After-Hours Tour: Opera Garnier in Paris
Once the Opera Garnier has closed to the public, it’s your turn to experience this magnificent Paris icon. This after-hours tour gives you exclusive access to Paris’ breathtaking Opera Garnier, also known as the Palais Garnier, without the hassle of daytime crowds. Your informative guide will reveal the grandeur of the opera house on your tour of the Members' Rotunda, main staircase (Grand Escalier), Grand Foyer and breathtaking auditorium. It’s no wonder why this incredible neobaroque opera house — one of Europe’s largest — inspired the setting for the legendary ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ musical.
Head to the Opera Garnier in the evening for your after-hours tour. You’ll experience the Opera Garnier without the daytime crowds, letting you soak up the breathtaking opulence in all its glory. Your expert guide will take you on a 1.5-hour narrated walking tour of the beautiful neobaroque building's interior.
Officially the Palais Garnier, this palatial opera house is home to the famous Opéra National de Paris. One of the largest opera houses in Europe with nearly 2,000 seats, the Opera Garnier holds lavish rooms around every corner. You'll hear all about the history of the opera house, including the famous operas that have played here, such as La Traviata. You'll also learn that this building inspired the setting for Gaston Leroux’s novel and, later, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical The Phantom of the Opera.
Stroll through the sumptuous Members' Rotunda to see the intricate floor mosaics and glamorous wall lights that have enchanted privileged opera house guests for more than a century. From there, continue to the the Grand Escalier, a marble staircase that is flanked by impressive bronze statues carved in the likeness of Greek gods such as the Prophetess Pythia.
The staircase opens up to the jaw-dropping auditorium. Opulent architecture, abundant décor, gilded balconies, and a sea of plush red velvet seats surround the stage as an extravagant chandelier glitters overhead.
Your tour normally finishes in the Grand Foyer, where audiences mingle during intervals. Admire the opulent decorations and adornments intended to resemble the gallery of a classic French chateau and continue exploring independently if you wish.
