We’ve visited the Palais Garnier several times, both for performances (two ballets and one opera) and for a daytime look around, so we’ve seen what each one gets you. It’s Paris’s opulent 19th-century opera house, and you can experience it either as a self-guided daytime visit (tickets from €15 for EEA residents and €25 for everyone else) or by attending an opera or ballet in the evening. The one thing that decides which is right for you: a daytime ticket does not guarantee you’ll get into the auditorium, the red-and-gold room with the Chagall ceiling that most people picture when they think of the Palais Garnier. A performance does.
Which one you choose comes down to what you want out of the trip. If you love architecture and history, a daytime visit lets you wander the grand staircase and gilded foyers at your own pace without spending much. If seeing the auditorium matters to you, or you want the full experience of the building doing the thing it was built for, a performance is the surer bet. And there’s a good case for doing both, which I’ll come back to.
I’ve loved this building since my first visit, and Laurence and I usually arrive early to walk the foyers before the curtain. Everything below is current as of 2026, and I’ve flagged the one big change coming: the Garnier stage closes for a multi-year renovation from summer 2027, though the building itself stays open to visitors throughout.
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Visiting the Palais Garnier: the short version
The Palais Garnier is an active opera house that you can also tour by day. A self-guided daytime visit costs €15 for EEA residents or €25 for everyone else, the building is open to visitors roughly 10am to 5pm (later in summer), and you have to book online in advance because there’s no ticket window on site. Plan on about an hour to an hour and a half.
The one limitation is the auditorium. It’s often closed to daytime visitors for rehearsals, and no visit ticket guarantees you’ll see it. If that room is the reason you’re going, book a performance instead, when you’ll be sitting inside it.
Visiting by day: tickets, hours, and booking
You can visit the Palais Garnier on your own during the day, most days of the year, without attending a performance. It works like a museum: you buy a timed entry ticket, walk the public spaces at your own pace, and let yourself out. It’s one of the better-value grand sights in Paris, and for a lot of visitors it’s plenty, no evening commitment or dress code required.
How much a daytime visit costs
The Opéra de Paris charges a two-tier price depending on where you live, with a discount for younger visitors and free entry for children. Here’s the full breakdown as of 2026:
| Visitor | Self-guided daytime ticket |
|---|---|
| Adult (non-EEA resident) | €25 |
| Adult (France / EEA resident) | €15 |
| Ages 13 to 25 (non-EEA resident) | €20 |
| Ages 13 to 25 (France / EEA resident) | €10 |
| Children under 12 | Free |
The EEA rate covers residents of the European Economic Area, and you may be asked for proof, so don’t claim it unless it applies to you. If you’d like an audio guide, the opera rents a “Revelacio” multimedia tablet from €6.50 (this is a paid device you pick up on site or add when you book, not a free app, whatever a search result might tell you).
Opening hours and when it’s closed
The Palais Garnier is open to daytime visitors every day from 10am to 5pm, extending to 6pm in summer. Last admission is one hour before closing (so 4pm most of the year, 5pm in summer), and staff start clearing the visiting areas about 15 minutes before the doors close.
The important exception: the building closes to daytime visitors on days when there’s a matinee or other daytime performance, plus the occasional one-off closure. There’s no fixed weekly closed day, so the only reliable way to know is to check the official opening calendar for your date rather than assuming it’ll be open.
How to book your tickets
Booking is online only. In the Opéra’s own words, “online booking mandatory, no tickets for visits are sold on site,” so turning up at the door and hoping to buy a ticket won’t work.
The cheapest way in is to book directly on the official Opéra de Paris website. That’s the €15/€25 price above, with nothing added on top, and it’s what I’d use for a simple self-guided visit.
The main reasons to book through a third party instead are convenience and flexibility. A skip-the-line ticket through GetYourGuide or Tiqets costs a little more than the official price but usually comes with free cancellation up to 24 hours ahead, which is handy if your Paris plans tend to shuffle around. Tiqets also sells combination tickets that pair the Palais Garnier with a nearby museum (the Musée d’Orsay pairing is an easy one if you’re heading that way), and both platforms list the guided and after-hours tours covered further down.
Will you actually see the auditorium?
There’s one catch to understand before you buy a daytime visit ticket: it does not guarantee access to the auditorium. This is the room most people come to see, the horseshoe of red velvet and gold with Marc Chagall’s swirling painted ceiling and the seven-ton chandelier hanging in the middle of it. In the Opéra’s own words, “rehearsals cause frequent and unpredictable closures of the auditorium,” and “no ticket guarantees access.”
The reason is simple: this is a working theater, and the auditorium gets used for rehearsals during the day. When it’s in use, daytime visitors can’t go in. Even when it’s officially closed, you can sometimes catch a glimpse from a box doorway, but that isn’t promised either.
There’s no dependable way to know weeks ahead whether the auditorium will be open on your chosen day, though checking the Opéra’s visitor page and the performance calendar close to your date can give you a steer. If seeing that room is the whole point of your visit, the reliable way in is to attend a performance. Buy a ticket to an opera or ballet and you’re guaranteed a seat inside the auditorium, and you can walk the foyers before the curtain into the bargain. More on that combination below.
What you see on a self-guided visit
A daytime visit takes you through the building’s grand public spaces, which are the real reason to go even if the auditorium is closed. Charles Garnier designed the opera house and it opened in 1875; the auditorium seats 1,979, and the architecture around it is arguably the main event.
The Grand Staircase is where most people stop first, a sweeping double staircase in white, green, and red marble under a painted ceiling, designed as much for watching other people arrive as for getting upstairs. From there you reach the Grand Foyer, a long gilded gallery of chandeliers, mirrors, and ceiling paintings that was built to feel like the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles (and does). Off the foyer you’ll find smaller salons and the loggia looking out over Avenue de l’Opéra.
