Discover Europe's largest opera house on an informative 90-minute tour of the Opera Garnier. Knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides from the Opera de Paris will uncover the secrets of this Baroque masterpiece, located in the heart of Paris.
About this activity
- Free cancellation
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
- COVID-19 precautions
- Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
- Mobile ticketing
- Vouchers must be exchanged for tickets.
- Duration 80 minutes - 1.5 hours
- Check availability to see starting times.
- Instant confirmation
- Live tour guide
- English, French, Spanish
Experience
Highlights
- Uncover an architectural masterpiece in the heart of Paris
- Get a 90-minute guided tour of the public areas of Opera Garnier
- Set eyes on the writhing snakes of the bronze Pythonisse sculpture
- Climb up the double stairway of the Grand Escalier
- Marvel at the splendid paintings and sculptures
Full description
Boasting an eclectic and ostentatious Baroque design, the Opera Garnier is one of the most extravagant representations of Second Empire architecture in France. Take this 90-minute guided tour of its public areas and you will discover flamboyant art works as you follow in the footsteps of fashionable 19th-century French society.
Inaugurated in 1875 and named after its exciting young architect, Charles Garnier, it is the largest opera house in Europe. Once you have met your guide at the museum entrance, you will be taken to the “Rotonde des Abonnes” (Members’ Rotunda), once used as the formal welcome area for opera guests. Garnier’s unique signature will be pointed out among the magnificent arabesques, before you move on to explore the building's galaxy of riches.
You will set eyes on the writhing snakes of the bronze “Pythonisse” sculpture, before climbing the double stairway of the “Grand Escalier” (Main Staircase). Imagine the swish of crinolines as you admire the breathtaking décor and stroll through vast foyers, filled with sparkling mosaics, colorful marble columns and gold-leaf flourishes. Everywhere you look will be a feast for the eyes.
Throughout the tour, expert and enthusiastic guides from the Opera de Paris point out the splendid paintings and sculptures that help to make the Opera Garnier one of the most rewarding museums in Paris, as well as one of its most impressive working theaters.
Includes
- Guided tour of the Opera Garnier's public areas (including the Rotunda, Grand Escalier, Grand Foyer, Auditorium and lounges)
- Entry ticket
- Use of broadcast system on the Day Tour (please bring valid ID in order to be able to use the system)
- Access to the backstage areas
- Transfer
- Personal expenses
COVID-19 precautions
Customers must book this activity online because the ticket office is closed
Traveler requirements
- Customers are required to bring and wear masks
- Customers will get a mandatory temperature check
Select participants and date
Participants
Date
Prepare for the activity
Meeting point
Meeting point varies depending on option booked.
Important information
What to bring
- Passport or ID card
Not allowed
- Smoking
- Luggage or large bags
Know before you go
- As a working theater, access to the Auditorium is sometimes unavailable due to technical or artistic reasons. Access cannot be guaranteed.
- The tour is not available to children below 5 years of age.
- For artistic or technical reasons, the tour itinerary can be modified on the day of the tour itself, if so instructed by the Opera Garnier, without this giving rise to a refund.
- Please bring an ID card or passport as guarantee in order to use the broadcast system on the Day tour. One ID card or passport per voucher required.
