Palais Garnier: self-guided or theatrical tour
What you see
The grand staircase, the grand foyer, and, when open, the auditorium with its ceiling painted by Chagall. It is a building designed to be admired from within, and you quickly understand why it is the most booked activity among those I compare. After Moreau’s house—dark, cluttered, filled with drawings—the contrast is striking: the gold, the mirrors, the light. Yet the two buildings are contemporary; the Palais Garnier and the house as Moreau expanded it in 1896 belong to the same Paris. It makes for a good topic of conversation on the staircase.
Self-guided tour: at your own pace, 1 to 2 hours
A reserved entry at Place de l’Opéra, and you move through the public spaces on your own. I have no additional inclusions to mention, and I prefer not to invent anything. The 19,139 reviews highlight the same points: the grand staircase, the gilded foyer, the Chagall ceiling, the freedom to explore at your own pace. And the same drawback: the auditorium closed for rehearsals on the day of their visit. This is the option I recommend for families, those short on time, and those leaving the Musée Gustave Moreau who want to continue without taking transport. My detailed review is on the review of the self-guided tour of the Palais Garnier page.
The theatrical tour: 1 hour 30 minutes with an actress
An actress leads the tour in the role of Florie, Marion or Suzanne, three dancers from the Opéra, with separate slots in French and English. Entry to the Palais Garnier is included, limited to the public areas only: there is no performance, no underground lake, no cloakroom. Punctuality is strict; late arrival means denied access with no refund, and some rooms may close without notice. The meeting point is at the corner of rue Scribe and rue Auber, beneath the left-hand column marked with an eagle, in front of the gate; do not enter the building alone, wait for the group. Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Reviews are warm and come largely from Canada. Isabelle describes it as the highlight of her holiday, Mathieu ranks it among the top three things he did in Paris, Marion and Françoise found the guide-actress captivating, Roberta, who came from Italy, says the theatre is spectacular and Suzanne passionate. The honest downside comes from Catherine: passionate guide, but her audio device’s battery failed during the tour. I discuss this in more detail on the page reviews of the theatrical tour.
The auditorium closed for rehearsal: a point to accept
The Palais Garnier is an active theatre. The auditorium, and thus Chagall’s ceiling, closes when a rehearsal is taking place, sometimes without prior notice. Neither of the two formats guarantees its opening. If the ceiling is your reason for coming, accept the risk or reconsider; the grand staircase and the foyer, however, remain open. I mention this to every group before leaving rue de La Rochefoucauld, and no one has ever left disappointed by the staircase.
Most bookedPalais Garnier: self-guided visit
UnusualPalais Garnier: theatrical guided tour
From the Musée Gustave Moreau
Head south towards place de l’Opéra: a ten- to twelve-minute walk, no metro required. The route crosses the boundary between Nouvelle Athènes and the grands boulevards, and it is described on the page how to get there. Keep your Musée Gustave Moreau ticket: it entitles you to a reduced rate at the Palais Garnier, and the reverse is also true, as I explain on the page tickets. For a full day, visit the museum in the morning, lunch on rue des Martyrs, Palais Garnier around 2 p.m.; then, if you still have the energy, Montmartre in the late afternoon.
Availability for the self-guided tour of the Palais Garnier
The other tours I compare—the pass, Orsay and Montmartre—are on the page all tours.
Frequently asked questions
Self-guided or theatrical tour: which should you choose?
Opt for the self-guided tour if you prefer to set your own pace, visit with family, or spend an hour without constraints. Choose the theatrical tour if you enjoy having the place narrated to you and are comfortable with a fixed one-and-a-half-hour schedule, available in French or English. Both options are detailed in our reviews.
Can you see Chagall’s hall and ceiling?
Only when it is not closed for rehearsals, which is never guaranteed, whether for the self-guided or theatrical tour. The grand staircase and grand foyer, however, remain accessible. If the ceiling is your sole reason for coming, be aware of this before booking.
Where is the meeting point for the theatrical tour?
At the corner of rue Scribe and rue Auber, beneath the left-hand column marked with an eagle, in front of the gate. Do not enter alone: the actress will come to collect the group. Be on time, as lateness results in denied access without a refund. The route from the Musée Gustave Moreau is on the how to get there page.
Does the Musée Moreau ticket give a discount at the Palais Garnier?
Yes, at the Palais Garnier ticket office, and a Palais Garnier ticket grants reciprocal access to the museum. This does not apply to the tours booked above, as admission is already included. Details of the combined reduced rate are on the tickets page.