Palais Garnier Tours and Activities

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Paris which includes a statue or sculpture and heritage elements
Paris
Paris featuring heritage elements and a statue or sculpture
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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Top Palais Garnier Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Novotel Paris Les Halles

Novotel Paris Les Halles

4 out of 5
8 Place Marguerite De Navarre, Paris, Paris
Novotel Paris Les Halles
Libertel Montmartre Opéra

Libertel Montmartre Opéra

3 out of 5
32 Rue Duperré, Paris, Paris
Libertel Montmartre Opéra
Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel

Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel

4 out of 5
18 avenue de Suffren, Entrée au 22 rue Jean Rey, Paris, Paris
Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel
Hôtel Filigrane & Spa

Hôtel Filigrane & Spa

4 out of 5
40 Rue Vivienne, Paris, Département de Paris
Hôtel Filigrane & Spa
Normandy Le Chantier

Normandy Le Chantier

4 out of 5
7 Rue De L Echelle, Paris, Paris
Normandy Le Chantier
InterContinental Paris le Grand by IHG

InterContinental Paris le Grand by IHG

5 out of 5
2 Rue Scribe, Paris, Paris
InterContinental Paris le Grand by IHG
Hôtel Excelsior Opéra

Hôtel Excelsior Opéra

3 out of 5
5 Rue La Fayette, Paris, Paris
Hôtel Excelsior Opéra
Hôtel Horset Opéra, BW Premier Collection

Hôtel Horset Opéra, BW Premier Collection

4 out of 5
18 Rue D Antin, Paris, Paris
Hôtel Horset Opéra, BW Premier Collection
Castille Paris - Starhotels Collezione

Castille Paris - Starhotels Collezione

5 out of 5
33-37 Rue Cambon, Paris, Paris
Castille Paris - Starhotels Collezione
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, visitors can immerse themselves in a wealth of experiences, including captivating theatre performances, stunning art exhibitions, and informative guided tours. A popular option for tourists is the sightseeing tour, which allows you to explore the grandeur of this iconic opera house, learning about its rich history and architectural beauty. Don't miss the chance to soak in the vibrant cultural atmosphere of this remarkable venue during your stay in Paris.

Shopping

For shopping near Palais Garnier, check out Galeries Lafayette (161m) and Printemps Department Store (322m) for a variety of gifts and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, La Carrousel du Louvre (1.1km) also offers a great selection in a vibrant atmosphere.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant energy of La Machine du Moulin Rouge, where dance and romance create an unforgettable night. For music lovers, Paris Olympia offers exhilarating concerts a short stroll from Palais Garnier. If you're keen on sports, Charlety Stadium provides thrilling athletic events, just a short trip away.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of the Louis Vuitton Foundation Museum’s skiLift, located 4.8km from Palais Garnier, perfect for skiing enthusiasts. For family fun, hop on the Montmartre Funicular, 1.6km away, or explore the scenic Mare a Mare Nord hiking trail, only 1.4km from the Palais.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Palais Garnier with the iconic Moulin Rouge, only 1.3km away, offering lively shows. The Grand Rex Cinema, 1.1km away, is perfect for romantic movie nights. For more theatre magic, Theatre Mogador is just 322m away, showcasing captivating performances.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Palais Garnier

While visiting Palais Garnier in Paris, immerse yourself in the vibrant culture by exploring nearby piazzas, art museums, and lively streets. This area is perfect for families and culture lovers alike. Consider checking out local hotels for your stay, and don’t miss the nearby Paris Opéra and Pétersbourg Opéra for additional cultural experiences. Enjoy the charm of this iconic venue and its surroundings!

  • Louvre Museum: A must-visit for art enthusiasts, the Louvre Museum is home to world-renowned masterpieces, including the Mona Lisa. Its grand architecture and rich cultural vibe make for an unforgettable experience, only 1.1km from Palais Garnier.
  • Champs-Élysées: Stroll down this iconic avenue, famed for its theatres, cafés, and luxury shops. The bustling city vibes create a vibrant atmosphere, making it perfect for people-watching, just 1.6km from Palais Garnier.
  • Place Vendôme: This elegant square is surrounded by high-end boutiques and historic architecture, blending city and culture vibes seamlessly. Located a mere 483m from Palais Garnier, it’s a delightful place to relax and soak in the Parisian charm.

Best time to go to Palais Garnier

The best time to visit Palais Garnier can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Palais Garnier falls in August, when visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Palais Garnier falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
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 SunnyAverageSlightly Low
April51.8°F (11.0°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May57.4°F (14.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
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 LowAverage
September63.1°F (17.3°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
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 during your visit to Palais Garnier, consider travelling between January and March when hotel prices are lower. Book your accommodation about a month in advance or look for last-minute deals on Expedia. Saturdays tend to be the cheapest days to stay, while Thursdays are pricier. Use Expedia’s search tool to find eco-friendly hotels and sort results by price. Additionally, consider booking a package deal that includes flights and activities to maximise savings. Explore free activities nearby to enhance your experience without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Palais Garnier are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Palais Garnier about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Palais Garnier is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around Palais Garnier is Thursday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified option will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some cash by booking your Palais Garnier hotel along with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.