It will certainly not fail to impress you if you visit it: the somptuous Paris Opera House...
If you can not afford to see a show at the Paris Opera House -maybe because seats are too expensive or all shows are sold out- you can still visit the building on a free tour or with a guide. And feel impressed by the profusion of gold, mirrors, chandeliers and paintings which decorate the world's largest opera.
Founded by Louis XIV - the Sun King- in 1669, the current opera house was constructed between 1861 to 1875. It reflected the will of Emperor Napoleon III to create the most sumptuous opera in Europe reflecting the power of the French Empire.
The architect Charles Garnier managed to give the new opera house a grand opulent look. The grand staircase of marble, the main foyer echoing the Hall of Mirrors in Versailles and the auditorium with its 1,979 seats will certainly not leave visitors indifferent.
The central chandelier of bronze and crystal weighs 6.5 tons and inspired the musical "Phantom of the Opera" when one of its counterweights collapsed in 1896... However, you will only be able to meet the famous phantom character on t-shirts and mugs in the Opera souvenir shop!
Visiting
Visits take place every day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with ticket price varying between 12 and 14 euro for an adult and between 8 and 10 euro for visitors benefiting of a concession. Information can be found under https://www.operadeparis.fr/en/visits/palais-garnier