You can also visit the library-museum of the Opéra, which holds costumes, set models, paintings, and centuries of opera history, and, when it’s open, the auditorium itself with the Chagall ceiling. Give yourself around an hour to an hour and a half to take it all in without rushing, more if you’re the sort who reads every label in the library.
The Phantom of the Opera, Box 5, and the lake below
Part of what draws people to the Palais Garnier is the mythology. Gaston Leroux published The Phantom of the Opera in 1910 and set it right here, and a surprising amount of the story is grounded in real features of the building.
Box 5, the Phantom’s box in the novel, is a real box in the auditorium (the opera has long kept it associated with the story). The great chandelier is real too, and in 1896 one of its counterweights broke loose and fell into the auditorium during a performance, killing a concierge in the hall, an accident that’s often credited with feeding Leroux’s imagination. And there really is water beneath the building: Garnier hit the water table while digging the foundations and built a large underground cistern to manage it. That reservoir became the novel’s underground lake, and the Paris fire brigade has used it for training. There’s no gondola and no chandelier-dropping villain, but the bones of the legend really are down there.
Which ticket or tour is worth it?
The right ticket depends on why you’re going and how much hand-holding you want. Here’s roughly how I’d think it through.
First, if you mostly want to see the building and you’re comfortable exploring on your own, the official self-guided ticket is all you need, and it’s the cheapest option. Second, if you want to skip the ticket queue or you like being able to cancel, book skip-the-line entry through GetYourGuide or Tiqets for a few euros more. Third, if you want the history explained as you go, a guided tour is worth the step up, especially for a first visit. Fourth, if you’d rather see the spaces without the daytime crowds, look at an after-hours tour. And if what you actually care about is the auditorium, skip the daytime visit question altogether and book a performance, which is the only option here that guarantees you’ll sit in it.
| Option | Price | Best for | See the auditorium? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-guided daytime visit (official site) | From €15 (EEA) / €25 | The cheapest independent visit | Not guaranteed |
| Skip-the-line entry (GetYourGuide, Tiqets) | A little above official | Avoiding the queue; free cancellation | Not guaranteed |
| Combo ticket (e.g. Orsay + Garnier, via Tiqets) | Bundled, small discount | Pairing with a nearby museum | Not guaranteed |
| Guided or after-hours tour | Higher | The history, or quieter spaces | Usually, but confirm first |
| Opera or ballet performance | Varies by seat | Anyone set on seeing the auditorium | Yes |
You can browse the guided tour, after-hours tour, and combo options on the GetYourGuide Palais Garnier page and the Tiqets Palais Garnier page. One note on passes: a Palais Garnier visit isn’t on the Paris Museum Pass, so you’d book that separately if the Museum Pass is what you’re using. It is, though, covered by the Paris Pass (Go City includes a self-guided visit), so if that’s the pass you’re carrying, check it before you buy a separate ticket.
What to wear to the Palais Garnier (dress code)
This is probably the most common question we get, so let’s settle it. For a daytime visit, wear whatever’s comfortable, you’re a tourist walking around a building, and there’s no dress code at all (just bear in mind you’ll be on your feet and climbing stairs, so leave the impractical shoes at the hotel).
For a performance, the picture is a little dressier but far less formal than people fear. In the three times I was there, almost everyone was in business or smart-casual clothes, and many people were coming straight from work. Unless you’re going to a gala evening event, almost no one is in gowns or tuxedos. Even full suits aren’t that common, though you won’t be out of place in one. For women, a dress, or a blouse with a skirt or nice trousers, is fine; for men, a dress shirt, decent trousers, and a nice pair of shoes. The two French men sitting in front of me on my last visit were both just in sweaters and khakis. So don’t overdress and don’t underdress (no shorts, jeans, tank tops, t-shirts, or sneakers) and you’ll be fine.
It can help to think about shoes and socks when you’re packing, since you might not want white hiking socks under black trousers. Ethan, for example, just wore the same black leather Merrell shoes throughout our trip but changed into black socks for the opera. Below are a few photos of what we’ve worn, and note we were actually a bit more dressed up than some of the other attendees.
If you’re going to a gala evening event, the dress code steps up to black tie: a tuxedo (traditional black or midnight blue) for men, and a cocktail or evening dress for women, though a formal skirt or trouser suit works too. People tend to dress more conservatively in Paris than in the US, so keep bare skin to a minimum, avoid very bright colors, and choose a hemline that falls around or below the knee. A simple black dress and black heels are always a safe bet.
Attending a performance at the Palais Garnier
Seeing an opera or ballet at the Palais Garnier is, for many people, a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and it’s the one guaranteed way to sit inside that auditorium. I’ve been to two ballets and one opera here, and while you can also see performances at the Opéra’s modern second house, the Opéra Bastille, there’s nothing quite like watching a performance in this room. One thing to know as of the 2026/27 season: the Garnier stage closes for a major renovation from summer 2027, expected to last around five years, so performances move to the Bastille and elsewhere during the works. Daytime visits carry on as normal, but if attending a performance in this specific building is on your list, the seasons up to summer 2027 are your window.
If you haven’t chosen your seats yet, our companion guide on booking tickets for the Paris Opera walks through the seating map and how to avoid the restricted-view seats. Once you’ve got tickets, here’s what we’ve learned from attending.
