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Palais Garnier Visit

Thing to do · Opera house tourOpéra, Paris

Self-guided or guided visits of Charles Garnier's opulent 1875 opera house, including the grand staircase, the Grand Foyer and Chagall's auditorium ceiling.

At a glance

Type
Opera house tour
Area
Opéra, Paris, France
Official site
operadeparis.fr
Last checked
October 23, 2026

Good to know

  • Self-guided visits
  • Guided tours
  • Online booking only

Why we recommend it

Inaugurated in 1875, the Palais Garnier is the most extravagant building of Second Empire Paris. A visit takes you up the marble grand staircase, through the gilded Grand Foyer and, when rehearsals allow, into the auditorium to see the ceiling Marc Chagall painted in 1964.

Self-guided visits last about an hour and a half and must be booked online, as no visit tickets are sold on site. The self-guided entrance is at the corner of Rue Scribe and Rue Auber. Guided tours, including shorter flash tours and after-hours visits, can also be booked if you want the stories behind the building.

Reviewed by Lifestylemetro · Details checked October 23, 2026

Palais Garnier Visit FAQs

Can I buy tickets at the door?

No. Online booking is mandatory and no visit tickets are sold on site.

How long does a visit take?

The self-guided visit lasts about 1h30, and entry is allowed up to 30 minutes after your booked time.

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