Guided tour
Paris: Opera Garnier Tour with Expert Guide
- Duration options: 80 minutes - 1.5 hours
From
$20.13
per person
Top pick
Palais Garnier: Tours & Tickets
Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours before your activity starts for a full refund.
Top sights in Paris
5 architectural facts about the Palais Garnier
Charles Garnier created an opulent cathedral for the bourgeois when his opera house was finished in 1875, and it quickly became about more than just the performances. Here's how the architect made being seen as important as the seeing itself!
1. It begins with "Haussmann the Demolisher"
Napoleon III wanted Paris' archaic streets to reflect the glory of the French Empire. To do this, he hired Baron Haussmann to tear much of the city down and rebuild from scratch.
2. Charles Garnier won a contest to design it
After surviving an assassination attempt outside the previous opera house, Napoleon III announced a competition to design one for Paris' new, less-secluded streets.
3. The foyer is huge for a reason
In creating such a spectacular foyer, adorned with marble, mosaics, and chandeliers, Garnier was setting aside as much space for socializing as for the performances themselves!
4. Nobody was sure in what style it was being built
While the simplistic yet grandiose design was commended, few knew for what style it was aiming. When the Empress Eugénie asked, Garnier replied, "Why Ma'am, in Napoleon Trois!"
5. Its dome holds a valuable secret
The cupola that crowns the opera house is a "false dome." It covers another, the space between which can retract the grand 7-ton chandelier hanging over the auditorium!
Planning Your Visit
What are the opening times?
The Palais Garnier is open for visitors to wander around or take a tour from 10:00AM to 5:00PM most days. Due to performances and rehearsals, however, some access may be limited. You can check for exceptional closure information at visitepalaisgarnier.fr.
How to get there?
The Palais Garnier is located outside the Metro stop Opéra on lines 3, 7, and 8. It can also be reached via numerous bus routes: 20, 21, 22, 27, 29, 42, 52, 53, 66, 68, 81, and 95.
Good to know
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- When should I visit?
- 10:00AM to 5:00PM most days.
-
- Is it expensive?
- An adult ticket to visit the Palais is just 10.00 €.
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- Will I need a guide?
- It will definitely help. Might be worth it to check out our best-selling tours.
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- How to get there
- Take Metro lines 3, 7 or 8 to the Opéra stop, or one of the numerous buses that runs by.
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- Additional information
- ** There are occasional exceptional closures, so check the official website and plan ahead!*
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Want to discover all there is to do in Palais Garnier? Click here for a full list.
What people are saying about Palais Garnier
The bus ride was super with a very detailed audio, I had a problem getting a bus stop but as soon as i go the local partner on chat they quickly directed me to the next stop and I hoped in, also make sure when you alight you have your 1 hr cruise tickets, i did not pick mine but got them again through the help of the chat services, if you love the Paris night lights take a booking that later in the evening.
You have to obtain the guided tour to truly appreciate the beautiful opera hall. Laura was very knowledgeable and answered all of our questions. I highly recommend using Get your Guide services.
Our guide Tania was excellent, relaxed, informative and most pleasant. There were too many groups viewing at the same time making it difficult a bit uncomfortable.
Our guide Stephanie was very knowledgeable and pleasant, she kept a good pace throughout the tour and answered many questions.
A must see in Paris. Friends of Marc Chagall will be overwhelmed by the huge painting of the cupola.
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