The incredible Opera Garnier is Paris’ main opera house, and one of the largest in Europe with nearly 2,000 seats. Officially named Palais Garnier in recognition of its luxurious grandeur and elaborate décor, the opera house is simply a joy to explore, with lavish rooms ‘round every corner.

Meet your expert guide inside the Opera Garnier for your 1.5-hour walking tour around this beautiful Neo-Baroque building. Strolling through the sumptuous Member’s Rotunda, you’ll see the intricate floor mosaics and glamorous wall lights that enchanted privileged opera house guests in earlier days.

Continue to the main marble staircase, flanked by impressive bronze statues carved in the likeness of Greek gods like the Prophetess Pythia. As you walk, your guide will point out the most notable monuments while explaining the opera house’s intriguing history. Learn of world-famous operas that have been hosted here, including La Traviata, and hear how the building inspired the setting for Gaston Leroux’s novel and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical The Phantom of the Opera.

As you enter the massive auditorium, your breath will be taken away with the sight of its plush red velvet seats, alabaster cherubs and golf-leaf balcony embellishments. The stage is framed by an extravagant chandelier that glitters over all the activity in the auditorium below.

Wander through the lounges and the Grand Foyer, where audiences amble during intervals, and admire the richly decorated mosaic tiles, paintings and mirrors that were intended to resemble the gallery of a classic French chateau. Your tour normally finishes here, and you can continue exploring independently if you wish.