Paris Weekend Break

Palais Garnier

The Palais Garnier is often referred to as the Opera de Paris (or Paris Opera) and was completed in 1875. It was initially called the Academie Nationale de Musique, but it was renamed in 1978 and then again a few years later in 1989.

The Palais Garnier is a beautiful stone building and although it continues to offer operatic performances, it is now every bit as well known as a venue for ballet.

The building's spectacular and highly detailed stone facades are more than equalled by the amazing interior which features a stunningly elegant converging stair along with arches, chandeliers and balconies. Although this is far from the biggest building in Paris, it is hard to find another that is more impressive.

The historical beginnings of this building and its original operatic use actually date back to 1672 and the time of King Louis XIV, but it was not until Napoleon's empire that the building was actually designed and constructed.

The architect, Charles Garnier, is the man whose name the building's present title refers to.

Performances

The Palais Garnier seats approximately 2,200 people, but it is most noted for its massive stage that can accommodate up to 450 performers and the technology and support for its stage and sets that allow a near limitless selection of props and enhancements.

Today the building is the official home to "Ballet de l'Opera Nacional de Paris" and although it still shows operas, it is the much newer and purpose built “Opera de la Bastille” that sees the grander operatic productions.

If the Palais Garnier has a fault, then it is that some of the lines of sight to the main stage can be obscured from some seats, or at least the cheaper seats, but witnessing a performance in this building is still a highlight of many visitors weekend break in Paris.

Tickets for performances generally go on sale two weeks in advance of a shows performance.

Location

The Opera de Palais Garnier building is situated at the Place de l'Opera, in the nineth arrondissement. This lies a short distance north of the second arrondissement.