Last week, we presented you a brief history of the Opera Garnier. Today, let’s all visit it!

Called Opéra de Paris until the opening of the new Opera Bastille in 1989, the Palais Garnier is really a masterpiece of architecture. With its 172 meters long, 101 meters wide, 79 meters high and a surface area of 11237 sq.m., it is one of the greatest opera houses in the world!

Alongside Charles Garnier, 73 sculptors and 14 painters have participated in the completion of this building. The main facade is monumental, with numerous sculptures, columns, lanterns, candelabra, statues streetlights, and its access ramp to the west wing (Rue Scribe) which was intended to accommodate the carriage of the emperor who could not take advantage of it, because he abdicated five years before the opening of the opera house…

Designed as a luxurious temple of entertainment dedicated to opera and ballet, the Palais Garnier is magnificent. The auditorium, the public areas with the large foyer, the rotunda and the lounges are sumptuous. The Palais also houses a library-museum, several repetition studios and workshops.

• The Grand Staircase

Built in marble of various colours, the Grand Staircase is an extraordinary place where stands the famous double staircase illuminated by candelabra, leading to the Grand Foyer and various floors of the auditorium.

Different allegories of music are painted on the ceiling. In this incredible décor, it is easy to imagine the Grand Staircase itself as a theatre, where, in years gone by, the crinolines of fashionable society ladies would brush…

• The Foyers

Upstairs are the large open foyers where spectators crowd before the show and during intermission.

From the balconies you can have a splendid view of the nave.

The Grand Foyer is richly decorated with a large gallery in sparkling colours and gold. Mirrors and large windows accentuate its vast dimensions. Here again the themes of Music, Comedy and Tragedy are beautifully declined.

At the center of the foyer is a bust of Charles Garnier, near one of the windows that look down the Avenue de l’Opera towards the Louvre.

• The Auditorium

The Italian-style horseshoe-shaped auditorium has three tiers of boxes under a dome supported by eight columns and pilasters of colossal size. Lit by a huge crystal chandelier (weighing 8 tons), this auditorium in shades of purple and gold can accommodate nearly 2,000 spectators.

Redecorated in 1964 by Marc Chagall, the ceiling is adorned with beautiful paintings reminiscent of musical works. The stage curtain imitates beautifully a drapery with tassels and braids.

At the back of the stage are hidden the huge machinery of the theatre, and behind again, another lounge, the Foyer de la Danse, rehearsal space reserved for the ballet. But before the 1930s, some aristocrats and wealthy bourgeois could access that foyer to meet the dancers, and a gallery above with hidden oculus in the luxurious scenery of the ceiling to admire them in all discretion and as much as desired. The decors of this foyer recalls this time when certain wealthy took in their protection a ballerina of humble origins…

• The Salon du Glacier

Completed after the opening of the opera house, the Salon du Glacier has very distinct decors reminiscent of the 1900s. This rotunda with its fresh and bright Bacchanalia painted by Clairin, is located at the end of the bar gallery.

• The Library-Museum

The library-museum of the Palais Garnier is located in the Rotunda of the Emperor.

The museum houses various collections that reflect the history of the Opera for three centuries. Rotating exhibitions are regularly organized.

The library is a department of the Bibliothèque Nationale de France, and has 80,000 volumes and prints relating to the arts of theater, song and dance.

The Opera House can be visited

Historic monument since 1923, it is one of the most prestigious monuments of Paris and one of the most visited.

Take time to discover it, you will enjoy it during a free visit or a guided tour! The Grand Staircase, the Foyers, the Auditorium, the museum and the temporary exhibition hall can be visited freely every day from 10:00 to 17:00 (last admission 16:30).

The guided visit includes a general tour of the theatre with a presentation detailing its history, its architecture and the different activities that take place within it.

Please note that for artistic or technical reasons, the Auditorium may not always be accessible.

For detailed information about the visits, click here: Opéra Garnier – Visits

Opéra National de Paris:

To follow all the news and the calendar of the Opera National de Paris: click here.

