11 Best Concerts and Operas in Paris

In Paris you can enjoy a wide variety of opera halls and theaters that offer classical concerts as well as modern adaptations or performances. It is one of the best things to do in Paris if you want to get into the local culture. I suggest you start with the famed Opéra Garnier, whose regular repertoire is varied and full of surprises.

Operas and concerts are such a popular activity in the French capital that they even take place in Parisian temples such as the Sainte Chapelle, the Church of St. Ephrem and the Church of the Madeleine. I invite you to enjoy a unique sensory experience with its rhythms and scenic proposals. Here are the most popular programs and when you can take advantage of them.

The Palace of Versailles is so famous that every year it attracts thousands of tourists. However, many visit its premises overlooking its wide range of classical concerts, opera and ballet performances.

Regular concerts not to be missed are:

• Musiques à Versailles: a festival that organizes concerts on the first Tuesdays from October to July. They are usually held in the most prestigious halls, so it is also an unforgettable visual spectacle.
• Grand Eaux Musicales: if you plan to visit Paris in March you should know that in this month begin the famous concerts in the gardens of Versailles. It is an evening that combines the beauty of the lighting of the fountains, with baroque music in the background.

Details of interest

• Price: the entrance to the palace is available from 24 €. Prices for classical concerts vary according to the type of event.
• Hours: concerts are offered in the afternoon and evening. The palace is open from Tuesday to Sunday and the opening hours of the Palace of Versailles vary according to the season.
• Location: in Versailles, specifically in Place d'Armes.

If there's one place that should top your itinerary, it's the Opéra Garnier. It is an imposing theater of world renown that generally offers dance and opera performances as well as classical concerts. Each show is available on certain dates that may vary from year to year, so check the schedule.

You can enjoy Les Brigands on stage and marvel at Jacques Offenbach 's opera, one of the favorites of the usual repertoire for its three impressive acts. Or, you can opt for Mozart in Cosi Fan Tutte which is a classic experience of this theater.

A visit to the Opéra Garnier is also recommended outside the hours of artistic performances to discover its history and chase the famous "Phantom of the Opera", a fantastic story that you can explore if you go in the company of a guide.

Details of interest

• Price: admission to the theater facilities is available from 14 €. There are also guided tours from 338 €. But if you want to see a show you should know that there are plays from 42 € and that the most expected ones are usually more expensive. In addition, the price rises depending on the type of seats selected.
• Hours: usually performed between afternoon and evening.
• Location: Place de l'Opéra, in the 9th arrondissement. You can use the Paris metro to get there.

Take advantage of the atmosphere of the Sainte Chapelle and enjoy a concert with different nuances. Do not miss the performances of Vivaldi and Bach that bring to the stage classics of Parisian music. In particular, candlelight concerts are popular in Paris, especially in cathedrals and churches. Here you can marvel at one and delight yourself with a varied and intimate repertoire, where you will feel like in medieval France.

They are usually held in the chapel chamber and you will be surrounded by stained glass windows that will leave you speechless. You'll love the concerts at this church because they bring in the leading stars of romantic piano, something you won't see just anywhere. Christmas and New Year's concerts at the Sainte-Chapelle offer a magical and unique experience in a breathtaking setting. Works by Vivaldi, Bach, Mozart and Handel are usually played, as well as festive pieces.

It has a limited capacity and it is advisable to book in advance. Note that you can also buy tickets for the Sainte Chapelle and the Conciergerie to see in detail the elements of a 13th century church and live an augmented reality experience.

Although the entrance to the Sainte Chapelle is a must in Paris, it does not give you access to the concerts. Something similar happens if you buy tickets for any of their concerts, unfortunately you will only see some areas of the chapel and access will be restricted.

Details of interest

• Price: from 19 € per person, it can be higher depending on the type of seat and experience selected. Consider that tickets for the church are separate and at a different time, costing around 23 €.
• Schedule: you should check the schedule because concerts are held on certain days of the week, usually from 19:00, although the church is open from 9:00.
• Location: on the Île de la Cité, near the Notre-Dame Cathedral.

Beyond the paintings of the Louvre, the museum is also home to one of the most magical concert halls in Paris. It is known as the Auditorium du Louvre and you can enjoy classical music concerts in a completely different setting. There are also contemporary shows that include audience interaction.

There are also musical shows where you can learn more about the museum. In addition, it is characterized because it opens its doors to up-and-coming artists and international figures. Keep in mind that some shows are temporary, but there are also those that are here to stay.

You can take advantage and get tickets for the Louvre Museum, since the auditorium is inside the museum, but you need two different tickets. That is to say, tickets to the Louvre do not allow you to access the concerts, nor vice versa.

Details of interest

• Price: depending on the concert, you can get tickets from 10 €, although access to the museum has an additional cost of 51 € and is not included in the ticket.
• Hours: may vary depending on the type of show, but in general they are presented in the afternoon between 17:00 and 19:00. Evening options are also available from 20:00 and the Louvre museum can be visited from 9:00.
• Location: Rue de Rivoli.

The Church of St. Ephrem is another perfect hideaway to enjoy Parisian concerts in a quiet and charming atmosphere. Not only will you live a cultural experience, you will also get a taste of baroque music with high quality acoustics.

The most famous event is the candlelight concerts that add a mysterious touch to the performance. It consists of an evening evening with classical piano notes and works by Frédéric Chopin and Claude Debussy.

