Just one look at the façade of the Opéra Garnier is enough to be captivated by this extraordinary Parisian landmark. With its grand front, large glass dome, and gilded statues, it’s truly one of the most impressive monuments in Paris. Wondering if it’s worth visiting? Here’s my take.
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My Take
What I Like
- The magnificent rooms
- Affordable admission
- Evening tours
- The kid-friendly audio guide
What I Don’t Like as Much
- Limited accessibility to temporary exhibits for people with reduced mobility
- No backstage or set access
- Frequent closures due to rehearsals or shows
The Opéra Garnier is an iconic piece of French and Parisian culture. The opulent decor is fit for a royal palace!
Whether you’re passionate about history, art, or literature, you’ll find something to love in this visit.
The kid-friendly audio guide also makes it enjoyable for children.
A Bit of History
Napoleon III launched a design competition with 200 architects, and Charles Garnier was ultimately chosen to bring the Opéra Garnier to life. Napoleon wanted it to be truly awe-inspiring, so construction began in 1861 and finished in 1875.
Today, the Opéra Garnier—originally called the Opéra de Paris—is the largest opera house in Europe, seating up to 1,900 people and hosting a variety of performances.
Architectural Highlights
The Opéra Garnier isn’t just big—it’s filled with special details that make it amazing to explore!
Here are a few highlights to keep an eye out for:
The Grand Staircase
This massive staircase is made of colorful marble from different parts of France, giving it a unique look.
You’ll feel like you’re walking into a palace as you climb up its wide steps!
The Ceiling by Chagall
Look up in the main theater to see a beautiful ceiling painted by the artist Marc Chagall. It’s a burst of color that shows scenes from famous operas.
The ceiling was added in the 1960s, and it’s a magical surprise that makes the room feel even more special.
The Golden Statues
Outside the Opéra, you’ll see golden statues shining from the rooftop. These statues are covered in real gold leaf, which makes them glow in the sunlight or shine even on cloudy days.
They’re one of the most famous sights in Paris!
Visiting the Opéra Garnier
Practical Information
How to Get There?
Address: Place de l’Opéra, 75009 Paris
Park along Rue de la Chaussée d’Antin or Rue Haussmann, though spaces are limited and costly.
Public transportation is recommended.
- Opéra Metro Station: Lines 3, 7, or 8
- Auber RER Station: RER Line A
Price and Opening Hours
Opening Hours
- Daily, 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Closed on January 1st and May 1st
For the best experience, avoid visiting during French school breaks, summer holidays, and weekends. Also, be aware that the Opéra frequently closes for rehearsals or performances.
Admission:
- Full price: €15
- Free for children under 12
To skip the long ticket lines, consider purchasing tickets online.
To buy your ticket online, click here.
Complementary Information
Luggage Restrictions
Large bags or suitcases aren’t allowed inside.
You can store them nearby at City-Locker Opéra, located at 33 Rue Godot de Mauroy (just a 5-minute walk).
Storage is automated, secure, and accessible daily from 8 AM to 10 PM for €15 per locker.
Book online on the City-Locker website.
Accessibility:
Most rooms are accessible by elevator, though temporary exhibits are not.
Admission is free for people with reduced mobility and their companions.
For performances, accessible seating is available; just mention it when booking and arrive 45 minutes early at the Rue Scribes entrance, which provides stage-door access.
The Visit
You can explore the Opéra Garnier independently, with or without an audio guide.
Two audio guides are available: one for a 1-hour tour and a second for 1.5 hours. A special children’s guide is also available to spark young visitors’ curiosity.
Self-Guided Tour with an Audio Guide
On a self-guided visit, you’ll see the Opera’s most iconic spaces, including the Pythia Basin, Grand Escalier, 30-meter-high nave, and various salons and halls. This tour allows you to soak in the magnificent architecture for as long as you’d like. Plan on 1 to 1.5 hours for the visit.
An audio guide lets you explore freely without missing any highlights, ideal for families who want a flexible experience. The children’s guide makes the tour engaging for younger guests and holds their attention for an hour.
There are also gift shops with items related to music, dance, and books for children. You’re sure to find a lovely souvenir to remember your visit!
Should You Book a Guided Tour?
Guided tours are available on weekday afternoons and last 1.5 hours. Some tours are held after closing time, offering a deeper dive into the Opera’s secrets. In the evening, you might even encounter the famous Phantom of the Opera…a bit of spine-tingling fun!
Your guide will lead you through the nave, drawing rooms, and the theater, sharing fascinating insights. A guided tour offers a rich experience, as you can ask questions directly, something you can’t do with an audio guide. Most areas are accessible, except for temporary exhibits.
Private backstage tours, including the sewing workshops, are available for €700. This exclusive option provides a unique peek behind the curtain and is highly recommended if you can swing it.
Here is a small glimpse (in French) of what you will have the opportunity to see if you attend these visits:
Special Tour: Arsène Lupin and the Secret of the Opéra Garnier
Looking for a playful, mysterious twist on exploring the Opéra Garnier? Try the “Arsène Lupin and the Secret of the Opéra Garnier” immersive treasure hunt!
This adventure lasts 1 hour and 30 minutes and takes you deep into the opera house as you try to crack a case inspired by the famous fictional detective, Arsène Lupin.
What to Expect:
- Team Play: You’ll join a team of 4-5 people, along with 10 actors who bring the story to life.
- The Mystery: Armed with a special notebook, you’ll pick up the investigation left behind by Lupin himself, searching for clues around the opera house to uncover the secret of the Count of Cagliostro.
- Fun for All Ages: Recommended for ages 10 and up, this is a family-friendly experience and a great way to enjoy the Palais Garnier in a new, exciting way!
This popular activity lets you dive into a thrilling mystery while exploring the beautiful Opéra Garnier. Whether alone, with friends, or with family, you’ll be swept into an adventure full of surprises!
Virtual Tour
If you can’t make it to Paris, you can still enjoy the Opéra Garnier through Google Street View!
This virtual experience lets you explore areas usually closed to the public, like the roof, underground lake, and dressing rooms, where you can even read artists’ names on their costumes.
But nothing compares to seeing it in person!
To enjoy a virtual tour, click here.
Attending a Show
The Opéra Garnier is also a breathtaking venue for live performances.
The theater, with its red velvet seats, gold trim, and marble structure, is as captivating as the shows themselves.
If you get the chance, attending a ballet or opera is a memory you’ll never forget.
Some performances are tailored for children.
Show lengths vary, and ticket prices range from €15 to €200 depending on the show and seating.
For the best view, avoid the cheapest seats, as they can be far from the stage. Book online to check the program and secure tickets.
Still on the fence? Watch this video on the Opéra Garnier’s architecture to see why it’s a must-visit!
I aim to share my tips and recommendations for the beautiful country of France. My goal is to help you plan your next adventure, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime trip. From finding the best hotels and restaurants, to discovering unique activities and sights, I’ve got you covered!