Currently playing at the Opera Garnier:

• Rain : Ballet from Anne Teresa de Keersmaeker, until June 7, 2011
• Cosi Fan Tutte : Opéra from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, from June 16 to July 16, 2011
• Les enfants du paradis : Ballet from José Martinez, from June 29 to July 15, 2011.

Palais Garnier :

• At the corner of the Rue Scribe and the Rue Auber – Paris 9ème
• Metro: Opéra, lines n° 3, 7, 8
• RER : Auber station, line A.

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We invite you to discover the Palais Garnier which is an architectural masterpiece of the Second Empire. Today, we will tell you how the project of a new opera theatre was born.

From the Royal Academy of Dance to the Opera Garnier

The Royal Academy of Dance was founded in 1661 under the reign of Louis XIV. The choreographic art was previously reserved for the entertainment of the Court, the Royal Academy finally allowed the dance company to have a stage to perform in public. By dancing during the interludes of Operas, the Ballet gradually gained its independence.

Then in 1669, the Royal Academy of Music was also created.

It was formed by a troupe of singers, the first professional orchestra of France and the Royal Academy of Dance. The King granted it the privilege of the monopoly of “musical theatre” performance.

Also called Opera or Opera Academy, it would promote French opera in Paris and the most important cities.

Project of a new opera theatre on the Grands Boulevards

During two centuries, the Opera changed its location many times, until the construction of a new building was decided by Napoleon III, having been the victim of an assassination attempt outside the theatre Le Peletier, which then served as an opera in Paris.

The will was to build a theatre in a safer neighborhood. Already by the prefect Haussmann remodeled as part of major renovations of the capital, the Grands Boulevards district was entirely appropriate.

A wide open and international competition was organized to build an « Imperial Academy of Music and Dance« . 171 projects were received. The event was important, the officials, the press, the Parisians, all were eager to know the result.

A jury composed of Prince Walewski and a group of experts studied all these projects… On May 30, 1861, to the surprise of the major installed architects and the despair of Viollet-le-Duc, Charles Garnier, a thirty-five years old architect, unknown, was declared winner by consensus.

At once rational in its fitting, pure in its proportions and eclectic in its decor, the project has surprise and was attracting. It combined several styles harmoniously arranged. At the Empress Eugenie, who exclaimed: « …it is not a style, it is neither Greek nor Roman…”, Charles Garnier said “it’s Napoleon III, Madam!”.

Garnier surrounded himself with architect friends to assist him throughout the project. Long and difficult, the construction of the new opera lasted for fifteen years.

In 1867, the facade was presented during the Universal Exhibition. But the interior was not finished. The war in 1870, the fall of the Empire, the Commune and the lack of money led to the work stoppage. The construction restarted after the fire at the opera in the rue Le Peletier.

The Opera Garnier was finally inaugurated in January 1875 by the President MacMahon, in presence of many French and European Officials. Regarding Charles Garnier… although invited, he had to pay his place in a second box…

If you want to know more about the Palais Garnier, come back next week on this blog!

We will present you this monumental building which is one of the greatest operas in the world. You will discover its beautiful auditorium, its Grand Staircase and Foyers, its luxurious décor… Historic monument since 1923, the Palais Garnier is also one of the most visited monuments of Paris.

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…. France’s ‘Iron Lady’, the Eiffel Tower – the symbol of romantic Paris. Definitely the dreamiest view of the tower is at night, especially from dusk when the tower lights up with thousands of glittering lights. The perfect place to propose to your loved one, Rod Stewart and Tom Cruise are amongst the millions who agree….

To find out more: http://www.tour-eiffel.fr/teiffel/uk/index.html

….the ‘most beautiful avenue  in the world’, Champs Elysées.  The Arc de Triumph stands triumphant at the top, delighting the shoppers who are busily going about their business.

