Opera de Paris Garnier

The Garnier Opera house is one of the most stunning buildings in Paris. It was designed by Charles Garnier, an unknown, out of 171 plans submitted by various competitors. After construction of the Opera house Garnier received an appointment with the French Government that afforded him review and approval of all State buildings. The theatre is impressive from the outside and equally ornate and magnificant on the inside. It was opened in 1871, at a time when going to the opera was a lavish event. Many of the famous impressionist painters frequented this opera house (probably most often with someone other than their wives).

The great staircase is lavishly decorated with many multicolored marbles quarried from different parts of France. The only stone not mined in France is that that makes up the white flooring material.

The equally magnifienct Grand Foyer, where people gathered during the intermission, is a wonder to behold. The chandeliers, guilded walls and fresco ceilings are beautiful.

Tickets for the opera run from 10 euros (where you can't see unless you stand up), to 150 euros for an orchestra seat and select boxes.

The auditorium consists of the orchestra seats and box seats that surround the performance space. Each box seat has a private area in the rear where curtains can be pulled for privacy.

The auditorium ceiling was replaced by Marc Chagall in 1964 with a mureal that to me looks out of place. The colors supposedly appoach the original colors of the original ceiling.

If you have the opportunity, it is a must see. Make sure you get the English (or language of your choice) guided tour. It is well worth the 12 euros. We received an over two hour tour of the Opera house which was worth every euro penny.

We got a little off track coming home (ended up fairly far north). We should have checked our maps more frequently. That's what happens when you get over confident. Not all roads in Paris run east/west or North South, especially in this district.