Frequently Asked Questions about Palais Garnier in 2026

Q: What is special about Palais Garnier?

Palais Garnier is an architectural masterpiece and an excellent example of the Beaux-Arts style, characterized by its lavish decorations, marble paneling, gilded ornamentation and finely crafted frescoes and sculptures. The construction of the opera house was commissioned by Napoleon III and was part of the extensive urban renewal under Georges-Eugène Haussmann in the mid-19th century. The house is known to many through Gaston Leroux's novel The Phantom of the Opera.

Q: What is under Palais Garnier?

There is a small lake under Palais Garnier. During the construction of the opera house, Charles Garnier noticed that the groundwater was very high and decided to build an underground lake as a water reservoir to solve the problem. This artificial lake served as the foundation for the building and helped keep the groundwater stable. The lake also served as inspiration for Gaston Leroux when he wrote "The Phantom of the Opera." In the story, the Phantom lives in the catacombs of the opera house, near this lake. In real life, the lake is still used today by the Paris Fire Department for diving training. >> Read here about the attractions inside Palais Garnier.

Q: Can I go to the roof of Palais Garnier?

No, the roof of Palais Garnier is not open to the public. A visit to the roof would certainly be spectacular, but is not permitted for safety and preservation reasons.

Q: How many spectators fit into Palais Garnier?

Palais Garnier seats about 1,900 spectators . The auditorium is known for its magnificent design, including the impressive eight-ton chandelier and ceiling fresco painted by artist Marc Chagall. The number of seats may vary depending on the type of performance and seating, but the number given indicates the usual capacity for opera and ballet performances. >> Find more fascinating facts here.

Frequently Asked Questions about Palais Garnier

Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about Palais Garnier (Opéra Garnier), covering everything from general questions to transportation and practical tips.
Find quick answers to all your Palais Garnier questions, from access to etiquette, in our handy FAQ guide.
Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions:

Frequently Asked Questions about Palais Garnier

The entry ticket grants access to various public areas, encompassing the Opera’s Library-Museum, the Rotonde des Abonnés, the Bassin de la Pythie, the Grand Escalier, the Grand Foyer and the Avant Foyer, the Salons de la lune et du soleil, and the Rotonde du Glacier with its tapestries. However, please note that access to the auditorium may be restricted or impossible at times due to technical and/or artistic reasons.

>> Explore our comparison table and choose the ideal Palais Garnier ticket for your visit.

Palais Garnier is an architectural masterpiece and an excellent example of the Beaux-Arts style, characterized by its lavish decorations, marble paneling, gilded ornamentation and finely crafted frescoes and sculptures. The construction of the opera house was commissioned by Napoleon III and was part of the extensive urban renewal under Georges-Eugène Haussmann in the mid-19th century. The house is known to many through Gaston Leroux’s novel The Phantom of the Opera.

There is a small lake under Palais Garnier. During the construction of the opera house, Charles Garnier noticed that the groundwater was very high and decided to build an underground lake as a water reservoir to solve the problem. This artificial lake served as the foundation for the building and helped keep the groundwater stable. The lake also served as inspiration for Gaston Leroux when he wrote “The Phantom of the Opera.” In the story, the Phantom lives in the catacombs of the opera house, near this lake. In real life, the lake is still used today by the Paris Fire Department for diving training.

>> Read here about the attractions inside Palais Garnier.

Yes, you can visit Palais Garnier. The opera house offers both guided and self-guided tours that allow visitors to admire the splendor of the interior, including the Grand Staircase, the auditorium (sometimes not accessible), the Avant Foyer and other impressive spaces. These tours offer the opportunity to learn interesting facts about the history, architecture and art of the building.

>> See Our Overview of the Best Ticket Options.

No, the roof of Palais Garnier is not open to the public. A visit to the roof would certainly be spectacular, but is not permitted for safety and preservation reasons.

Palais Garnier, also known as Opéra Garnier, was designed by French architect Charles Garnier. The building is named after him. Construction of Palais Garnier began in 1861 and was completed in 1875. The opera house was built as part of the large-scale urban redevelopment of Paris under Georges-Eugène Haussmann, commissioned by Napoleon III. Charles Garnier’s design was chosen after winning an architectural competition. The magnificent style of the building is an outstanding example of Beaux-Arts architecture.

Palais Garnier seats about 1,900 spectators. The auditorium is known for its magnificent design, including the impressive eight-ton chandelier and ceiling fresco painted by artist Marc Chagall. The number of seats may vary depending on the type of performance and seating, but the number given indicates the usual capacity for opera and ballet performances.

>> Find more fascinating facts here.

There is no compulsory dress code. However, we recommend dressing appropriately for the setting, i.e. not too casual or sporty. Flip-flops should be avoided. On gala evenings, gentlemen should wear a dark suit and ladies a dress.

CoCo restaurant at Palais Garnier welcomes guests both day and night, offering an à la carte menu for lunch (12pm-3pm), dinner (7pm-11pm), and weekend brunch. The entrance is situated on Place Jacques Rouché, to the right when facing the façade.

>> More information: Best Restaurants near Palais Garnier

Yes, Opéra Garnier was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1975 due to its outstanding architectural and cultural significance. The building is considered to be a masterpiece of Second Empire architecture and is a symbol of Parisian culture.

Book Palais Garnier Tickets & Tours

Explore below your Palais Garnier ticket options and pick from the finest selection:

Palais Garnier: Self-Guided Tour

4.6/5

4.4K+ Reviews

From €25

Tiqets

Opéra Garnier entry ticket
Admission to the public areas of Opera Garnier
Smartphone ticket accepted
No cancellation

“This site was mesmerising, it transforms you another time of decadence. It is a beautiful building and well worth the visit. Allow time as there is so much to see and enjoy. Highly recommend.”

