Opéra / Ballets

The city of Paris has two Operas : the Opera Garnier is usually used for the presentations of ballets while the Opera Bastille is in general used for opera performances and concerts. 

Although the Théâtre du Châtelet is not operated by the Opera National de Paris, it is also currently mainly used for opera and concerts.


• The Palais Garnier, also known as the Opera Garnier was built on the order of Napoleon III ; a grand landmark designed by Charles Garnier in the Neo-Baroque style, it is regarded as one of the architectural masterpieces of its time.
Magnificent brightly colored celling of the auditorium, painted by Marc Chagall.
 

 

• The Opera Bastille is a great modern theatre, designed by Carlos Ott; it was inaugurated in 1989.
Its architecture is marked by the use of transparent façades and by the use of identical material for both the interiors and exteriors.

 


• The Theatre du Châtelet opened its doors for the very first time on 19 August 1862, in the presence of the Empress Eugénie.
It was designed by Gabriel Davioud at the request of the Baron Haussmann. 
 


The program of the season, for both the Opera Garnier and Bastille is available on the site of the Opera National de Paris. The program of the season at the Théâtre du Châtelet is available on its own web site.

Our Clefs d'Or team of concierges gets up-to-date news every day about the various performances at the opera and is at your service to offer advice and make your reservations.
Do not hesitate to contact us by email.




The Concierge tips

We inform you that an important number of tickets is reserved first and foremost for the subscribers of the Opera National de Paris, or for those of the Théâtre du Châtelet. Nevertheless, we have good contacts and we are usually able to find the best seats available in the orchestra section for our guests. Do not hesitate to ask for your tickets far in advance; tickets at short notice are harder to find and usually more expensive. 

Kindly be informed that usually, the performances at the Opera (dance, opera, concerts...) begin at 7:00 PM sharp.
After 7:00 PM, the access of the auditorium is completely forbidden by the staff of the Opera.
After the beginning of the performance, the access to the auditorium is possible after the first intermission.
The dress code at the Opera is rather elegant ; French people still like to dress up in a smart way when they go to the Opera. 


Links

Théâtres Privés
Association des Galeries Parisiennes


Dinner

For a late dinner after an evening at the Opera, we are pleased to give you the following suggestions :

Near the Opera Garnier : 

Drouant

This is Paris as we love it! Chic but free-spirited, refined but joyful, specialised but universal !
The thrice-starred chef has brilliantly taken over this illustrious building - home of the Goncourt literary prize since 1914 - with its cream walls, gold-leaf picture frames and comfortable lustrous chocolate-colour armchairs.
He has the rare talent of producing a cuisine that is full of emotion, like childhood memories, serving you classics with immaculate technique.
16/18, Place Gaillon (2nd)


Le Vaudeville

Reporters from the French press agencies and weeklies publishing companies rub shoulders with nearby stockbrokers have made this Art Deco venue one of their favorite canteens.
The Paris theatrical set is also on familiar ground here. A well selected cellar and the service, always with a smile, does the rest.
29, rue Vivienne (2nd)



Near the Opera Bastille : 

Bofinger

There is no doubt this is one of Paris' prettiest turn-of-the-century restaurants, not far from La Bastille and its Opéra House, in a lively, young area. An elliptical glass ceiling, stained glass windows and warm, wood-paneled walls set the tone in the main dining room flanked by smaller side rooms with a more private, cozy feel about them. It's no wonder people flock here!
5, rue de la Bastille (4th)



Les Grandes Marches

This contemporary brasserie offers traditional cuisine in a very inviting setting, that is both private and welcoming, elegant and warm. The new decor is a combination of different eras, fashions and materials; there is an immense zinc topped bar, club sofas and vintage copper lights, a large hi-tech staircase and last but not least the "Moumoute Bar" upstairs, where you can enjoy a drink stretched out in an environment that is totally fur-lined!
6, place de la Bastille (12th)