase, Auditorium, Grand Foyer, Ceiling, etc. 

The exterior

The architect used seventeen different kinds of materials to build the exterior of the Parisian opera house.

He then arranged the exterior in elaborate multicolored marble friezes, columns, and extravagant statuary, most of which portray deities of Greek mythology.

For the best views of Palais Garnier, you must walk away from the front steps to Avenue de l’Opéra till you see the whole building in one frame. 

Don’t miss out on the facades on all four sides – South Main Frontage, West Side elevation (Garden Side), East Side Facade (Courtyard Side) and Front Rear.

Front Rear is the side with service entrances for artists, administration, technicians, staff, etc., so it is less decorated than the other facades. 

Grand Staircase

When your tour of Palais Garnier starts, the Grand Staircase will immediately command your attention. 

Charles Garnier couldn’t have described it better when he said, “The opera is the staircase.”

The Opera Garnier Staircase is built of white marble from Seravezza, Italy. The onyx balustrade (fence) is sitting on a base of green marble from Sweden, and the 128 balusters are of antique red marble.

The Grand Staircase is flanked by 30 enormous columns, each made out of a single piece of marble. 

After admiring the columns, you see the spectacular fresco painted by Isidore Pils when you look up.

The auditorium

Palais Garnier Paris’s auditorium has a traditional Italian horseshoe shape and can seat 1,979. 

It has the largest stage in Europe and can accommodate as many as 450 artists at a time. 

The auditorium is supported by its metal structure, masked by marble, stucco, velvet, and gilding, which helps hold the eight tons heavy bronze and crystal chandelier equipped with 340 lights. 

During your Opera Garnier tour, you can step into the auditorium, but not on the stage.

And when you do step in, don’t miss out on the ceiling painted by Marc Chagall and the stage curtains, which have been replaced only twice (1951 and 1996) in the last 150 years.

Grand Foyer

The Grand Foyer at Opera Garnier was a place where people could mingle before performances, building up the mood for the show. 

Grand Foyer is a 154 meters (505 feet) long, 13 meters (42 feet) wide, and 18 meters (59 feet) tall room covered in gold and gold paint. 

Paul Baudry, who was summoned from Rome by Garnier, painted the ceiling fresco, an allegory of Music.

Opera Garnier Ceiling

The ceiling of the Opéra Garnier was re-painted by the Russian painter Marc Chagall in 1964. 

It took him almost a year to paint 2,400 square feet of frescoes in luminous colors and myriad detail. 

Two facts stand out – Marc Chagall was 77 years old when he painted Palais Garnier’s ceiling and refused to take any payment for the work.

Today the ceiling of the Opéra Garnier pays homage to 14 significant opera composers, but it wasn’t always so. 

Before 1964, the ceiling had Jules-Eugène Lenepveu’s work – The Muses and the Hours of the Day and Night.

FAQs about the Opera Garnier

Here are a few questions visitors usually ask about the Opera Garnier.

Can I buy tickets for the Opera Garnier online?

Yes, tickets for the Opera House are available online. You can book tickets in advance and even select a suitable time.

Does the Opera Garnier offer free entry?

Free entry is allowed to guests under 12 years. Visitors aged 12 years and above must buy a ticket to secure admission.

Where is the entrance of the Opera Garnier?

The entrance of the historic Opera house is at the corner of Scribe and Auber streets.

When is the last entry to the Opera Garnier?

The last entry to the Opera House is 45 minutes before the closing time.

Sources # Operadeparis.fr # Wikipedia.org # Tripadvisor.com # Britannica.com The travel specialists at TheBetterVacation.com use only high-quality sources while researching & writing their articles. We make every attempt to keep our content current, reliable and trustworthy .

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This article was researched & written by

Jamshed V Rajan

He is a two-faced traveler, who enjoys both the hustle-bustle of an urban holiday and the serenity of a break from the rest of the World. During some of his vacations, he is a resort hopper, and on others, he barely spends time in his hotel. He loves to try mouth-watering local cuisines, especially non-vegetarian dishes. Favourite Cities: Amsterdam, Las Vegas, Dublin, Prague, Vienna

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Explore the Opera Ga rnier, a 1,979 seat opera house built by Charles Garnier in the late 19th century and be charmed by the quaint, picturesque appeal that the opera is known for.