Before the performance
Almost all performances are in their original language, so very few are in English and many aren’t in French either. We once saw a performance in Italian with French surtitles on a screen above the stage. Some performances offer both French and English surtitles, and the production page on the opera’s website tells you which. If the performance isn’t in a language you know and there are no surtitles for you, read up on the plot beforehand, or choose a ballet or recital where the language matters less. I usually read the “more about the production” notes on the opera’s website and do a quick search of my own so I know the story going in.
If you have a physical disability or a sight or hearing impairment, contact the theater before you book to ask about accessible seating and accommodations, ideally before you buy, since some seats aren’t accessible. The dedicated line is +33 (0)1 40 01 18 50.
Arrive 30 to 45 minutes early so you can walk around the building. The grand marble staircase, the gilded statues, and the ornate foyers are well worth the time to appreciate, and there are often costumes and set pieces from past productions on display. You’ll get short intermission breaks too, but it’s better to explore before the performance if you can. If you need a caffeine hit first, the Starbucks a short walk away at 3 Boulevard des Capucines is one of the most ornately decorated we’ve ever seen, all velvet chairs, chandeliers, and a gilt ceiling of cherubs against a blue sky. The coffee is standard, but the setting gets you in the mood.
A few small practicalities. Feel free to bring opera glasses or small discreet binoculars, which help a lot if your seat is far from the stage. The printed programs aren’t free (usually around €12, sold near the main staircase) but are nicely made and make a good memento, though they may not always be available in English. A loud, faintly obnoxious bell rings to tell you to head to your seats before the performance and after each intermission; if you turn up late, the ushers may hold you at the door until a suitable break so you don’t disturb other patrons. You can take your coat into the auditorium or check it, and we’ve always just taken ours in, though a bulky winter coat is worth checking since there isn’t much room. Finally, note where the nearest restroom is before you go in, because the intermission lines get long, especially for women.
During the performance
Don’t forget to look up at the colorful Chagall ceiling inside the auditorium. If your seat doesn’t give you a good view of it, wander down toward the orchestra level at some point before the performance or during an intermission to get a good look (just be considerate of people trying to get to their seats).
This is an old theater, and the seats and temperature aren’t always the most comfortable for a long performance. We had very little legroom and it was warm and stuffy in our Amphitheatre seats in June, while others have complained of being cold. So come prepared if you think it might be an issue: dress in layers, bring something to fan yourself with, and bring those small binoculars if your seat is far back. You can’t control everything, and it helps to go in expecting a minor annoyance or two, whether it’s the temperature, a sightline, or the person next to you shifting around. Take it in stride and enjoy the performance.
A few rules: no smoking and no phones in the auditorium, and no eating or drinking. No photos or filming during the performance either, so take your pictures before or after. If you want a drink at the intermission, the little bar inside sells champagne and other refreshments (a glass of champagne is around €12); it opens about 45 minutes before curtain and again during intermissions. Given how long the restroom lines get, head there as soon as you leave the auditorium; I’ve waited over ten minutes with the bell already ringing.
Getting there and finding dinner afterward
The Palais Garnier is at 8 rue Scribe, on Place de l’Opéra in the 9th arrondissement. The Opéra Metro stop (lines 3, 7, and 8) is right across the street, and RER line A stops at Auber nearby. The last Metro runs at around 1:15am, later on Friday and Saturday nights (closer to 2:15am), and you’ll find buses, taxis, and rideshares easily from here too.
For dinner, the Palais Garnier’s on-site restaurant is now CoCo (1 Place Jacques Rouché), handy before or after a performance. A few other options within walking distance include the famous Café de la Paix (12 Boulevard des Capucines), Le Grand Café Capucines (4 Boulevard des Capucines), which is open 24 hours and a good bet after a late curtain, and the classic Drouant (18 Rue Gaillon). We normally use La Fourchette to book restaurants in France.
One thing to plan for: Paris isn’t New York, and many restaurants don’t serve very late. Plenty won’t take reservations for seatings after 9pm or 9:30pm, so work out roughly when your performance ends (usually between 9:30pm and 11pm) and book accordingly, or pick somewhere that keeps late hours.
Combining a daytime visit with an evening performance
If you want to be sure you see both the daytime spaces and the auditorium, the neatest trick is to attend a performance and simply arrive early. A performance ticket gets you into the building 30 to 45 minutes before curtain, which is enough time to walk the grand staircase, the Grand Foyer, and the salons at a relaxed pace. In effect you get a self-guided architecture visit folded into your performance ticket, plus the one thing a daytime ticket can’t promise: a guaranteed seat in the auditorium under the Chagall ceiling.
It’s the approach we take. Dress for the performance (smart or smart-casual, per the dress code above), get there early, wander the foyers, then settle in with a glass of champagne from the interior bar before the bell rings. If your Paris days are busy and you can only give the Palais Garnier one slot, an evening performance is the version that covers everything, at least through the 2026/27 season before the stage closes for renovation. While you’re in the area, the rooftop terrace at Galeries Lafayette, right behind the opera house, gives you a free view over the Garnier’s green copper roof, a nice add-on either side of a visit.
What we’ve learned from visiting the Palais Garnier
After a few visits and three performances, here’s what we’d tell a friend planning their own trip. If the auditorium is the thing you care about, don’t gamble on a daytime ticket; book a performance and you’re guaranteed a seat inside it. If you’re going to a show, get there at least 30 minutes early, because the foyers before the curtain are half the experience and you’ll want time for the champagne bar and the restroom queue. Dress smart or smart-casual and you’ll fit in fine, whatever you’ve read about gowns and tuxedos. And reserve dinner ahead, because the good places near the opera fill up and Paris kitchens close earlier than you might expect.
Frequently asked questions about visiting the Palais Garnier
Can you visit the Palais Garnier without seeing a performance?
