A paragon of the ornate and extravagant architectural style characteristic of the Second Empire, the Paris Opera House continues to attract admiration. It currently serves as the venue for performances of the Opera National de Paris.
Access, opening hours and prices of the Opéra Garnier
open everyday
from 10am to 5.00pm
from July 15th to August. 31st – from 10am to 6pm
closed on Jan 1st, May 1st, Apr. 12th, Apr.26th, Mai. 3rd, Mai.16th
Prices
visit: €15 (€10 reduce price) (access to the monument and exhibitions)
for an Opéra: from €40 to €230
for a Ballet: from €30to €140
Access and transportation
Metro : line 8,7 ,14 , stop at Opéra – RER A-E, stop at Opera – Haussmann
Designed by the architect Charles Garnier, the construction of the Opera commenced in 1860. The inauguration occurred in 1875 and marked the culmination of Baron Haussmann’s extensive urban transformation project.
The impressive main facade of the Opera establishes the atmosphere of this quarter dominated by expansive avenues. The rather grandiose design of the principal staircase, the magnificent foyer, and the auditorium exemplifies the architectural style characteristic of its era.
On the day of the inauguration, Garnier purchased his own ticket, a second-class box priced at 120F. Notwithstanding its considerable size—approximately 11,000 square meters (36,000 square feet)—the Opera accommodates merely 2,200 spectators, while the stage can accommodate 450 performers.
The Opera has its serious side, but there are also some entertaining anecdotes connected with it.
The renowned underground lake (which is, in fact, a reservoir) indeed exists. It was utilized for draining water from beneath the building and would, of course, be extremely beneficial in the event of a fire. One technician conceived the innovative idea of cultivating trout in the water. They thrived remarkably well, leading to his colleagues fishing for them during their lunch breaks. It is said that the astute technician subsequently replaced the delectable trout with barbel, a fish considerably less favored.
Should one traverse the rooftops of the Opéra, it is plausible to encounter M. Pauchon, a beekeeper in his leisure time, who has diligently maintained two hives he established here for the past 16 years. Allegedly, the bees flourish in this environment, and the results are evidenced by the consumption of their honey. He harvests nearly 200 kg of honey annually, which is offered for sale in the Opera’s shop.
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