• 90-minute tour of the Opera Garnier with access to the different areas.
• English guided tour with official guides allowing a more interactive and educative experience.
• WItness the signature style of unique architect, Charles Garnier, amongst the arabesque of the site.
• Discover an array of materials used to create the abundant decor at the venue.

Cancellation policy

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Your Experience

Walk through the halls of the Opera Garnier with a guide and learn about the rich history of the attraction. At one time the Opera Garnier was described as the most famous opera house in the world. Shroud yourself in a spirit of greatness as you stroll through this memorable place and take in the many paintings and artworks on display.

You will first visit the ‘Rotonde des Abonnes’ which was formerly used to welcome audiences to the opera. Here you will be able to spot the peculiar design language of Charles Garnier. Take in the arabesque design works as you get spell bound by the beauty of the welcoming hall. Next, you will meet the mysterious prophetess Pythia who will lead you into the auditorium, the loungers and the foyers. Take in the rich architectural works all around you and discover a wide array of paintings and sculptures on display at this theatre-cum-museum.

Know Before You Go

Timings: The tour is organized daily at 11:00 am and 2:30 pm. In the next step of your booking process, you will be asked for a preference and your tour will be arranged accordingly.

Age Restrictions: Children between 5-11 will be allowed on the tour. Guests younger than 5 years old will not be permitted on the tour.

Meeting Point: Guided visit entrance in front of 1 Rue Auber. Please present your voucher 30 minutes prior the departure at the guided tour counter after passing the security check.

• Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly
• Please print out your mobile vouchers and display it along with a valid photo ID to your tour guide
• Please arrive 10-15 minutes before the start time of your tour to avoid delays

Meeting Point

• Meet your guide at Guided tour entrance of Opera Garnier, located near the Guided tour ticketing counters
• In front of 1, Rue Auber
• The entrance is located in the corner of rue du Scribe and rue Auber

Get Directions to the Redemption Point

Getting There

• The closest bus stop is Opéra, a 1-min walk to the meeting point
• Bus line 27, 29 & 95 will get you here
• The closest subway station is Opéra, a 3-minute walk to the meeting point
• Metro lines #3, 7 & 8 will get you here

This ticket is valid for the date and time selected during checkout

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Report from the 20 August 2024

POP enriches its content with exclusive documentaries

POP (Paris Opera Play) , launches its 24/25 season with several new documentaries produced by the Paris Opera, notably focusing on its Troupe lyrique created last season, as well as an ambitious documentary series in seven episodes about the Ballet's tour in Japan in February 2024.

Director Jean-Luc Perreard followed the preparation of the 99 dancers, including 13 Étoiles, for several months, as well as the Tokyo tour during which they performed Swan Lake by Rudolf Nureyev and L'Histoire de Manon by Kenneth MacMillan. The seven episodes of this series will be released on POP at the rate of one episode per month starting from September 1, 2024.

Coming in October, another documentary, Dans les coulisses de Mayerling , which particularly followed the Étoiles Ludmila Pagliero and Mathieu Ganio for this addition of Kenneth MacMillan's ballet to the Paris Opera repertoire in autumn 2022.

The live broadcasts of the autumn season will begin with a symphonic concert, live from the Philharmonie de Paris , featuring the Paris Opera Orchestra conducted by Tugan Sokhiev, performing one of his core repertoires: the poignant Symphony no. 4 by Shostakovich.

Not to be missed are recordings of past seasons' performances, such as the Tribute to Patrick Dupond, I Capuleti e i Montecchi by Bellini, and the Maurice Béjart Evening (2023).    

Dancing in Tokyo: the secrets of a tour

Join us on POP from September 1 st to discover the first of 7 episodes in this new documentary series produced by the Paris Opera!

Launched on March 29, 2023, POP offers the opportunity to experience performances from the Paris Opera live , as well as access to a catalog of nearly 160 videos , regularly updated: recordings of operas or ballets (from the current season or past seasons), documentaries, and ballet masterclasses filmed within its walls.

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