The Palais Garnier in the middle of Paris is more than just an opera house. It’s a living piece of art. Everyone can have a great time at this famous site, whether they like classical music, The Phantom of the Opera, or beautiful building.
As soon as you walk through the huge marble halls of Palais Garnier, you’ll be in a world of silk, gold, and luxury that not many places on Earth can match. Let’s go over everything you need to know about this beautiful building before you go. 💫
✈️ How do I get to the Palais Garnier?
- The city is Paris.
- France is the place.
- 8 Rue Scribe, Paris, 75009
- In the fancy 9th district, close to the Galeries Lafayette and Place de l’Opéra
- You can just go to Palais Garnier, which is close to many interesting spots and shopping areas.
✈️ How do you get to the Palais Garnier?
This opera house was built in the 1800s by Napoleon III, and Charles Garnier was in charge of the plans. It first opened in 1875. One of the most well-known opera houses in the world is now Palais Garnier.
▏ 💫 Famous for:
- It was built in the Baroque Revival style.
- The big marble steps and the lovely main hall
- Chez Chagall did the top of the theatre.
- The well-known place where The Phantom of the Opera takes place
- Every corner of Palais Garnier is a chance to take a picture. Every wall and roof has a story to tell.
⌚ When is the best time to see Palais Garnier?
- To enjoy the Palais Garnier without a lot of other people:
- ⏛ Early in the morning (10 am to 12 pm) or late in the afternoon
- It’s less busy during the week, so don’t go on the weekends.
- For a fun night inside, you might want to buy tickets to a show.
Tip: If you go right before they close, the place often feels like a dream because it’s so quiet and booming.
🎫 Getting tickets and tours at the Palais Garnier: Price (Nearly)
Entry without a guide costs €15–€17; a guided tour in English or French costs €20–€25 for the audio guide and an extra €6 for tickets to the show. €20 to €250 or more
🎫 Free to enter for:
- EU citizens younger than 26
- Kids younger than 12
- People who have a Paris Museum Pass (just to get in)
When they’re open:
- Every day from 10 am to 5 pm
- It is closed on January 1, May 1, December 25, and for special parties.
- Inside the Palais Garnier, the Grand Staircase (Escalier d’Honneur) is worth seeing. It is made of marble and metal that has been covered with gold.
- This set of stairs is one of the most photographed in the world.
- Lots of gold, mirrors, and lights in the grand foyer.
- Based on Versailles’ Hall of Mirrors
🏨 Auditorium
- Detailed with a lot of gold, crystal, and red velvet
- It has Marc Chagall’s 1964 roof.
- 7-ton diamond chandelier that is known all over the world is in the middle.
🏠 The Opera Library and Museum
- You can see pictures, costumes, set plans, and rare papers on show.
- Anyone who loves The Phantom of the Opera has to have this 💘
- If you want to take pictures at Palais Garnier, these are the best spots: the Grand Staircase, seen from below and above
- Grand Foyer: for a palace-like show of light and colour
- If you can get to the platform in the auditorium, take a picture of the chandelier.
- From Place de l’Opéra, outside, often at dusk
It will be good for your Instagram feed. ▓⸪
🎒 What to Bring to the Palais Garnier
Wear shoes that are easy to walk in on the marble floors. Bring a phone or camera to take pictures. I would suggest you to bring a water bottle to stay hydrated. Bring a QR code for your ticket, either on your phone or on paper. Hearing aids for phones with voice guides
- You can’t bring food or drinks inside. Not able to use flash in some rooms
- 💇 To get to the Palais Garnier, take Line 3, 7, or 8 of the Metro to Opéra Station.
- To get to Auber Station, take Line A of the RER.
- The bus lines are 20, 21, 22, 27, 29, 42, and 52.
- The bus stop is right in front of the big door. From the very beginning, in the way of Paris. 🚌💇
- Things to Do Nearby (All Walkable!) 🛍️ Gallery Lafayette has a patio on the roof where you can enjoy a free view of Paris.
- This area called Place Vendôme has nice shops and buildings that look great.
- It takes art lovers 15 to 20 minutes to walk to the Louvre Museum.
- You can have a lunch in the Tuileries Garden during the day.
- Near Saint-Lazare Station are places to shop, eat, and learn about history.
- It is easy to get around because Palais Garnier is in the middle of a beautiful area.
This is an example of a half-day schedule.
⏳ Activity for Time
10:00 AM Get to the Palais Garnier at 10:15 AM and go inside. Look at the Foyer and Grand Staircase from all sides.
10:45 AM Check out the Auditorium.
11:15 a.m. Check out the Opera Library-Museum.
12-O’clock Take a walk to Galeries Lafayette to eat lunch and take in the view.
Tip: To really feel like you’re in Paris, eat lunch at a nearby rooftop café.
1. Get your tickets ahead of time to avoid long lines. 2. Dress nicely (no flip-flops!) if you’re going to a show. 3. Put away your phones in the theatre. 4. Check out the gift shop for opera-themed items. Keep quiet in theatres.
👇 Why you should go to Paris’s Palais Garnier
In terms of art and design, the Palais Garnier is more than just a place to visit. It shows how important France is. You will remember this place for a long time, whether you stay for an hour or the whole evening watching ballet.
There is history, romance, and beauty in every inch of this place. You don’t have to like opera to feel touched by how beautiful it is.
💭 A Personal Tip and Some Last Thoughts
Even if you only have a short time in Paris, make time to see the Palais Garnier. I went in the late afternoon, just at the right time for the sun to hit the marble steps. The halls were so empty it looked like a dream. Do you want to see the Chagall ceiling in person? It was just magic. ✨
It doesn’t matter if you go to Palais Garnier by yourself, with friends, or to surprise someone special. You’ll never forget it.
Is the Palais Garnier the world’s most beautiful building? Check it out for yourself. 🎋💫
