Palais Garnier, France’s Extravagant Opera House

France’s most extravagant opera house, the Palais Garnier, is considered a symbol of the country, along with famous landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the Notre-Dame du Paris. This world-renowned opera house dominates Place de l’Opera in Paris’ 9^th arrondissement. Palais Garnier was dubbed a monument historique in 1923.

History Snippet of Palais Garnier

Since the Opera de Paris moved to a temporary building in 1821, the need for a new building to house the majestic institution arose. However, a design competition for the new building wasn’t announced until the end of 1860.

Charles Garnier was one of the 170 applicants in the design competition, of which 7 only made it to the second phase of the competition. A month after the beginning of the second round, Garnier’s design was chosen as the winner due to its uniqueness in the design of the exterior and interiors and the exciting usage of sculptures in the work.

Following his opulent architectural design, which he described as representative of Napoleon III, the first foundations were set 1862 under Garnier’s supervision. What inspired Gaston Leroux’s famous novel Phantom of the Opera was the existence of what people liked to call an underground lake beneath the opera house when it was water wells that refused to dry out—a problem Garnier suggested building a double foundation to deal with, successfully so.

Construction work fluctuated with the changes in the political scene in France. It wasn’t until a fire ravaged the entire Salle Le Peletier, the temporary home of the Paris Opera, in 1873 that Garnier was instructed to finish construction on the new building as soon as possible.

Garnier and his team worked tirelessly throughout 1874 to finish the construction. During the same year, the first acoustic test took place; state officials attended the following test. The Paris Opera Ballet presented the first show, and the famous chandelier was lit in the opera house on 18 December.

Palais Garnier Opera House was officially inaugurated in 1875. Since then, it has seen the installation of electric lighting and the addition of elevators to help with moving scenes for new works. The latest restoration work began in 1994 to strengthen the structure and preserve its opulence and finished in 2007.

Architecture of the Palais Garnier

The word often used to describe Palais Garnier is “opulence,” which means extreme extravagance. Although most architectural opinions about this landmark have agreed it’s a masterpiece, other architects have described the Garnier style of architecture as a décor for the grave.

Either way, the Palais Garnier was designed in what its mastering architect called the Napoleon III style, meaning that no interior or exterior space was left without decoration. This style resulted in an architectural masterpiece, both inside and out.

Outside Opera Palais Garnier

The opera’s main façade is the south one, where 87 sculptors, painters and mosaicists worked on it, dominating Place de l’Opera. On each far side, this façade is decorated by two sculptural groups representing Harmony and Poetry. Beneath these two main groups, the entire façade is decorated with sculptural works by many prominent artists, such as Jouffroy’s Poetry, Chapu’s The Cantata and Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux’s infamous The Dance.

To finish off the decoration of the main façade, busts of some of the all-time great composers, such as Beethoven, Mozart, Auber and Meyerbeer, were lined all along this part of the building. Atop this southern façade is the sculptural group representing the Greek god Apollo, accompanied by two statues representing Poetry and Music.

The unfinished rooms of Pavillon de l’Empereur on the west façade, designed initially to allow the emperor’s safe access to the opera, were later converted into the Paris Opera Library-Museum, which now houses about 600,000 documents, books, records, photographs and more.

On the east façade, mirroring the Pavillon de l’Empereur, is the Pavillon des Abonnés. It was designed so visitors could get off their carriages and enter directly into the building. This pavilion has two matching obelisks at each side of its entrance.

Inside Opera Palais Garnier

The most prominent feature of the interior of this majestic opera house is the Grand Staircase. Weaved a fabulous staircase using white marble infused with green and red marble. The main staircase is divided into two staircases leading up to the Grand Foyer. Four grand works of painting decorate the ceiling above the grand staircase, finished just the day before the opera’s grand opening.

The paintings by Paul-Jacques-Aimé Baudry on the ceiling of the Grand Foyer represent essential moments in the history of music. The 54-meter foyer at the end branches out to two salons with equally beautiful painted ceilings. Each salon opens into another: Salon de la Lune to the west and Salon du Soleil to the east.

The auditorium is big enough to seat 1,979 people and overlooks the most significant stage in Europe. The famous chandelier, which inspired Leroux’s The Phantom of the Opera, was also designed by Garnier himself. At a weight of seven tons, it was made from bronze and crystal and gave an even more majestic aura to the painted ceiling, if possible.

