The Palais Garnier – Opera House was built by Charles Garnier for Napoleon III; construction started in 1862 and was not completed until 1875. Work was rudely interrupted by the Prussian war. Inside Palais Garnier, the ornate facade of the Opera House is complemented by golden decorations. Around the top layer of the building are bronze head/torsos; these are of great composures from all over the world, Mozart is one of them. Stepping inside the Palais Garnier is like entering another world decorated with rose marble columns, sculptures, and 2 golden statues. A striking feature is the 30m high marble staircase and long mosaic tiled ceilings. The roof is quite unusual it was painted by Marc Chagall, who was a surrealist painter in Picasso’s day. The incredible building can seat 1,979 people; the stage can hold up to 450 actors which is actually quite small for an Opera house.

The glitter of a huge chandelier in the centre of the main room catches the eye; weighing over 6 tons. The chandelier sparkles and fills the room with magic; however, in 1898 the chandelier fell on the audience. The bad luck did not stop there it is said that in 1900 a stagehand hung himself. Everything comes in three’s right? The building caught fire a few years later; most of it the building was destroyed. There is speculation that it was a phantom who was haunting the building.

Fancy some shopping?

Behind the Opera House is a HUGE shopping centre; it is the Haussmann-Opera Galleria, built-in 1912 it is home to luxury shopping brands. The building itself is a work of art and you must pop in to take a look; swirling chandeliers, spiral staircases, and gold finishes. If you are looking for something unique to France; check out the French Perfume at Fragonard’s. It is only a short walk from the Opera House; here you can learn all about French Perfume, how it is made and how prestigious it really is.

For more tips on what to see and do in Paris check out our Dots to Discover Paris.