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Arc de Triomphe + Palais Garnier: Self-Guided Tour

4.3/5

44+ Reviews

From €40.85

Tiqets

Instant Confirmation
Mobile ticket
Admission to Opéra Garnier
Admission to Arc de Triomphe
Non-refundable

“The view is amazing. You should bear in mind that there is no elevator and you have to go through 300 steps in order to go to rooftop.”

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Sainte-Chapelle & Conciergerie + Palais Garnier: Self-Guided Tour

4/5

5+ Reviews

From €48.88

Tiqets

Instant confirmation
Combo Ticket
Opera Garnier Ticket
Entry to Sainte-Chapelle & Conciergerie
No Cancellation

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Seine River Cruises + Palais Garnier: Self-Guided Tour

4.5/5

63+ Reviews

From €40.85

Tiqets

Instant Confirmation
Mobile ticket
Admission to Opéra Garnier
One-hour boat ride on Seine river
No Cancellation

“It was absolutely wonderful to be able to visit the magnificent Opéra Garnier.”

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Palais Garnier: Self-Guided Tour

4.6/5 (4.4K+ Reviews)

With this ticket, you’ll get access to the iconic Palais Garnier and its temporary exhibitions. Follow in the footsteps of the “Phantom of the Opera” and experience a true feast for the eyes, as the building is perhaps the most beautiful opera house in the world. Dazzling mosaics, colorful marble, and gilded decorations as far as the eye can see. A truly extravagant example of the architecture of the Second French Empire.

Entry to Opéra Garnier
Access to temporary exhibitions
Self-guided tour

Meeting point: Opéra Garnier, Place de l’Opéra, 75009 Paris
Show your mobile ticket at the Palais Garnier entrance (corner of Scribe and Auber).

Starting time: Valid for one day, only on the selected time slot & date.

Jennifer, May 2026

“This site was mesmerising, it transforms you another time of decadence. It is a beautiful building and well worth the visit. Allow time as there is so much to see and enjoy. Highly recommend.”

>> See More Reviews

Starting at €25

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Tiqets

Reserve now, pay later
Opéra Garnier entry ticket
Admission to the public areas of Opera Garnier
Smartphone ticket
No Cancellation

Arc de Triomphe + Palais Garnier: Self-Guided Tour

4.3/5 (44+ Reviews)

Enjoy two of Paris’s most iconic landmarks with one convenient combo ticket, including entry to the Arc de Triomphe with rooftop access and a self-guided visit to the magnificent Palais Garnier. Climb to the Arc de Triomphe’s panoramic terrace for sweeping views of the Champs-Élysées and the Paris skyline, then explore the opulent interiors of the historic opera house at your own pace. Admire the Grand Staircase, lavish foyers, ornate ceiling decorations, and temporary exhibitions while discovering the inspiration behind The Phantom of the Opera.

Entry ticket to Opéra Garnier
Access to temporary exhibitions at Opéra Garnier
Self-guided tour of Opéra Garnier
Entry ticket to the Arc de Triomph
Rooftop access

Meeting Point: Arc de Triomphe, Place Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris & Palais Garnier, Place de l’Opéra, 75009 Paris

Starting Time: Visit the Arc de Triomphe at any time on your selected date during opening hours. The Palais Garnier can also be visited independently on a selected time slot.

Duration: Flexible duration at both attractions

Anonymous, Feb 2023, Verified customer

The view is amazing. You should bear in mind that there is no elevator and you have to go through 300 steps in order to go to rooftop.
>> See More Reviews

Starting at €40.85

Check Availability

Tiqets

Instant Confirmation
Mobile ticket
Admission to Opéra Garnier
Admission to the Arc de Triomphe
Non-refundable

Sainte-Chapelle & Conciergerie + Palais Garnier: Self-Guided Tour

4/5 (5+ Reviews)

Experience three of Paris’s most remarkable landmarks with one convenient combo ticket, including entry to Sainte-Chapelle, the Conciergerie, and the magnificent Palais Garnier. Admire the breathtaking stained-glass windows of Sainte-Chapelle, explore the medieval halls and former prison of the Conciergerie with a Histopad, then discover the opulent interiors of the Palais Garnier on a self-guided visit.

Entry to Opera Garnier
Access to Opera Garnier’s temporary and permanent exhibitions
Self-guided tour of Opera Garnier
Entry to Sainte-Chapelle & Conciergerie
Histopad for the Conciergerie (available in 6 languages)

Meeting Point: Sainte-Chapelle, 10 Boulevard du Palais, 75001 Paris & Palais Garnier, Place de l’Opéra, 75009 Paris

Starting Time: Timed entry is required for Sainte-Chapelle. Visit the Conciergerie on the same day, either before or after your Sainte-Chapelle visit. The Palais Garnier can be visited on your selected time slot.

Duration: Flexible – explore all three attractions at your own pace.

>> See More Reviews

Starting at €48.88

Check Availability

Tiqets

Instant confirmation
Combo Ticket
Opera Garnier Ticket
Entry to Sainte-Chapelle & Conciergerie
No Cancellation

Seine River Cruises + Palais Garnier: Self-Guided Tour

4.5/5 (63+ Reviews)

Experience Paris from two unique perspectives with a scenic Seine River cruise and a self-guided visit to the elegant Palais Garnier. Sail past iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre while listening to informative audio commentary, then step inside one of the world’s most beautiful opera houses. Explore the Grand Staircase, lavish foyers, ornate auditorium, and temporary exhibitions at your own pace.

Admission to Opéra Garnier
Access to temporary exhibitions
Opéra Garnier self-guided tour
1-hour Bateaux Parisiens Seine River cruise (flexible ticket)
Audio guide in French, English, Hindi, Arabic, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Polish, Dutch, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean