Paris: Opera Garnier Entry Ticket with Seine River Cruise

The Opéra Garnier, also known as the Palais Garnier, is one of the most iconic cultural landmarks in Paris. With its 1,979-seat capacity, it stands as one of the largest opera houses in Europe and continues to attract millions of visitors each year. Opened in 1875, the Palais Garnier was originally built to host grand opera performances. Today, it is primarily used for ballet shows, especially after the inauguration of the modern Opéra Bastille. Since 1923, the Palais Garnier has proudly held the title of “monument historique” of France, making it not only a venue for the arts but also a treasured piece of French heritage.

Commissioned by Emperor Napoleon III, the opera house was part of the sweeping urban transformation led by Baron Haussmann in the mid-19th century. In 1861, Charles Garnier, a relatively unknown architect at the time, won the competition to design the building. His vision gave Paris one of its most stunning architectural achievements, a masterpiece that combines Beaux-Arts grandeur with extraordinary attention to detail.

Visitors to the Palais Garnier are often captivated not just by its majestic façade but by its lavish interiors. Inside, the breathtaking Grand Staircase with its mosaic-covered ceiling, marble balustrades, and intricate sculptures provides an unforgettable first impression. The Grand Foyer dazzles with golden decorations, chandeliers, and ceiling frescoes reminiscent of the Hall of Mirrors in Versailles. Another fascinating feature lies beneath the opera house: a hidden underground water tank, often called the “lake.” This mysterious pool was used for structural reasons and famously inspired Gaston Leroux’s novel The Phantom of the Opera, later adapted into one of the world’s most famous musicals.

After immersing yourself in the artistic and historical splendor of the Palais Garnier, your experience continues with a 1-hour Seine River cruise. Departing from the central Port de la Bourdonnais, near the Eiffel Tower, the cruise offers a refreshing way to see Paris from the water. Onboard a modern, panoramic boat with open-air decks, you will glide past some of the city’s most celebrated landmarks. Marvel at the Eiffel Tower rising above the skyline, the golden dome of Les Invalides, the Louvre Museum, the Musée d’Orsay, the towers of Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the many elegant bridges that span the Seine.

The riverbanks, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, provide an enchanting backdrop as you sail. Along the way, spot charming houseboats and floating restaurants that highlight the unique lifestyle along the Seine. To enrich your journey, a multilingual audio guide available in 14 languages shares fascinating insights into the monuments and their place in Parisian history.

By booking Paris: Opera Garnier Entry Ticket with Seine River Cruise, you combine the grandeur of the Opera Garnier with the serene beauty of the Seine in one seamless package. It’s an ideal way to discover Paris’s cultural treasures and iconic landmarks in a single, memorable experience.