Yes. The Palais Garnier is open for self-guided daytime visits most days of the year, and you don’t need to attend a performance to go in.
A daytime ticket lets you explore the public spaces at your own pace, including the Grand Staircase, the Grand Foyer, and the library-museum. Just remember that the auditorium isn’t guaranteed on a daytime visit, since it’s often in use for rehearsals.
Does the Palais Garnier still have opera and ballet performances?
Yes, the Palais Garnier is an active opera house, and the 2026/27 season includes both operas and ballets on its stage.
One change is coming, though: the Garnier stage closes for a major renovation from summer 2027, expected to run around five years. During the works the building stays open for daytime visits, but performances move to the Opéra Bastille and other venues, so if you want to see a show in the Palais Garnier itself, aim for a date before summer 2027.
How long does a visit to the Palais Garnier take?
Most people spend about an hour to an hour and a half on a self-guided daytime visit.
That’s enough to walk the staircase and foyers, look into the library-museum, and see the auditorium if it’s open. Allow a bit longer if you take a guided tour or like to read every label.
Is the auditorium open to daytime visitors?
Not always, and it’s never guaranteed. The auditorium (the room with the Chagall ceiling) is frequently closed to daytime visitors because of rehearsals, and the Opéra states plainly that no visit ticket guarantees access.
If seeing the auditorium is important to you, the only reliable way in is to attend an opera or ballet, when you’ll have a seat inside it. For a daytime visit, check the opera’s visitor page and performance calendar close to your date, and treat auditorium access as a bonus rather than a certainty.
How much does it cost to visit the Palais Garnier?
A self-guided daytime visit costs €15 for EEA residents and €25 for everyone else, with reduced rates of €10 and €20 for ages 13 to 25, and free entry for children under 12.
Booking is online only through the official Opéra de Paris website, which is the cheapest route. Skip-the-line and tour tickets through GetYourGuide or Tiqets cost a little more but add flexibility like free cancellation.
Can you take photos inside the Palais Garnier?
Yes, you can take photos in the public spaces during a daytime visit, and before and after a performance.
During a performance itself, photography and filming are not allowed in the auditorium, so take your pictures of the interior beforehand or at the intermission.
Planning the rest of your Paris trip
If you’re building out your days in the city, a few of our other Paris guides pair well with a visit here: how to choose a Seine river cruise, our guide to visiting the Eiffel Tower, and, if you’re coming over from the UK, how to get from London to Paris. For a full day-by-day plan, our sister site’s 2-day Paris itinerary is a good place to start.
Have you visited the Palais Garnier, by day or for a performance? Still have questions about tickets, tours, or attending a show? Feel free to leave a comment below, we’d love to hear from you!
Roselane Post author
Thank you so much for this helpful, detailed, and well written article. It answered my many questions. I am curious regarding whether it will be difficult (ie, long wait) to get on the Metro right after the performance? Should we try to get an Uber or taxi instead? If it matters, our AirBnB is near Chatelet Metro. Thanks again.
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Roselane,
You should not have any issues taking the Metro after the opera performance ends. There will be a lot of people leaving at the same time so you may want to either head out as soon as the performance ends or just hang around a bit until the crowds thin out so it is not so crowded. The opera house is a beautiful place to walk around (inside and out) if you have an extra 10 to 15 minutes.
There is a Metro stop (Opera) right near the Palais Garnier and a RER station (Auber) a short walk away. It is probably about a 10 minute trip or less to Châtelet from the opera house so definitely an easy trip on the metro. You can of course also get a taxi or rideshare but the metro is going to be less expensive and will take the same amount of time.
Your performance will probably end well before the metro stops running but you can double check. According to the local Paris tranport website, on weekdays, the metro normally operates from 5:30 a.m. to about 1:15 a.m. On Friday and Saturday evenings, as well as on the eve of bank holidays, trains run until about 2:15 a.m. The RER operates daily from 5:30 a.m. to about 1:20 a.m.
Best,
Jessica
Roselane Post author
Thank you so much! I was nervous about this whole event, but your article and response here leave me feeling nothing but excited!
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Wishing you a wonderful time at the opera in Paris!
Best,
Jessica
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
You’re very welcome, wishing you a wonderful trip to the opera in Paris!
Best, Jessica
Glenn Champagne Post author
Thank you for sharing this information . Detailed, practical, and very pertinent information. Photos really show how tight the seats can be, and great examples of appropriate dress. We are not frequent travelers and find to hard to appreciate recommendations. You nailed it!
Thank you again!
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Glenn, Thanks for taking the time to comment and glad you found our guide to going to the Paris Opera useful! If you decide to go yourselves, please feel free to let us know your thoughts and any tips you may have to share to future readers. Best, Jessica
Sara Post author
Great info! I have booked a ticket for a ballet this november. I’m so excited!
I would like to know what parts of the OG am I allowed to see if i come 1 hour before the performance? Thanks a lot
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Sara, The foyer, the grand staircase, and obviously the auditorium are the main areas and these are always open. Usually there are also a couple of the grand ground floor rooms open as well although the lights are not always on in them. You can see photos in our post above that shows the main areas you can walk around.
I think normally you can arrive about 45 minutes before your performance and they will let you inside, but it does depend on the specific performance and it may say on your ticket.
Just note if you are interested in see more and learning more about the Opera, you may want to take a self-guided or guided tour at a different time as not all parts will be open to you as someone attending a performance.
Enjoy your visit to the Opera Garnier!
Jessica
Sara Post author
Thanks a lot Jessica!
So I’m guessing the Grand Foyer will be open during the ballet performance?
So excited -24 days till I’m there?