There are also concerts dedicated exclusively to Chopin, whose catalog of piano music is immortalized in time. In fact, he is known for his influence on instrumental balladry, something you can enjoy during the tributes performed by the church.

As a tip, I would also take advantage of this cultural activity to book a tour of the Latin Quarter of Paris and see the city' s pantheon, as they are within walking distance.

Details of interest

• Price: from 25 € per concert.
• Schedule: the date and time of the concerts may vary, but they are usually booked for weekends and special dates.
• Location: near the Pantheon in Paris and within walking distance of the Boulevard Saint-Germain.

If you love classical music, galas and violin concerts, the Philharmonie de Paris is the place for you. Within its walls resound the notes of Beethoven and Mozart and an authentic Parisian opera atmosphere is on display.

The imposing Orchestre de Paris and other famous choirs of the capital perform here. And although it has several charming halls, many tourists are interested in the Salle Pierre Boulez. Moreover, it is not limited to classical, it is actually multifaceted and you can enjoy concerts of:

• Jazz, pop or rock.
• Symphonic.
• Contemporary.
• Baroque.
• Musicals.
• Music combined with ballet.
• International music concerts.
• Christmas and New Year's concerts.

Details of interest

• Price: concert prices usually range from 10 € to 80 €, but there are special shows such as the New Year's Concert that can be more expensive.
• Schedule: generally, there are concerts in the afternoon between 15:00 and 19:00. Evening itineraries are also offered from 20:00 to 21:00, but it is important to check their website to be aware of possible changes.
• Location: at La Cité de la Musique in Paris, in the Pont de Flanders district.

The Bastille Opera offers a varied program through classical works such as Carmen, La Traviata and Don Giovanni. Their concerts include symphonic music and also welcome the Ballet of the National Opera of Paris.

I especially recommend going to see The Nutcracker or the famous Swan Lake.

In this opera house renowned artists have begun their careers, such as tenor Benjamin Bernheim. And even new versions of famous works such as Romeo and Juliet have been created, including musical performances and opera crossovers.

Details of interest

• Price: between 10 and 200 €, depending on the concert and the seats selected.
• Hours: usually take place between 19:30 and 20:00, depending on the type of show.
• Location: near the Place de la Bastille.

Another non-traditional concert hall is the Seine Musicale. This performing arts center offers everything from classical music concerts and orchestral performances to rock shows by popular bands.

In fact, it has the widest repertoire in Paris with a variety of French and international offerings. For example, it includes K-pop and mandopop concerts, which are quite popular genres in Asia. You won't have to travel the world to enjoy your favorite music and genres, as the offerings defy expectations.

It even has concerts and shows that revolve around magic, humor and electro.

Details of interest

• Price: you can enjoy classical concerts, rock shows and opera from 12 €.
• Hours: they start between 19:00 and 21:00.
• Location: La Seine Musicale, Île Seguin.

If you're looking for something out of the ordinary you have to experience comic opera, a genre that fuses dramatic music, mime and spoken dialogue. In Paris you can take advantage of it at the Opéra Comique where, with each scene, performers will show you the connection of cinema and opera, offering a show that is off the charts.

Before cinema became the main genre of entertainment, opera was a favorite activity for Parisians. Hence, there are works such as Carmen, Georges Bizet's famous opera, which embarks on opera's relationship with theater. Don't be surprised if you find yourself bursting out laughing in what seems like a solemn and impenetrable atmosphere.

Another work that is usually presented in the annual program is Les Contes d'Hoffmann, an opera show that mixes fantasy with tragedy. In addition, you can also enjoy La Fille du Régiment and La Périchole.

Details of interest

• Price: from 30 €.
• Hours: concerts are usually offered between 19:00 and 20:30.
• Location: near Place de l'Opéra, between the Opera Garnier and Boulevard Montmartre.

The Théâtre de l'Athénée is eagerly awaiting you to delight you with a selection of classical and contemporary works. Enjoy authentic Parisian rhythms in an Italian-style hall that is quite popular for its jazz concerts and other genres.

One of the best features of this theater is its history since 1896. This has made it a historical monument and a trusted place to enjoy concerts in the capital.

This opera house has impressive acoustics and you will be able to appreciate every element that makes up the musical pieces. It is perfect if you want to escape the crowds, as most tourists look for the more popular options, leaving this gem for the more daring.

Details of interest

• Price: from 34 €.
• Hours: usually shows from 19:00 onwards.
• Location: 2 Rue de la Michodière, near Boulevard Montmartre. It is within walking distance of the Grands Boulevards metro station.

Enjoy concerts and musical Sundays at the Madeleine Church, one of the best churches to visit in Paris. It is quite intriguing its presence in the capital of France, because its architecture is more similar to the facades of Ancient Greece.

Its years of history and impressive decoration are not its only attraction, as some of the most spectacular concerts in the capital come to life here. It offers themed music shows such as Fauré's Requiem or Ravel's Bolero.

On musical Sundays they offer an evening of organ concerts by local and international masters. And if you plan to visit Paris in December, don't miss the Christmas concerts.

Details of interest

• Price: from 25 €.
• Hours: usually start between 20:00 and 21:30. Although special schedules are offered for the Christmas and New Year's concerts.
• Location: at the Place de la Madeleine, located at the end of Rue Royale.