Palais Garnier

Walk through the gilded theatre of The Phantom of the Opera

⚠ Online tickets only

Hours: Usually 10:00–17:00, last entry an hour before closing; changes with performances and events
Tickets: Self-guided: non-EEA adults €25, ages 13–25 €20 (EEA €15/€10), 12 and under free. Guided tour €35. Online booking required
Address: Place de l'Opéra, 9th arr.; the visitor entrance is at the corner of Rue Scribe and Rue Auber

The opera house opened in 1875. Right inside, the Grand Staircase of multicoloured marble splits and climbs in two directions, and you half want to lift an imaginary hem. Upstairs the Grand Foyer is a long hall of chandeliers, painted ceilings and endless gilding. If there is no rehearsal you can step into the red-velvet auditorium under Chagall's ceiling. Most reviewers say the self-guided visit alone is well worth it.