Are you an opera, history, or architecture enthusiast? Do you seek a unique experience with friends, family, or as part of a group? The Paris Opera tour will surely captivate you. Explore the Palais Garnier, an iconic venue listed as a historic monument since 1923. With numerous guided tours and an immersive mystery-solving experience in the footsteps of Arsène Lupin, there’s much to uncover.
The Palais Garnier: A Cultural and Architectural Masterpiece in Paris’s 9th Arrondissement
While visitors flock to the 7th arrondissement to explore must-see museums, the 9th arrondissement is also a popular destination. Here stands the Palais Garnier, a French landmark embodying lyrical and choreographic art.
Commissioned by Emperor Napoleon III following an attempted attack, the Paris Opera was born from a vision to create a new opera house. At the time, Baron Haussmann was redesigning Paris’s urban landscape. In 1861, unknown architect Charles Garnier won the competition with his groundbreaking design. Fifteen years later, the Paris Opera opened in 1875.
Nearly 150 years on, every room in the Palais radiates Parisian culture and refinement. Its Second Empire architecture, majestic façade, and opulent interiors create a spectacle in and of themselves!
Let a Guide Lead You Through the Palais Garnier’s Iconic Spaces
Spanning over 11,000 square meters, the Palais Garnier is filled with marvels. From the Pythia Basin and grand vestibule to the grand foyer, a guided tour offers insight into the history and treasures of this architectural gem and its various functions.
Note:
Visit France’s largest opera house between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Don’t forget to book your tickets online. Depending on the theater’s schedule, some areas may be off-limits, including the performance hall. Check for any special closures in advance.
Guided Tours Focused on Opera History and the Belle Époque
On the “Intermezzo at the Palais Garnier” tour, history and art converge as you stroll through this 19th-century masterpiece for 90 minutes. Discover stunning frescoes and sculptures, each unveiling Paris’s history. Marvel at the décor and immerse yourself in the captivating stories surrounding Charles Garnier’s extraordinary creation.
For a glimpse into opera’s golden age, the “Palais Garnier in the Belle Époque” tour transports you to the 19th-century elegance and Paris’s cultural boom. As you wander, musical excerpts add to the ambiance, taking you back to the opulent era of Garnier’s opera house—a perfect experience for history and opera buffs.
More Unusual, Intimate Guided Tours
Curious about the Paris Opera’s hidden secrets? Discover them on the “Mysteries of the Palais Garnier” tour after it closes at 5 p.m. An exclusive guide will take you through secretive areas, offering fascinating revelations far from the daytime crowds.
For families, “Cat’s Leap at the Opera” is ideal. This engaging tour introduces young and old alike to the Opera’s décor, artwork, and legends. It’s a fun way to spark curiosity and dive into the world of the Paris Opera as a family.
The Palais Garnier’s secret spaces are also accessible through the Arop, the Association for the Promotion of the Paris National Opera. Private, immersive tours lead to the “Opera lake” and the intriguing “pulley room.”
Groups and corporate clients can explore the Palais Garnier from top to bottom. After the public tour with a lecturer, gain access to restricted areas. You can even arrange a private tour of the costume workshops or organize a theme tour about the Phantom of the Opera, adding to the Opera’s storied legacy!
Solve Arsène Lupin’s Unfinished Mystery
Have a detective’s heart? The “Arsène Lupin and the Opera’s Secret” immersive investigation lets you step into the world of Maurice Leblanc’s gentleman thief. Over 90 minutes, explore the Palais Garnier through an interactive game filled with mystery, puzzles, and exploration. Follow in Lupin’s footsteps, where he failed, and uncover Cagliostro’s secret.
Uncover Clues and Solve Puzzles
As the adventure unfolds, discover clues and solve each puzzle you encounter. Starting with items like a score, a poster, and Lupin’s notes, you’ll explore six different spots in the Palais Garnier, each with a drawing-based puzzle to solve.
Rediscover the Magnificence of the Palais Garnier
This investigation tests your observational skills and logic, providing a fresh perspective on the Palais Garnier. Actors enhance the experience, adding a touch of humor. The majestic architecture of the Palais Garnier serves as the perfect backdrop for this thrilling mystery.
Note:
The game is family-friendly and suitable for children 12 and older. After finishing, you’re free to explore the public areas of the Palais Garnier at your own pace.
The Palais Garnier awaits. Whether you’re interested in guided tours or immersing yourself in an Arsène Lupin mystery, this Parisian heritage gem will transport you. For an added touch, catch a performance in the grand hall. Meet at Place de l’Opéra in Paris!
During your stay, consider visiting the Musée Maillol, Musée d’Orsay, or the Invalides museum areas. And for a thrilling experience, why not try a helicopter tour over Paris?
