A scene from Hansel and Gretel (photo credit: Opéra National de Paris/Julien Benhamou)
The historic Palais Garnier is a work of art
We found a fun alternative to the many tried and true though often crowded monuments and museums of the City of Lights at the two Paris Opera theaters. The best known of the two theaters was the Palais Garnier on the Place de l’Opera. Limited performances and a relatively small building meant finding seats required advance planning. Once inside the ornate interior was worth the effort.
Scene from La Boheme (photo credit: Opéra National de Paris/Julien Benhamou)
The Opera Bastille is in a major traffic circle on the Right Bank
In the eastern side of the city near the famed Marais neighborhood, the Opera Bastille offered a large venue. The ample seating choices available meant the freedom to go to the opera on impulse. From a tourist perspective the Palais Garnier was our favorite. From a musical performance perspective we preferred the Opera Bastille.