To find out more: http://www.champselysees.org/

….Saint-Germain-des-Prés, one of the oldest parts of Paris. A renowned haunt of the old intellectuals relishing in the cafes and jazz music. The ambience here has very little changed, and is a perfect place to enjoy an aperitif or a bite to eat. Try the ‘deux magots’ or ‘la Brasserie Lipp’ and then saunter on to the Panthéon in the Latin Quarter, a truly romantic hangout….

To find out more : http://www.saint-germain-paris.net/#

….one of the two natural islands of Paris, Île de la Cité. Here you can find Paris’ famous Notre Dame and Le Palais de Justice, and stand in the very centre of Paris where the medieval city was refounded….

Métro : Cité  (line 4)

….or the second natural island of Paris, l’Ile Saint Louis which cannot be missed by those wishing to take a leisurely stroll or enjoy a romantic meal. The perfect time to visit is in the evening, heading down rue Saint-Louis-en-l’Île which is lit up by the candle light from its many quaint restaurants. Don’t forget to stop and take a night cap at the Brasserie d’ Île St. Louis or treat yourself to one of Berthillon’s ice cream – renowned for their excellent quality and use of natural ingredients….

Métro : Cité  (line 4)

To find out more: http://www.notredamedeparis.fr/

.…the East of Paris, where you will find the enchanting Canal Saint-Martin. In the warmer months locals flock in droves to the banks of the canal to picnic and strum guitars. Cafés and quirky boutiques flank the water and iron footbridges. On Sundays, two streets running parallel to the canal are reserved for pedestrians and cyclists—perfect for renting a bike and seeing the city from a fresh angle. Another possibility is to take a tour of the canal by boat. Visitors of all ages should find something to love alongside the Canal Saint-Martin….

Métro : gare de l’est (lines 4, 5  and 7) or Jaurès (lines 5 and 2)

….or why not the charming Luxembourg gardens of the French Senat? Perhaps the perfect place to share a picnic with your loved one – pull your chairs together facing the majestic Médicis fountain and get lost in the regal surroundings….

To find out more: http://www.senat.fr/lng/en/palais.html

…. the Buttes Chaumont, one of the numerous Parisian parks but unique with its cliffs, bridges, and grotto which encloses a 20-meter high waterfall. Walk alongside the lake, and enjoy the several sorts of gardens. This truly romantic spot, seemingly  isolated from the noise of Paris, is also a favourite setting for those wishing to elope….

Bus : lines 48, 60 stopping at Botzaris ; the line 48, 60, 75 stopping at Mairie du XIXe, or also the line 26 stopping at Botzaris-Butte Chaumont.

Métro : line 7, « Botzaris » or « Buttes Chaumont », also line 5, leaving at « Laumière » then continuing on foot down the avenue.

….the peace and tranquility at the other side of the city, in the Parc Monceau. Another great get-away from the hub of Paris and perfect for those seeking a bit of tranquility….

Métro : Monceau (line 2). Summer hours : 7h-22h. Winter hours : 7h-20h

….or equally escape to the peace and harmony of the south side of Paris, in the gardens of the Parc Montsouris. Here you will find the English styled garden, expanding 15 hectares with its northeast portion covering an historic entrance to the Paris catacombs….

To find out more: http://www.parisinfo.com/sites-culturels/1281/montsouris-parc-

.…or travel East to the spawling parc le bois de Vincennes. Situated on the site of the14th-century fortified chateau, the Chateau de Vincennes, the Bois de Vincennes offers seemingly endless space to stroll, picnic, boat, and unwind. Despite its location on the city’s border, it is easily accessible and perfect for those romantics of all ages….

To find out more: http://www.boisdevincennes.com/site/index.php3

.…to the Western side of Paris,  in order to enjoy the Bois de Boulogne, running all the way down the west side of the 16e. It was supposedly modelled on London’s Hyde Park – but is never the less a very French interpretation which offers endless possibilities. Why not take a romantic horse ride or take a boat out on the lake? Appreciate the flower displays or even try your luck at the race course? Whatever the decision there is plenty of choice for the family, and of course the romantics….