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Sara,
It is usually open, but there is no guarantee since it is not a public area that is necessary for the performances. But it was open the last time I attended a performance at the Palas Garnier (although the lights were off). If it is not open, or you want to see and learn more about the opera house, you can tour the opera later on your visit.
Wishing you a great visit and hope you enjoy the ballet!
Jessica
Kate E. Post author
Thanks for this resource! We are planning to attend a chamber music performance next February on a Sunday. Any idea how long I could expect the performance to be?
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Kate, The performances vary in length but I would guess maybe 1.5 to 2 hours. The duration are often listed in the performance description on the Paris Opera website but if not, I would suggest giving them a call to ask. Best, Jessica
Robert Post author
It is also open to public visit (for €14). So my question is: Does attending a performance allow me to see as much of the OG as the visit ?
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Robert, You can see many of the main parts of the Palais Garnier by attending a performance as you do during the tour, but not all. You also get an audioguide during the tour and obviously it is not so full of people. We’ve done a tour plus attended a few performances. They are difference experiences and if you just want to see the inside of the Paris opera house (and are interested in learning about its history), I’d do the tour as it is less expensive. But if you are looking for more of an experience, then I’d consider attending a performance. Best, Jessica
Robert Post author
Jessica thanks
Does the tour allow one to see the auditorium ?
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Robert, Yes, the regular self-guided tour as well as the guided tours should all include at least a view of the auditorium with the Chagall painted ceiling and large chandelier. There are occasionally exceptions, but you should be told this upon entry and should ask if there are any restrictions before purchasing your ticket.
There are a few different types of tours, self-guided, guided, and there are also sometimes guided after hours evening tours.
Just note that like most opera and music houses photography is not allowed of the auditorium if there are performers on the stage (including if they are setting up, doing sound checks, or rehearsals).
Hope that helps!
Jessica
Char Ploss Post author
Hello, is there a way to find out the amount of space there is for the Baignoire and Loge sections?
In SF they’re much larger spaces and have comfortable chairs with space in between them so no arm rest issues and plenty of leg room. I don’t see that info on the SF Opera website’s floor plan or a link for FAQ. Any info, or suggestions for how to find out would be much appreciated – thank you!
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Char,
Opera Garnier is a much older opera house so seats are generally smaller. The further back the seats, generally the less legroom and seats get more narrow at the top. I don’t think there is any more detailed seating information available online beyond the general seating info and view from the seat given during the booking process.
I would call (almost all those answering phones speak French and English) or email for more information if you want to know more about seating dimensions/armrests etc. They should be able to answer those questions at the ticketing office.
If space and legroom are important, I’d recommend booking the best category of tickets you can comfortably afford at the Opera Garnier. Or consider a performance instead at the Opéra Bastille which is modern built and more comfortable – it is also better designed for opera so most of the operas are held there.
Best,
Jessica
Char Ploss Post author
Hi Jessica,
The two categories I asked about are the most expensive available, but we really want some idea of space relative to what we have in box seating here. Haven’t found info anywhere online so will call tomorrow.
Thanks,
Char
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Char,
Good luck, and if you find out some more info on your call, please feel free to share here for future opera goers. I feel lucky to have a rough seating chart, seat numbers, and views from seats, several years ago none of this information was available online to help with booking! But it could definitely be improved.
If deciding between the loges and baignoires, the best of those categories is definitely the Category 1 loges (boxes), with the first row of the loges obviously being the most sought after row. I think all of the boxes have 3 rows.
For either, especially the Baignoire, be sure to double check the view from the particular seats online before booking. Some of those nearest the stage with the overhang results in a fairly poor view of the stage, especially if not in front.
Best,
Jessica
Peter Post author
I’ve got a single ticket in the “nosebleed” upper section for Don Giovanni in July. Packing only a carry-on and so would prefer to wear my only pair of long pants (nice jeans) with a dress shirt, tie and light sweater. How bad will it be with the jeans?
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Peter, Unless you are attending a gala evening where there is a black tie dress code, there is no dress code enforced by the Opera Garnier on regular days although it is recommended that you dress nicely for the occasion. So you may feel a bit out of place in jeans but you will still be allowed in and no one is likely to comment. You shouldn’t need the tie if you don’t want to wear it, the dress shirt is enough.
A sweater is a good idea in case it is cold, and you can remove if hot. We have found the temperature not always ideal.
If you have a choice in terms of choosing one pair of pants to pack for Paris in July, you might choose a comfortable pair of non-jeans that are better suited to July weather, such as wrinkle-resistant lightweight chinos, and would also go better with your dress shirt for the opera.
Hope that helps, and wishing you a great time at Don Giovanni!
Best,
Jessica
Peter Post author
Thanks Jessica; I’m most grateful for your swift reply. I’ll try to fit a pair of dress pants into my bag tho.
BTW, am staying a few minutes walk SSW from the Eiffel Tower; figure it’s probably easier to Uber it to the Opera Garnier than figuring out how to change trains, for the metro but would be interested in your opinion on that…
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Peter,
You’re very welcome 😉
The Opera Garnier is well served by a number of metro and bus lines, so it is pretty easy to get here via public transit from most places in central Paris so I’d do that if it’s convenient. If you are near the Eiffel Tower, you are probably within walking distance of Line 8 (Balard / Pointe du Lac) which is one of the metro lines which stops near the Opera Garnier. Perhaps stations École Militaire or La Tour-Maubourg? If so you can take that directly to the Opera Garnier (stop Opéra).
BTW, if you are in Paris for more than a day or two and plan to do some walking within central Paris (not good for outskirts), I really like the Streetwise Paris map. It also includes the RER and metro stations, taxi stands, and major landmarks.
Hope that helps!
