Palais Garnier Tours and Activities

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Paris showing heritage elements and a statue or sculpture
Paris
Paris showing a statue or sculpture and heritage elements
Palais Garnier


Attend a performance, browse museum exhibits and marvel at the opulent design of one of the world’s most celebrated opera houses. 

Treat yourself to an evening of classical entertainment at the Paris Opera (Opéra National de Paris). Admire the handsome architecture and luxurious interiors of Palais Garnier, the home of this historic French opera company. Learn about the 300-year-old past of the Paris Opera via art collections, multimedia displays and museum exhibits.

This opera house is a true masterpiece designed by Charles Garnier in a blend of the Beaux-Arts and Second Empire styles. Napoleon III commissioned it in the 1860s as part of his renovation of central Paris. Study the elaborate façade and its archways, Corinthian columns, friezes, gilded statues and stone sculptures. Among the highlights is Aimé Millet’s sculpture called Apollo, Poetry and Music.

Emerge through the main entrance and explore an interior covered floor-to-ceiling with glistening ornamentation, mosaics and paintings. Climb the marble double staircase to the grand foyer, where a ceiling painting by Paul Baudry portrays music history. Scrutinize the frescoes by Marc Chagall that adorn the ceiling of the crescent-shaped auditorium. Discover references to Gaston Leroux’ novel The Phantom of the Opera. Gaze up at the huge chandelier that will remind you of a scene from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical version of this classic story.

Retrace the activities of the Paris Opera since its foundation in 1669 at the Library-Museum of the Opera. See everything from drawings and jewelry pieces to original costumes, paintings and set models. Audiovisual exhibits in the Galerie de l’Orchestre delve deeper into the theater’s history.

For the complete theater experience book tickets for an event. Choose between ballet, chamber music and opera. Most events take place in the evening, although some performances have matinees.

Reach the venue easily in the 9th arrondissement via buses or the metro. The nearest metro station is Opéra. Visit the Louvre Museum, Orangerie Museum and Tuileries Garden, all located within a 20-minute walk.

Paris Opera is open daily, except New Year’s Day and May 1. Audio guides and guided tours are available for a fee. Purchase audio guides, tours and tickets at the box office or via the venue’s official website.

Plan a trip to see Palais Garnier

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Best Lodging Options Near Palais Garnier

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Normandy Le Chantier

Normandy Le Chantier

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InterContinental Paris le Grand by IHG

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Hôtel Excelsior Opéra

3 out of 5
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Hôtel Horset Opéra, BW Premier Collection

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Castille Paris - Starhotels Collezione

Castille Paris - Starhotels Collezione

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33-37 Rue Cambon, Paris, Paris
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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Palais Garnier

At Palais Garnier in Paris, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including guided tours and audio tours that delve into the theatre's rich history. Nearby attractions like great museums and Les Halles provide additional cultural experiences. Don't miss the chance to catch a captivating theatre show for an unforgettable evening. The stunning sunsets around the area also add to the charm of this iconic location.

Shopping

Galeries Lafayette, located 161m from Palais Garnier, offers a vibrant shopping atmosphere with family-friendly options. Printemps Department Store is 322m away, perfect for entertainment and city vibes. For a local experience, head to Marché de St-Honoré, just 483m away, showcasing unique market finds.

Recreation

Stade de France, a lively sports stadium, offers an energetic atmosphere perfect for sports fans, located 6.4km from Palais Garnier. La Machine du Moulin Rouge, only 1.3km away, provides a romantic dance experience, while Paris Olympia, a music venue 322m from Palais Garnier, promises vibrant entertainment.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of the skiLift at the Louis Vuitton Foundation Museum, located 4.8km from Palais Garnier, offering a unique adventure vibe. Explore the Montmartre Funicular, 1.6km away, perfect for family outings. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Sentier du Douanier hiking trail, 1.4km from Palais Garnier, showcases stunning scenery.

Nightlife

The nightlife around Palais Garnier is vibrant and diverse. Enjoy the cultural allure of the Grevin Museum, only 805m away, or catch a film at the romantic Grand Rex Cinema, located 1.1km away. For a lively atmosphere, try your luck at the Casino de Paris, just 805m away.

Find the best attractions near Palais Garnier

When visiting Palais Garnier in Paris, immerse yourself in cultural experiences at nearby art museums and vibrant piazzas. Explore the stunning architecture of the Opéra Garnier and the surrounding streets, perfect for family outings and city exploration. Don't miss the chance to delve into the rich history of the Garnier Opera House, a must-see attraction near Palais Garnier that showcases the grandeur of Parisian art and culture.

  • Louvre Museum: Immerse yourself in the world of art at the iconic Louvre Museum, located 1.1km from Palais Garnier. Home to thousands of works, including the Mona Lisa, it offers a rich cultural experience that showcases the evolution of art through the ages.
  • Champs-Élysées: Stroll along the famous Champs-Élysées, situated 1.6km away, where city vibes meet vibrant cafes and luxury boutiques. This bustling avenue is perfect for shopping or simply enjoying the Parisian atmosphere.
  • Place Vendôme: Just 483m from Palais Garnier, Place Vendôme is a stunning square that blends culture and city life. Marvel at its elegant architecture and luxurious shops, making it a must-visit for a taste of Parisian sophistication.

Best time to go to Palais Garnier

Visitor numbers around Palais Garnier is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Palais Garnier is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January39.6°F (4.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February41.0°F (5.0°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March46.4°F (8.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April51.8°F (11.0°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May57.4°F (14.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June64.4°F (18.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
July68.2°F (20.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
August68.4°F (20.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
September63.1°F (17.3°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
November47.5°F (8.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December41.9°F (5.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Palais Garnier

To save money on your visit to Palais Garnier, consider travelling during the off-peak months of January to February and August for lower accommodation rates. Book your hotel about a month in advance, ideally for a Monday stay, to secure the best deals. Explore nearby free attractions like the Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Élysées. Use Expedia to find last-minute deals, eco-friendly options, and package discounts that combine flights and accommodations for additional savings. Walking is also an economical way to experience the area.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Palais Garnier are January to February and August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June and September to October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Palais Garnier about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Palais Garnier is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Palais Garnier is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase available sustainable and eco-friendly accommodations. To find the best prices and deals, sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your Palais Garnier hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.