On normal days the visiting times are from 10am through to 5pm, but from mid July until the end of August, these are extended until 6pm. Not forgetting you can visit the Opera Museum, known as the Bibliotheque-Musee de L’Opera National de Paris, which is where you can learn more about the history of opera in Paris, see models of old stage sets, costumes, the history of the Palais Garnier Opera and much more.

You can opt to visit the Palais Garnier on an unaccompanied tour, where you could stand and stare in awe at the Grand Staircase and the fabulous Grand Foyer, yet also get to see the auditorium. The tickets can vary in cost quite dramatically from only around €15 up to around €150 for a seat, all depending upon the performance and what type of seat you choose, but even if you do not want an evening out with this kind of entertainment in Paris, then you can still visit the Palais Garnier and admire its beauty.

Yet there are also certain productions that are accessible to hearing impaired through a special headset, that provides a real time description of the performance, although at present this is only available in French and you would need to contact the number above to find out more. One of the reasons is that you will have individual access via a special lift and get specially fitted front box office seats, so hence why you have to book before. There are also specific seats set aside for the physically handicapped in wheelchairs, but it is necessary to contact the public relations service at least two weeks prior to the performance you wish to book by telephone +33 (0) 1 40 01 18 50.

However, there are also tour companies in Paris that offer packages as well. Of course, the Opera Garnier is still a fully functioning theatre for opera performances, but also for ballet, and other types of shows like those designed more for children and you can book tickets directly online at the official website. And as of 2011, there is now a very contemporary styled restaurant located at this incredible monument in Paris called the L’Opera, which has been constructed behind glass between the columns with damaging any of the original architecture.

Paris opera garnier tours