The splendour of Palais Garnier

I went on a tour of the Opera house; Palais Garnier on Monday. This is home to one of France's most splendid historical artchitecture. Home of the Opera and Ballet and a name synonymous with French culture, it was founded by Louis XIV in 1669, who was not only an actor but also a talented ballet dancer. The Opéra Garnier is the thirteenth theatre to house the Opera, and was designed by Charles Garnier, who due to a bureaucratic error resulting in a missing invitation, on the eve of the opening of the building was the only person that had to pay for his ticket.

We were fortunate enough to be in the auditorium and caught a glimpse of auditions for the ballet currently on. An impromptu violin recital  - part of a touring group had his playing abruptly stopped by management, much to everyone's disappointment; his two-minute concert was met with applause from the visitors though.
I took my daughter to see Swan Lake last year at Opéra Bastille, and can confirm that, although lovely, is not nearly as beautiful as the Palais Garnier. Most definitely worth a visit if you have time though.

Interesting fact: The Palais Garnier is in the hub of the financial district because in those days, the banks were used to store the jewelry worn by nobility, and they would therefore have easy access to their jewels on the nights out to the Opera.

Palais Garnier
Cnr. rue Scribe & rue Auber
75009, Paris

More pictures here.

The visiting violinist, entertaining visitors.