Métro : Porte Maillot (line 1), Porte Dauphine (line 2) or Porte d’Auteuil (line 10)

….to the metro stop Abbesses from where you will find the Sacré-cœur, in the heart of Montmartre. Here the winding uphill streets are crammed with artists, cafes and souvenir shops. Amazingly this is a part of Paris which seems completely disconnected to the rest of it, retaining much of it’s old village like status with the imposing Sacré-cœur looking down on the rest of the world. Walk up the Basilica’s flight of stairs and take in the view of the city. For those less energetic, take to a bench by the carousel lovingly portrayed in the film Amelie. Continue your film in Amelie’s café at 15 rue Lepic and then find the door to Van Gogh’s house at number 54. Why not even attend one of the alternative wedding ceremonies taking place, where one vows ‘not to marry the other’ but in doing so vows to remain fiancées for the rest of their lives….

To find out more : http://www.lepic-abbesses.com/article.php3?id_article=505

http://www.lepic-abbesses.com/

Métro : Abbesses (line 12)

….to the district of Le Marais. Once a mere swampland, the Marais (meaning swamp) is now one of the most sumptuous and surprising quarters of Paris, expanding from the Bastille area right up to l’Hôtel de Ville. It is also one of the few areas which has preserved the narrow streets and architectural styles of Medieval and Renaissance-era Paris. Its dramatic residences, artisan’s boutiques, galleries, lavish squares, and its mix of culture are worth reserving at least a half-day of exploration for….

To find out more : http://www.parislemarais.com/

….to the breath-taking place des Vosges, the oldest planned square in Paris also located in le Marais. This is a favourite place of many of Paris’ visitors, thanks to its beautiful and refreshing garden….

Métro : Bastille (lines 5,1 and 8 )

….Or take a seat at the The Palais Garnier, also named the Opéra de Paris and described as the ‘great theatre of the world’. This truly spectacular building has been impressing the public since its inauguration in 1875 and is still host to the most amazing spectacles today. Whether just visiting the monument or enjoying one its fine shows, it is sure to leave a long lasting impression….

To find out more : http://www.operadeparis.fr/cns11/live/onp/

….Stand in awe in front of the renowned  sculpture ‘The Kiss’ by Rodin. The Musée Rodin holds an exceptional collection of his works, including bronze castings, plaster studies, drawings, prints, letters, and books. There is also, notably, a stunning exhibition by Henri Moore set to commence in October 2010. Not to be missed by those who are lovers of the arts…..

To find out more : http://www.musee-rodin.fr/accueil.htm

….the unmissable Louvre, standing between la Place du Palais Royal and le jardin des Tuileries. Explore the immense museum, but be warned this could often take days, there really is an immense collection of works. If time is precious, simply enjoy a café on the terrasse du Marly or relax on the grass in the impressive grounds, and for those wishing to purchase their own pieces of art there is a good collection of antiques an art objects to purchase below the museum….

Métro : Palais Royal (lines 7, 1)

…the delightful musée de la Vie romantique. This museum is particularly precious for its rose garden, a little piece of paradise tucked away from the busy streets of Paris. It is also perfect place to sip a cup of tea whilst reading your favorite novel or writing postcards to your friends. Home of the portraitist Ary Scheffer, this 19th-century hôtel particulier—Hôtel Scheffer-Renan—saw a lot of famous artists such as Delacroix, Géricault, George Sand, Chopin, Rossini, Dickens… It is today a museum dedicated to the works of the painter Ary Scheffer himself as well as the ones of neighbor and friend George Sand. Take advantage also of the charming restaurant, not very well known but promises an idyllic evening in its luxurious surroundings.