 Palais Garnier remained home to the Paris Opera and the Paris Opera Ballet until the construction and opening of the modern Opera Bastille. Since then, Opera Bastille has become home to the Paris National Opera, while Palais Garnier mainly focused on Ballet with a bit of Opera now and then.

Where is Palais Garnier?

This opulent opera house is located at no. 8 Rue de Scribe, Place de l’Opera, 9^th arrondissement, Paris.

How to get to Palais Garnier?

Many public transportation can take you to the famous opera house. These being:

1. Metro Opera Station: Lines 3, 7 and 8 of the metro will take you to the closest metro station to the opera.
2. Bus Stop: Many bus lines stop near the Palais Garnier, such as lines 20, 21, 27, 29, 32, 45, 52, 66, 68 and 95.
3. RER: There’s an Auber Station Line A near the opera.

Opera de Paris Palais Garnier Opening Hours

Palais Garnier welcomes visitors from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. every day, and the last entry is 45 minutes before closing.

The Palais Garnier closes its doors thrice a year: 1 January, 1 May, and 25 December.

Palais Garnier Opera Dress-Code

There’s no particular dress code set for attending shows at Palais Garnier. Many attendances head there after finishing their workday, which means they usually wear semi-formal attire.

However, formal clothing is necessary if your booked performance occurs at night. Men must wear a dark suit, and women must wear a dress.

Opera de Paris Palais Garnier Individuals’ Guided Tour

The Palais Garnier official website allows you to view and book tickets for guided tours, divided into two main tours.

• You can tour the Palais Garnier during the daytime and learn about its history and architecture.
• Mysteries of the Palais Garnier: This tour takes place after the regular visiting hours, usually starting after 5:00 p.m. You will discover more secrets hidden between the opera walls during this mysterious tour.

Individual Guided Tours Entry Fee

The entry fee for guided tours is as follows: after you choose the date of your visit and the availability of either of the two previous tours to book.

1. Total Fee: €18.50.
2. Reduced Fee: €13.
3. Visitors benefiting from the reduced fee are students, visitors with disabilities, job seekers, pensioners over 65 years of age, people between the ages of 10 and 24, and
4. Children under 4 years old: Free entry.
5. Children between 4 and 9 years old: €10.

Important Tips Regarding the Guided Tours:

1. You must exchange your online reservation pass, booked through the website, for entrance tickets at the desk designated for guided tours in the building.
2. This tour lasts for an hour and a half.
3. Not all the time access is granted to the performance hall. It could be due to technical reasons.
4. This guided tour does not include a BTS or Behind the Scenes tour.
5. Once booked, this guided tour ticket cannot be cancelled or modified except in an emergency.

Opera de Paris Palais Garnier Individuals’ Self-Guided Tour

Suppose you’d like to wander around the Palais Garnier Opera House on your own, with the company of an audio guide. In that case, you can book a self-guided tour through the Opera House’s official website; there’s no need to book one through travel websites. Through the official website, you can also see all the dates of afternoon performances, during which the auditorium will be closed, and you can base the tour time accordingly.

Individual Self-Guided Tour Entry Fee

There are three entry fee rates for the Palais Garnier Self-Guided Tour. These are as follows:

1. Total Rate: 14€ and becomes 12€ when there are no exhibitions.
2. Adults over the age of 26 are charged at the total rate.
3. Reduced Rate: 10€ and 8€ outside exhibition periods.
4. Visitors between the ages of 12 and 25.
5. Visitors who already have a visiting ticket to the Bastille Opera.
6. Visitors who have an Opera subscriber card or those who have a Pass’ Academie card.
7. Visitors with a ticket to either Musee d’Orsay or Musee Gustave Moreau, as long as the ticket is 8 days old maximum.
8. Free Admission (upon presentation of valid identification or certificate):
9. Children under age 12.
10. Visitors with disabilities and their helper, with the limit of one helper per visitor.
11. Visitors who are unemployed or receive social assistance present a verified document during the last three months before the visit.
12. Visitors who have a Pass Jeunes Opera.
13. Visitors with AROP Particulier Card.
14. The Carte Culture Pass is valid for two visitors.
15. Visitors with the French Professional tour guide card.
16. Students of Architecture and students of Ecole du Louvre.
17. Visitors with a reader’s card from the Bibliotheque Nationale de France can access the reading room at the Opera’s library museum.

Opera de Paris Palais Garnier Group Self-Guided Tours

Guided tours for groups are also available for booking on the official website. These tours allow access to the public areas in the Palais Garnier and any exhibitions taking place at the time. It’s important to know that access to the auditorium can sometimes be restricted due to rehearsals or technical reasons.

