Opera House: Posthumous Icon of an Empire

Icon of the Second Empire, the opera house was ironically finished after the fall of Napoleon the 3rd, who ordered it. A lot of French people used to frown in front of this unfinished building which reminded them so much of the emperor and the cost of his final war. But despite several stops, the architect finished it and everyone recognized the beauty of it once achieved.

Through this tour, discover the story of the opera but also the functionning of a major cultural equipment.

Standard duration: 1 hrs to 2 hrs

Price: 220€ (up to 30 people) The location of hearing system is recommended beyond 8 people

Flat price. Tickets not included. Location: 2€/person for a half day

We will see together: Grand Staircase, Grand Foyer, Auditorium, Moon and Sun rooms, outside loggia, costumes...

Please note a reservation is necessary to visit the opera house with a guide and must be done 21 days by advance.

Other tours in the same area: Louvre museum, Opera Quarter, Right Bank landmarks, Covered passages

From what age is the tour recommended?

No matter their age and their taste for ballets, your kids will love the opera Garnier. It looks like a fairytale palace and they can solve the mystery of the phantom on the way.That's why I recommend this tour from 6 years old.

How long is the tour?

If you want to focus on the opera house, 1.5 hrs is perfect, especially for family trips. For adults, we can even spend a bit more time, generally 2 hours.

But it is also possible to combine this tour with another one (Covered passages, Opera quarter) and make a short loop of one hour inside the Opera house.

Is there a day we cannot visit the Opera with a guide?

The Opera house is open everyday to guided tours between 10am and 3pm (5pm during summer). There are exceptional closures sometimes, due to public holidays (January 1, May 1, December 25) and shows rehearsals.

Is this visit wheelchair accesible ?

Yes, the Opera house is entirely wheelchair accessible. The only part we can't really see in a wheelchair is the floor dedicated to temporary exhibition, but we generally just have a look during a normal tour, which doesn't include the exhibition.

Good to know

There is not much air con in France, including in monuments. Don't overdress in summer and get a fan if you can.