Jessica
Kris Skjellerup Post author
Question re the same opera but different night – Is closing night treated any differently? North America tends to dress up more for opening and closing. I was lucky enough to get a seat close to the stage for closing night — July 13.
With thanks
kris
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Kris, I believe only gala nights have the formal dress code and this will normally be indicated when booking. So I am not sure if people dress up more in Paris for closing nights or not, but you can certainly do so if you wish 😉 Best, Jessica
Andy Post author
Great website! I have two questions. One, I might be travelling alone. Will the online ticket ordering allow me to buy a single seat? Secondly, just in case I want to dress up, is there a reasonable tuxedo rental place nearby?
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Andy, Yes, you should be able to reserve a single ticket at the Opera Garnier online. The difficulty for people is normally when you try to book for multiple people and it will not let you leave single seats empty. But after you create your account, you can go through the booking process to double check on this if the performance you want is not yet available online.
The 9th arrondissement is a huge shopping area so you should not have trouble renting a tuxedo in that area; however, note the French don’t normally call them tuxedos, but know them as “smoking jackets” or just “smoking”. One place to try is Pronuptia.
But unless you are going to a gala evening you won’t find many people in tuxedos, or even suits, and nice business wear is fine for most opera nights in Paris. But if you want to dress nicer, you certainly can 😉
Best,
Jessica
Leona Post author
This information is just what I needed. I’m actually going to the opening night of the ballet season in September – the famous Défilé du ballet, so frocking up a little is on the menu!
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Leona, Thanks for taking the time to comment. So happy you found our article helpful and yes you should definitely dress up a bit for the opening night performances. A bit jealous that you are going to a ballet at the Palais Garnier – haven’t been in a few years 😉 Enjoy your time in Paris and the ballet! Best, Jessica
Jami Andrews Post author
What a great article and your writing makes me want to go! It sounds inviting and charming. We will be in Paris in September, 2018. Taking in all that you have written, I am a little concerned about the seating. My family is tall with my older sons being 6’4 and 6’3. Where would you suggest a better seat would be based on this being the case?
Thank you!
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Jami, Going to the Opera Garnier is a great experience if you like the theatre or opera, especially if you like grand Old World settings 😉 But yes, the seats are smaller than you may be used to in newer theaters and there is less legroom – you can see one of my photos above from sitting in the amphitheatre seats and I am only 5′ 4″. So booking a better seat category is probably a good idea. I would recommend checking out the prices of the seats in the boxes (Loges and Baignoires), Balcon, Orchestra, and Optima seats. Generally, the more expensive the seat, the better the location. You can see more on seat types and ordering in this post. Enjoy your time in Paris! Jessica
Carrie Post author
This post is fantastic! Thank you for taking the time to spell everything out in detail for those of us who are going to the Paris Opera for the first time and eager to learn more.
I’m trying to calculate what time to make my post-ballet dinner reservation. How long do the intermissions at Palais Garnier last? This ballet is 2 hours and 20 minutes long, with 2 intervals. Do you think I’m safe to make a reservation at Café de la Paix 3 hours after the ballet starts?
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Carrie, The intervals (or intermissions) are normally about 20 minutes. Normally in a production of 2 hours or so, there is only 1 interval, but the production may require more longer set changes than usual. So I think that 3 hours should be fine, maybe make it for 3 hours and 15 minutes after the start time to be safe as it may take a bit of time to get out of the auditorium, get your coat, exit, etc. At least you have only a short walk to the restaurant! Enjoy the ballet and post-ballet dinner! Best, Jessica
Laura Post author
Thanks so much for this article! I will be attending a ballet at the Palais Garnier with my sister in May, and I had exactly the questions you answered in this post – what to wear, how early to arrive, etc. Thanks for answering them. 🙂
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Laura, Yeah, glad you found all the answers to your questions. Enjoy the ballet at the Palais Garnier with your sister. Best, Jessica
Jacqueline Martin Post author
We have tickets to a premier night at Paris Bastille Opera. we have often attended, as we visit every year. This year it is “black tie” and my husband doesn’t even have a jacket – just a black sweater and pants. Will he get thrown out? I have appropriate clothing.
travelcats Post author
Hi Jacqueline, I am envious that you get to attend one of the premier gala evenings. Since you know it is black tie I would recommend getting at least a jacket and tie for the evening for your husband. I am not sure if he would be allowed to attend or not but they may insist on at least a jacket to a formal event. But even if not, he may feel quite out of place if everyone else is dressed up. Black tie normally means a tuxedo (dinner jacket), bow tie, dress shirt, black pants, and dress shoes. The French rarely wear black tie compared to the British and Americans, so being a bit lax should be fine but I would at least recommend a jacket and regular neck tie. If you are not able to travel with these items, you can always rent them for just the day of the event either before you leave or during your stay in Paris. Just note that in France tuxedos are generally referred to in English as smoking jackets. If you are U.S. based, Men’s Warehouse has reasonably priced tuxedos and suits for rent. Best of luck and hope you enjoy the Paris Opera! Best, Jessica
Rachel Post author
Thank you for the very helpful tips! We’re going in the beginning of December and can’t wait!
travelcats Post author
Hi Rachel, You’re very welcome and I hope you enjoy your trip to Paris and performance at the Paris Opera! ~ Jessica
MEvans Post author
We went last night to a German opera. They had both English and French subtitles.