You can book a group self-guided tour whether you already have a guide who will help explain the wonders of the Palais Garnier or if you’re a group and would like to explore the building’s beauty freely. A multimedia guide is offered when you book the tour either way.

Group Self-Guided Tours Entry Fee

Just like the Individual Self-Guided, these are the entry fee rates:

1. Total fee: €8 for visitors more than 25 years of age.
2. Reduced fee: €7 for visitors between 12 and 25 years old.
3. Free Admission: These are the groups enjoying free admission:
4. Children under 12 and adults accompanying up to five children, while the remaining adults pay according to the reduced price.
5. People with disabilities and their helpers.
6. The unemployed, recipients of social welfare or other social benefits, with the presentation of a document issued during the past 3 months.
7. Student groups from applied arts schools, upon presenting their in-progress project.
8. Student groups from Ecole du Louvre or architecture schools.
9. A group of more than 30 adults and 35 school students and their accompanying teachers and guide must pay an extra booking fee in addition to the ticket prices.
10. These Booking Fees are as follows:
11. Total fee: €45 for a group of over 7 adults over 25.
12. Reduced fee: €20 for groups of 7 visitors or less visiting along with a lecturer, school groups or extra-curricular groups when they are under 25. As well as groups enjoying free admission into the opera house.

It’s important to know that only groups with pre-booked tickets can enter the Palais Garnier. Tickets must be booked at least 21 days before the visit date.

Palais Garnier Group Backstage Private Tour

For an hour and a half, you are taken through where all the magic happens behind the scenes of the opera house. This backstage tour is available for groups with a maximum of 30 visitors. This makes the entry fee as follows:

1. A group of a maximum of 5 visitors: €700.
2. A group between 6 and 30 visitors: €1,500.
3. The Private Tour and the Costume Shop Tour: €2000.

It’s worth noting that the tour of the Costume Shop is only available as a part of the Backstage Private Tour and cannot be booked any other way.

Palais Garnier Phantom of the Opera Tour

Cabin number 5 in the auditorium has a plaque that says “Box for the Phantom of the Opera” or “Loge du Fantome de L’Opera”. Some have heard scary whispers from this iconic box, even when no one was inside. The box remains vacant today and will be reserved for the Phantom until this very day.

Gaston Leroux’s main character was a phantom, which spooked many people back in time. Some even thought the ghost lived by the lake beneath the building, a belief that was fed by the fact that there were actual water wells beneath the opera. Although Leroux defended this belief of the “ghost” even on his deathbed, many said it was all fiction.

Was Phantom of the Opera filmed at Palais Garnier?

I remember watching Gerard Butler and Emmy Rossum in a dark-themed movie called The Phantom of the Opera many years ago. I was so engrossed in the story that I barely focused on the building where the film should be set.

Years later, I realized the film was supposed to be set in the excellent Palais Garnier Opera House and was based on Gaston Leroux’s renowned novel Le Fantôme de l’Opéra. The book has been adapted several times in film, cinema, radio, and television.

Although the original novel’s plot is based on historical events that took place during the 19th century at the Paris Opera, Gaston chose the Palais Garnier Opera House as the setting for his novel.

So, was Phantom of the Opera filmed at Palais Garnier?

The 1990 TV mini-series with Charles Dance and Teri Polo was the first-ever adaptation of the novel to be filmed inside the Palais Garnier. However, not all series scenes were filmed in the famous opera house; only those taking place backstage, in the dressing rooms, the cellars and the opera’s grand staircase. Other scenes, such as those in the auditorium, were filmed at another opera house, and the ones at the lagoon were done on a built film set.

Many similarities exist between the true history of the building and the events of the novel. The accident of the fall of a massive chandelier, which injured many and killed one, the existence of a lake beneath the Opera building, and even rumours about a ghost roaming the folds of the building are all actual—except maybe for the Opera ghost; some don’t believe that.

Leroux believed the ghost of the Opera existed, and he even defended it on his deathbed. In a way, Gaston Leroux made sure the ghost of the Opera would never be forgotten no matter how much time passed; he made the ghost eternal through his embodiment in his famous novel.

