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The capital of France, fondly known the world over as the ‘City of Love and Music’, is home to the Opera de Paris Garnier which was built for Emperor Napolean the Third. The name of the building is derived through its designer, Charles Garnier and work on the building commenced in 1862. However, its completion was delayed due to the astonishing discovery of an underground lake, part of which is said to exist even today, making this construction an architectural marvel.

The Opera de Paris Garnier has the proud distinction of being one of the largest such theatres in the world and its interior design is just as majestic and is complete with marble columns, sculptures and gilded statues. The Grand Marble Staircase found inside, possibly the most well known feature of the Palais, is at a height of 30m while the Foyer is complete with an intricate mosaic pattern on the ceiling.

The designer of the building intended for the Foyer to resemble the gallery of a castle and most critiques observe that he indeed did achieve his aim. Adding to the grandeur of the building, the auditorium found behind the Grand Foyer is composed of a ceiling painted by Marc Chagall and is adorned with a six ton chandelier. All in all, the interior architecture of this theatre is truly a sight to behold.

This theatre is said to be the thirteenth to house the Parisian Opera and the Biblitheque Nationale de France i.e. the National French Library, is said to have recorded the history of the Opera for three centuries. At present, the Opera Garnier which has been renamed ‘Palais Opera’ is used mostly for ballet performances due to the construction of the Opera de Paris Bastille in the later 20th century. For those who wish to visit this attraction, it can be found at the Place de l’Opera.

Once you visit the Opera de Paris Garnier, it is absolutely essential that you return to the comfort of a luxury hotel Paris that will echo the luxurious elegance of the Palais Garnier. Le Royal Monceau Paris, located in the heart of the city is one of the few 5 Star Hotel Paris that will do so while still retaining the contemporary style of modern Parisian design.

Umanga Kahandawaarachchi is a passionate travel writer who writes under the pen name, Maggie Tulliver. Her field of writing covers a wide array of content and articles related to travel and hospitality industry.

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