When visiting Paris, we wanted to attend a performance at the historic Opera National de Paris -…read morePalais Garnier but we could not get tickets a month before (appeared it needs to be preplanned four to six months ahead) so we decided to go on a tour. I had wanted to see the opera house for about 15 years and did not have a chance-we were very happy with our experience!
The opera house is located at Place de l'Opéra in the 9th arrondissement of Paris and the tour entrance is in the back side of the building. There are a variety of tours but we selected a guided tour so there could be allot of interaction and added information - it was well worth it!
Tours are available from It is generally open from 10 am to 5 pm (last admission one hour before closing), though the auditorium may be closed unpredictably due to rehearsals. We were on a guided tour and they allowed us in during one of the rehearsals although we could not speak.
Having visited many opera houses in the past including London, Vienna, Prague, etc. this one was very impressive. The Grand Staircase, museum, foyer, and addition displays are amazing. Well worth the visit!