To find out more : http://www.paris.fr/portail/loisirs/Portal.lut?page_id=5851

…to the offskirts of the Boulevard Haussmann. Take the time to enjoy artistic journey through the heart of the Italian Renaissance, enjoy the 18th century French masterpieces and the works by the Flemish masters. Discover such treasures in an authentic mansion that is just a stone’s throw from the Champs Elysées. A perfect break from the shopping frenzy, this is the musée Jacquemart-André – a must for anyone passionate about art and architecture (and tired of the shops!)….

To find out more : http://www.musee-jacquemart-andre.com/en/jacquemart/

…..to the surrounding area of the Parc Monceau and delight in the treasures at the  musée de Nissim de Camondo of the decorative arts. The pre-World War I town house was donated to the Musée des Arts Décoratifs by Comte Moïse de Camondo in memory of his son, Nissim, a French aviator killed in combat during World War I. The museum is like the home of an aristocrat — rich with needlepoint chairs, tapestries (many from Beauvais or Aubusson), antiques, paintings, bas-reliefs, silver, Chinese vases, crystal chandeliers, Sèvres porcelain, Savonnerie carpets, and even an Houdon bust.

To find out more : http://www.lesartsdecoratifs.fr/francais/nissim-de-camondo/

Those places out of the ordinary:

….at south of the former city gate, the « Barrière d’Enfer » (the barrier of hell), and at today’s Place Denfert-Rochereau is the Catacombs. Perhaps not one of Paris’ most romantic places, but undeniably emotive and equally eerie – said to be one of the 10 most haunted places in the city. Take a walk through the dark passages of the catacombs which will take you past the remains of millions of Parisians, carefully stacked skull-upon-skull, and labeled by their year of burial. Not the most appealing of outings for some but it certainly gives rise to the curiosities and emotions – for you to judge!

To find out more: http://www.catacombes-de-paris.fr/

…… the most famous cemeteries in the world, Père Lachaise. Here lies James de Rothschild, Colette, Edith Piaf and of course Jim Morrison. Again perhaps not the set in the most romantic context however you will be impressed by the tomb of Oscar Wilde, covered in lipstick kisses and adorned with love letters. An alternative romantic stroll……

To find out more : http://www.pere-lachaise.com/

And then visit:

Le Pont des Arts with its lover’s padlocks and art exhibitions

Le Pont Neuf, the oldest standing bridge in Paris and the setting for the French film ‘Lovers on the Bridge’

Others suggestions :

For those great romantics, several sites lend themselve to the most impressive weddings, opposite the Tower Eiffel or at the top of the Mound Montmartre, it’s your choice!

To find out more:  www.be-my-love-in-paris.com

L’œnologie en histoire is a project put together by certain wine experts who wish to share their passion for France’s greatest produce.

To find out more: http://www.museeduvinparis.com/francais/

A last flavoursome idea comes in the form of cheese tasting. Why not spend a day tasting some of France’s 400 types of cheese and famous wines. It would be rude not to, ‘when in Rome’ – or Paris….

To find out more: www.mygenieinparis.com/en/r/7/gourmet_paris__off_the_beaten_tracks.html?lang=en

Unmissable views:

Le Jules Verne, the restaurant situated some 125 meters above the ground at top of the Tower Eiffel, offers  unrestricted views of the four corners of Paris… Think about to reserve in advance!

To find out more: http://www.lejulesverne-paris.com/

Le Ciel de Paris, situated to the 56th floor of the Tower Montparnasse, offers the experience to dine and enjoy a view as equally impressive.  Once again, don’t forget to reserve!

To find out more:  http://www.cieldeparis.com/

The Hotel Britannique has also been named a favourite romantic place by its many couples who have chosen to spend their honey moon there. Only a few minutes from the Tour Saint Jacques, the Avenue Victoria seems like she too can win over the hearts .

Feel at ease to share with us your experiences of  romantic Paris and even help us discover new ones….

Whether it is for a marriage proposal, a wedding anniversary, a romantic surprise, or any other occasion of love, we created, for you, about thirty romantic experiences which will totally amaze your sweetheart !

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