travelcats Post author
That is great! It is nice to have surtitles or subtitles or at least a program that describes the opera or play in one’s native language by each act to help follow along. Both the Opera Garnier and Bastille have equipment to project both French and English surtitles and it should be listed in each performance description if surtitles will be used during the performance. I have not been to a performance with surtitles in the Opera Garnier but I think they are now quite common. ~ Jessica
Steven Post author
Thank you for this page! I found it in a Web search, trying to find as much info as we can before our scheduled visit. This will be our second trip to Paris but our first to Opera Garnier in June. Your page gave me all the information I needed and then some.. We had thought about doing the tour during the day, but we finally couldn’t resist seeing an actual performance (we shall probably end up doing both). Thank you for the valuable guide to seeing a performance there. We are so excited!
travelcats Post author
Hi Steven, Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. We actually just did the tour of the Opera for the first time this year and we thought that it was worth it as well, but you’ll get to see most (although not all) of the areas if you just show up a little early for the performance and wander around. The problem is that sometimes the actual theater part is closed (rehearsals, lighting checks, performances) during the day or completely dark. So a performance is the best way to see the main theater seating area with its beautiful Chagall ceiling. Enjoy! ~ Jessica
Girlcat7 Post author
Thank you so much for information! I will be in Paris this May and have never been to the Palais Garnier, (we are going to the ballet) I was wondering what to wear and now I feel much more comfortable making that decision!
Thank you!
travelcats Post author
Hi Kristin, glad that this article make you feel more comfortable in choosing what to wear to the ballet in Paris! Enjoy the ballet at the Palais Garnier and your time in Paris! ~ Jessica
pepamint01 Post author
Hi there!
I just wanted to thank you for this article and your other article about purchasing tickets. This has taken a lot off my mind. I’ve never been to Paris and I’ve never seen an opera and/or ballet overseas so I am incredibly excited and overwhelmed.
Thank you for taking the time to write about your experiences it has been incredibly helpful!
Best Wishes
Renae
travelcats Post author
Glad you found the two articles on going to the Paris Opera helpful! I hope you have a wonderful trip to Paris and please feel free to email us if you have general Paris travel questions! ~ Jessica
Kelley Post author
Thanks for the great article. My mother-in-law and I will be attending a ballet this May. It is on a Thursday night, but is the 1st night (premiere) of that ballet. Does this warrant dressing up more? Also, have you eaten at any of the places that you mention for after-ballet dining? Of so, do you have a favorite? Thanks so much.
travelcats Post author
Hi Kelley, I think the dress would be the same as regular evenings as we’ve gone on a premiere evening as well and didn’t notice any big differences. It is really only the gala evenings (more expensive and specially organized) that you would be expected to be more dressed up (in 2015 it looks like there will be one gala evening in March and one in September at Palais Garnier). I have not gone to any of the listed nearby restaurants (only had coffee at the recommended Starbucks – the decor is very nice) but I am sure there are reviews on Tripadvisor for them that could be helpful. I would recommend choosing a restaurant nearby for evening performances as once we made a reservation about 20 min. away by metro and we had to rush to make the reservation. Enjoy the performance, it is a treat to attend performances in such a beautiful setting:)
Jules Post author
Hi, I just found this post and appreciate the great information! We will be attending an opera performance, and it will be our first time in the Opera Garnier. I read that you cannot of course take pictures during the actual performance, but do you think it would be okay to bring our Nikon camera to take pictures of the beautiful building before the show? Since we will already be in the building, I would prefer to take pictures with our real camera to get better quality than on our cell phones. I’m not sure if this is too “tacky” to have our big bulky camera during the performance night?
travelcats Post author
Hi Jules, I am glad you found our Paris Opera blog posts to be informative. We just had a small point-and-shoot camera that fit in my purse with us and took photos prior to the performance and also one time during the interval. If you have a compact camera or phone camera that will be easier to take and hold, but I don’t think a DSLR camera would be a problem (I would use one of your less bulky lens). You’ll need to place it under your seat or on your lap during the performance or check it at the coat check. Good luck and don’t worry about it too much, it is a great place for photos. I hope you enjoy the performance!
fojap Post author
Great information.
I just went to a premiere at the Palais Garnier last night. For reference, I’m from New York, so most of my comparisons are with that city. Also, I’ve been much more of a theater and dance goer, so this was my first premiere for an opera anywhere. As far as dress goes, it seemed to me that people were less dressy than in New York, on average, for a premiere. However, there were some people in black tie and evening gowns, so if you like to dress up, this is a good occasion for it. Most women were in cocktail dresses, many in fairly fancy ones. I did see a few women in elegant pantsuits, but these were mostly older women who appeared to have mobility issues, and they did look lovely, not casual at all. Some younger women did wear above the knee dresses, but generally not super sexy. Dress as you might for an evening wedding reception. Men were all in suits, some in black tie. There was champagne and hors d’ouevres during intermission. I really felt I was splurging to get tickets for the premiere, but I have to say it was very much worth it. The building itself lends a pagentry to the event. Although I didn’t see anyone turned away, there were people at the doors.
There was one little thing that confused me as a New Yorker, which was where to pick up tickets I’d bought on-line. Inside the theater, in the lobby, just up the first flight of interior stairs, there are two wooden desks, one on the left and one on the right. At one of them, there was a person that had all the tickets that were being picked up. You can’t pick them up early. You have to pick them up on your way in, starting about a half an hour before the performance. I’d brought my reference number with me, but he was able to find my tickets with just my name. It was very easy, but I felt a little insecure not having been to that theater before.
Everyone working there was extremely helpful and polite. If you’re unsure of where to go or the right thing to do, just ask.