Palais Garnier Opera House Facts and Tips

1. The Opera House offers ease of access to visitors with wheelchairs, reduced mobility or visual disabilities.
2. By the regulations set to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, a valid vaccination pass for those over 16 should be presented before entry, as should a health pass for children ages 12 to 16.
3. Starting at age 6, wearing a face mask is mandatory inside the building. You must bring your mask, as they are not provided.
4. Temperatures are checked before entering the Palais Garnier; entry will be prohibited if they exceed 38 degrees.
5. A phone line is designated for any questions or phone bookings you’d like to make. You can call from inside France at 08 92 89 90 90 at the rate of 0,35€ per minute, or call at +33 1 71 25 24 23 from outside France.
6. You can book your tickets using the Paris Opera Application.
7. The Palais Garnier ticket desk is open daily from 10:00 am to 4:15 pm to book your tickets.
8. Temporary exhibitions at the Palais Garnier are inaccessible to visitors with reduced mobility.
9. Don’t worry if the show you’re attending is not in English; subtitles are provided.
10. No worries if you can’t visit the City of Love and admire this extravagant building in person. You can still enjoy it by taking a virtual tour through its official website.

Opera Bastille vs. Palais Garnier

Opera Bastille has become the main venue for the Paris National Opera after its construction and inauguration in 1989. Since its construction, it has become the main theatre for opera and ballet performances, while Palais Garnier focused on ballet with some opera shows now and then.

There’s a massive difference between the two opera buildings. While Palais Gariner takes you back to the time it was built it, Opera Bastille gives the feel of an airport lounge, as if you were waiting for your flight to take you a bit further into the future.

The lavish and warm-toned paintings of the Palais Garnier undoubtedly make you feel at home. Opera Bastille’s modern style has succeeded in warding off many visitors, who preferred the more decorated and warm Palais Garnier.

There’s no right or wrong answer to the question of which opera house to visit. Each has and gives off a different vibe. It mainly depends on the show you’ll be attending, and that will determine which place to check out first.

Places of Interest near Palais Garnier

1.    Musée du Parfum -Fragonard:

Established in 1983 by the Fragonard Parfumeur, this privately owned museum is dedicated to everything about perfumes. Otherwise known as Fragonard Musee du Parfum, the items on display here include antique perfume bottles and toiletry sets. The museum recounts the history of perfume-making and the components used by the Fragonard company in perfume-making. You can also buy whichever product you like from the sale items. 

2.    Quartier de l’Opéra:

This is the quarter of the Opera Garnier, which dominates the square. The area is studded with architectural gems, and department stores are dominated by Galleries Lafayette, restaurants, hotels, designers, and haute couture shops.

Time at Place de l’Opera is best spent walking around, enjoying the architecture, grabbing a bite or having a chilly drink and topping it with a good shopping spree.

3.    Sculpture Groupe d’Apollon:

French sculptor Aimé Millet designed this group of sculptures atop the Palais Garnier. The group consists of Apollo and two sculptures depicting Poetry and Music. Due to their location, the bronze sculptures might be more complex to see clearly than other sculptures in the opera house’s building. However, they’re worth a try if you want to get a glimpse of admiration for their fine work.

4.    Le Buste de Charles Garnier:

A few minutes from the opera house, this sculptural work is dedicated to the man who designed the prestigious building. The monument at Rue Scribe Ramp, at the back of the opera house, displays a layout of the opera house and is topped by a bust of the famous architect. Garnier’s name is forever inscribed in history books after his fine work on the design of the Palais Garnier.

Where to stay near Palais Garnier

1.    Ibis Paris Opera La Fayette (19 Rue Buffault, 9th arr., 75009 Paris, France):

This hotel is a few minutes away from the Palais Garnier and offers modern, lightly decorated rooms with optimistic furnishing. The nearby Auber RER station is also 10 minutes away, and it leads directly to the loveable Disneyland Paris. The Rendez Vous bar in the hotel offers different drinks and snacks and a relaxing atmosphere. Not to mention that your furry friend is always welcome here.

A Standard Double Room with one double bed for two nights will cost €285, plus taxes and charges. This price doesn’t include breakfast; an additional €10.50 must be paid. The same room with free cancellation and payment at the property will cost €308 with taxes and charges, still with the additional €10.50 for breakfast.

2.    Hôtel Clauzel Paris (33 Rue Des Martyrs, 9th arr., 75009 Paris, France):

Praised for the quiet atmosphere filling its rooms, this hotel is dubbed perfect for sleeping by one of the reviewers on Booking.com. The place is also highly rated for getting excellent service for the money you pay and the friendliness of its staff. Opera Garnier is less than a kilometre away.

