An Evening at the Opera
Hi friends,
Last week, I had the opportunity to finally visit Palais Garnier, also known as L'opéra Garnier. As one of the most famous and beautiful opera houses in the world, Palais Garnier is a MUST visit for anyone coming to Paris.
What I Wore:
Originally, I thought I’d make a bold move and wear one of my red dresses to the opera, but upon a moment of overthinking, I reverted back to what I know and wore something neutral. I styled a black mini skirt with my vintage wool and silk skirt that I thrifted last year in Paris. My dear friend Ivana gave me some opera gloves to borrow and I completed my look with my favorite vintage bag.
What I Saw:
Visiting the opera house is nearly a spiritual experience. It’s pristinely well-kept and there’s only a small amount of light floating down from a small opening in the ceiling. There are ornate details everywhere. From the banisters to the sweeping staircase, not a single surface is left without a flourish.
For simply visiting the opera house without a ticket to the show, I was able to walk through the main lobby, the hallway of golden chandeliers, and even sneak a peek inside the auditorium where a pair of ballet dancers were rehearsing. I think there’s no grander stage than inside the Paris opera where the seats are lined with red velvet and the stage glows with golden embellishments. It’s absolutely surreal to think that wealthy aristocratic families used to own individual booths at the opera where they could display their importance and prestige. Oh and did I mention that this is where The Phantom of the Opera took place in the famous novel?
Tips for visiting in the future:
Book your ticket in advance online.
To avoid the crowds, it’s best to visit either right when the opera house opens or right before it closes. Allow at least an hour to see everything or more time if you’re someone who likes to take pictures of everything (like me).
The entrance is currently on the left side of the opera house if you’re facing it from the main metro station. The exterior has been under construction likely for the Olympics coming up, so try to follow the signs when you’re looking for the entrance.
As always, thank you so much for taking the time to read my latest blog post. I hope you enjoyed seeing this little peek into one of the most beautiful buildings I’ve ever laid eyes on. Overall, it was smaller than I thought it was going to be, but it did not disappoint. The amount of intricate detail put into every inch of this building is simply incredible and a singular moment worth experiencing regardless of whether or not you actually like opera music.
À bientôt!
Kiana