As far as comfort issues go, I grew up going to Broadway theaters which are also nineteenth centruy buildings and am used to small seats, stairs and so on, so I didn’t really notice, but other people might. I did hear some people about me complaining about the temperature, so your advice about layers is very sound.
travelcats Post author
Thanks so much for providing all this excellent information about your own personal experience to the Paris Opera at the Palais Garnier! I really appreciate it and I am sure this will be really useful for future readers in addition to the info I shared. Just to clarify, I think you are specifically referring to an opening night premiere, correct? Not a regular night which is generally more office wear dress from my three experiences. This is really useful as I’ve never gone to one of the gala openings or premieres where people obviously dress up a bit more. Sounds like an amazing experience!
Garnier Post author
Thank for all this info. Even in french, it’s difficult to find such useful information.
travelcats Post author
Thanks for taking the time to view our article and we are happy that you found our article on the Opera Garnier so useful! The information provided on the Paris Opera website has vastly approved since we initially booked a ticket a few years ago.
David Cartwright Post author
Thanks for a very useful article. When I went to the Garnier my comparisons tended to with the opera in London.
However there were two things that worried me a little. First, when a seat became vacant during the performance ( someone didn’t like Pina Bausch !) there was an immediate scramble from the seats behind to climb over them to get closer to the action. Second, as the theatre filled up before the start, they let down collapsable seats at the end of the rows which eventually filled the aisle up! Fire regulations? Still, we enjoyed the evening.
travelcats Post author
Ah, yes, the folding seats at the ends of some of the aisles. These are often not sold so are just available and are good if you arrive late or need to leave early (we’ve used them for the latter once). But you are right, it is really difficult to get around when you need to get out quickly. We haven’t had the issue with the scrambling for seats as I can’t remember anyone leaving very early during any of our performances. Glad you still enjoyed your evening at the Paris Opera!
Leo Post author
I am about to wear my white tuxedo for the 2014 premiere of of Gluck /Pina Bausch/ “Orphée et Eurydice”.
I don’t really care if I will be overdressed. 🙂
travelcats Post author
Good for you! I definitely think that if you want to dress up, this is a fun place to do it. Have a wonderful time in Paris!
Teresa Post author
Hi Ethan and Jessica,
Thank you so much for this Palais Garnier info. My best friend and I will be attending a performance at the opera house on the evening of 11 May 2014. It is not an opera or a ballet, but it does seem to be some kind of a recital (I would have preferred seeing a ballet–even a modern one–but this is my friend’s first trip to Europe so I don’t want her to feel intimidated), so I hope your advice for appropriate clothing (business style) will hold true. My husband and I have been to several operas in other European cities and I normally where black velvet pants with a black “sparkly” top, but that seems like overkill in this case. Quite frankly, I wouldn’t mind wearing something a little less formal and I suspect my friend will be relieved, too.
travelcats Post author
Hi Teresa – Except on gala evenings, most people don’t wear super formal clothing based on my three visits (2 ballets, one opera). Now I will note that business dress for Parisians may be a bit more formal than some places in the U.S., but a nice blouse/top and black pants or a skirt would be fine. The two older Frenchmen in front of us this past visit were wearing regular sweaters over khaki pants. There were men in suits and some women in nice dresses, but many folks looked like they were coming straight from the office. I think it is a great opportunity to dress up if you want, but if you are wearing clothing appropriate for an office, you should fit in fine and you’ll be comfortable. Just note that it can get quite hot (or cold) inside the theater so I would dress in layers as we were quite warm last May. Have a great trip and I would love it if you came back and reported your thoughts after you visit.
Melissa Post author
Thanks for sharing all of these great tips (I now feel like an insider)! I definitely would not be able to find all of this helpful information on my own! I love all of the beautiful photos too!
travelcats Post author
Yes, it is sooo beautiful!
Shaun Post author
Hello there! I just needed to state that this article is amazing and includes so many details about attending the Opera Garnier in Paris. I searched a long time for some of this information and found it all here in this one article. Thanks!
travelcats Post author
Thanks Shaun, we are glad you found this article helpful! It can be difficult to find much detailed English information on booking and attending performances at the Palais Garnier so we wanted to make these two posts to help those, who likes us, had searched for this information.
Angela Post author
Wow what a beautiful old theatre, a real step back in time! Loved the leg-room shot, classic. Thanks for the tips on what to wear as well, will definitely think about booking a ticket next time I’m in Paris.
travelcats Post author
Haha, yes, if you want to get real up close and personal with some strangers, choose a seat in the Amphitheatre:) The French man in the seat in front of me turned around later and complained about my knees (at least I think so with my limited French). So I kept my knees apart (very unladylike!) or moved them to the side the rest of the opera, oh my! Despite all this, it was still worth it to me to be able to watch another performance at this wonderful place.
Jill (HK) Post author
Very helpful info here, thank you very much for sharing. I’m wondering if you’ve attended during winter? I am concerned about how warm the Opera Garnier can get even then, as we had such experience in Vienna State Opera.
travelcats Post author
Hello Jill, welcome to our blog. I am glad that you found the Opera articles helpful. We have not attended during the winter, only Spring and Summer. In the three performances I have attended, twice the temperature was fine (once in Orchestra, once in Amphitheatre), but the second time in the Amphitheatre it was quite warm. The Amphitheatre tends to be hotter and the seats more uncomfortable (folding, set high, narrow) than some of the other sections. The higher up you sit in the theatre the more likely it will be hot, and the lower level seats are more likely to be cooler. Personally, we would prefer to be too cool so we can just put on our jacket as there was very little we could do about being hot. Good luck, and I hope you have a wonderful time at the Opera Garnier, it’s a beautiful venue. Feel free to ask if you have any further questions.
Jackie H Post author
Wow, another great article! Great information in both of your Paris Opera blog posts. Love the pics, you and the building are so beautiful!
travelcats Post author
Thanks for stopping by again, Jackie. I am really glad you enjoyed the post!