At the heart of the Opéra National de Paris
Categories : Visit Paris, published on : 2/8/22
Divided between two performance venues, the historic Palais Garnier and the very contemporary Opéra Bastille, the Opéra National de Paris is open to visitors eager to discover all the secrets involved in the production of major shows, ballets and operas, and to admire some superb architectural details. To enjoy the beauty of Marc Chagall's frescoes on the ceiling of the Palais Garnier, the richness of the materials used at the Opéra Bastille, and the delights of going behind the scenes, your Ouest Hôtel team recommends that you visit these major cultural attractions of Paris.
Enjoy the freedom of the Palais Garnier
First, head to the Palais Garnier, a ten-minute walk from your Ouest Hotel. Built during the Second Empire and harmoniously combining several styles, this opulent opera house provides a magnificent setting for the Opéra National. While some critics at the time the building was inaugurated considered the gilding to be a little excessive, most celebrated the elegantly designed spaciousness of the whole. Since then, the legendary venue has never ceased to host the greatest opera and ballet performances. You can learn all its secrets during the self-guided tours offered by the Opéra Garnier. Your booking will also allow you to visit the current temporary exhibitions. Please note that the grande salle may not be accessible during rehearsals or technical work.
Visits with a guide
To learn all the secrets of this wonderful place, it’s best to benefit from the knowledge of a guide. A themed guided tour is an enriching experience. During the day, for example, you can discover the building’s history and go behind the scenes. Or treat yourself to an exclusive and intimate after-hours visit. Perhaps you’ll happen across the famous Phantom? Or would you rather step back in time and immerse yourself in the worldly and refined atmosphere of the late 19th century with the Belle Epoque Tour and its many musical excerpts? You can book your tour tickets today on the Opéra National de Paris website.
And the Opéra Bastille…
Unlike the Second Empire opulence of the Palais Garnier, the modernist Opéra Bastille is a streamlined combination of glass, stone and metal. Designed by Carlos Ott and inaugurated in 1989, it is noted for its transparent facades and rounded silhouette. Tours allow you to discover the secrets of this characteristic architecture, appreciate the gigantic size of the 1,200 m² grande salle, and understand the technical prowess embodied by the building. Your Ouest Hotel team will help you to arrange your visit, but you can already find all the essential information and buy your tickets on the Opéra National de Paris website.
Take advantage of your stay at the Ouest Hotel to discover all the secrets of the Opéra National de Paris. Thanks to various tour options, either self-guided or with an experienced and knowledgeable guide, enthusiasts and neophytes alike can enjoy learning all about these two Parisian cultural landmarks.
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Photo: Margerretta
Ouest Hotel, a 3-star hotel a few steps from Gare Saint-Lazare