A twin room with two single beds, for example, for a two-night stay, will cost €205 in addition to taxes and charges. If you’d like to enjoy their continental breakfast, a mere €7 extra charge will be added. This price includes free cancellation and payment at the property. However, if you’d like to pay advance, the room will be available for €186.

3.    Atlantic Hotel (44 rue de Londres, 8th arr., 75008 Paris, France):

Less than a kilometre from the Garnier Opera House, the Atlantic Hotel is also a few minutes away from various restaurants. The hotel’s modern, light, and airy furnishings give it a fresh and welcoming feel. The place is highly praised for its cleanliness, staff friendliness, and location near Paris’ attractions.

A Standard Queen Room with a double bed for two nights will total €223 plus taxes and charges. This price includes free cancellation and payment at the property. An extra €16 can be added if you’d like to enjoy their delicious breakfast.

4.    ibis Paris Grands Boulevards Opéra 9e (38 rue du Faubourg Montmartre, 9th arr., 75009 Paris, France):

Warm shades of blue and beige couldn’t have looked better than they do in the furnishing of this lovely hotel. Also, the Ibis Paris Grands Boulevards Opera 9e hotel is less than 900 meters from Palais Garnier, and they offer a great variety of sweet and savoury dishes for breakfast. Their snack bar is open 24 hours a day!

A Standard Double Room for two nights, with one double bed, will total €285 without the addition of breakfast. Their colourful breakfast can be enjoyed by adding an extra €10.50. With free cancellation and payment at the property, the total price of the same room will be €308, and an additional €10.50 for breakfast.

5.    Sofitel Le Scribe Paris Opera (1 Rue Scribe, 9th arr., 75009 Paris, France):

While we mostly look for budget-friendly options while travelling, there are other times when we’d like to splurge, and this branch of the Sofitel brand is just the right place. A mere 200 meters from the Palais Garnier, this five-star hotel offers its guests free access to a spa, fitness centre, and even a hammam with a hot tub.

If you’re in for this luxurious treat, you can get the Superior Queen Room for €775 for a two-night stay, and you can enjoy their fresh and delicious breakfast for an additional €35. Free cancellation and payment at the property raise the price to €855 without the additional €35 for breakfast.

Where to eat near Palais Garnier

1.    Palais Garnier Opera Restaurant (1 place Jacques Rouché, Paris 9^th ):

Otherwise known as L’Opéra Restaurant or CoCo Restaurant, this restaurant shares the same view and location as the Palais Garnier. This majestic restaurant was only opened in 2011. Despite the original plan of the opera house including a restaurant, it wasn’t until recently that the vision came true.

CoCo is open all week and has specific time limits set for each meal. Lunch is from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., dinner is from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., and brunch is only served on weekends from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The restaurant has an outdoor garden, Le Jardin de Coco, where yoga classes sometimes occur. It is open from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

The lunch menu costs €8 to €59, while the brunch menu costs €12 to €49 without drinks. Prior reservation is recommended, either by phone or through the Internet.

2.    Restaurant Akrame (7 rue Tronchet, 75008 Paris France):

This Michelin Star-awarded restaurant for its high-quality cooking is named after its chef. Akrame focuses on French and European cuisines, and their Instinct Menu can change every day depending on the produce of the day and the creative mood of the Chef, Akrame.

They offer two menus on their official website. The Friends of the South Menu is €75 and is served only at noon daily. The other menu is the Instinct Menu, which is made with fresh ingredients from everyday products and offered at €200.

3.    Pascade (14 rue Daunou, 75002 Paris France):

With French and European specialties, Pascade also offers vegetarian-friendly options. Their price range is also great: from €8 to €32 only. Many of the reviewers loved having their meals out on the sidewalk, but many loved in-house dining as well. The serving portions were enough to fill you up and leave just enough space for a drink.

4.    Ao Izakaya (12 rue de Caumartin, 75009 Paris France):

A taste of Asia focused on Japan and an infusion of vegetarian and vegan options. Ao Izakaya offers you great dishes at a price range between €18 and €73. A few reviewers on TripAdvisor saw it as a bit pricey; however, they all said the food was worth it and they’d be coming back.

Some of the most recommended items on the menu include the warm grilled tuna, the Bento Box, the chef’s menu, and tempura and sushi. If you’d like a complete palette change, this is the place to go.

Palais Garnier is the perfect place to feel like you’re walking through a different era. A time of music, excellent performance and extravagance await you!

If you’ve ever been there, we’d love to hear about your experience and do tell us if we’ve missed any tips.