Opera Garnier and Grands magasins

Next step: Chagall’s ceilings

Visiting the showroom at the Palais de la Danse makes this tour of the Opéra Garnier really special. Step into a horseshoe-shaped red and gold room inspired by Italian-style theatres and seating around 2000 people. The intimate yet intimidating showroom decked in velvet, damask and wall hangings, is unique for its prestige and showstopping ceiling by Marc Chagall.  

In 1964, André Malraux had the opera’s old ceiling covered by a piece by Chagall, a bold tapestry made in Les Gobelins studios. The yellow, green, blue and red shapes spin overhead and stand out from the rest of the Garnier’s architecture. Can you spot the landmarks, artistic references and Chagall’s inspirations in the masterpiece? You’re bound to have an opinion about this piece that still fuels discussion and debate among art lovers… 

Next step: the grand staircase

The magnificent split staircase is a sight for sore eyes. As you scale the white Italian marble steps, drink in its walls sculpted with myriad materials: colourful marble, onyx, brass, mosaic and gilding. A staircase fit for an emperor!

Our step-by-step tour takes you behind the scenes at the Opéra Garnier to visit the forestage and places that are usually off limits such as the Foyer de la Danse… 

But let’s keep an air of mystery until you visit!

Next step: the 9th arrondissement Grands Magasins

The capital’s Grands Magasins are department stores-come-wonderlands that people visit like they would any other Paris landmark. The unmissable Le Printemps on Boulevard Haussmann is part of our tour so you can soak up the 1881 building’s architectural features, recent modern extension and glowing dome (designed by Blinet in 1911). 

The next step takes us to Galeries Lafayettes, an iconic Parisian Grands Magasins and star of Emile Zola’s book, Au Bonheur des Dames. Step-by-step, feast your eyes on its dome, Christmas tree and magical Christmas decorations…. 

If you’ve been good then we’ll treat you to a surprise to end the tour on a breathtaking high!