Palais Garnier

Palais Garnier

The tremendous size of this building

almost causes a person to 

overlook the magnificent

details.

Did I mention that I have

a thing for shoes?

Palais Garnier

8, rue Scribe

75009, Paris

Palais Garnier - l'opéra

Palais Garnier

No, I am not here tonight but in Budapest

with Alexa and the ever-charming Hattatts, Jane and Lance.

We will be at the Hungarian State Opera House

for a performance of 

Cavalleria Rusticana and  Pagliacci,

and I will bring back photos and stories

Palais Garnier

75009, Paris

Palais Garnier

Palais Garnier

I daresay the first time (or two) that you explore Palais Garnier 

you are more focused on the enormity and grandeur of the whole, 

but do not forget about the ceilings.  

The artistry is stunning with an ample application of gilt and detail.

Certainly, I would keep an eye on the chandeliers 

as you recall the history of one which fell.  

The phantom may be gone 

but the chandelier in my photo has an eerie tilt.

Palais Garnier

Place de l'Opéra

75009, Paris

 

Palais Garnier - des illuminations

Palais Garnier

illumination

From the grand staircases to the illustrious sconces and lights, 

Palais Garnier is the place of dreams.

Do not forget to dream...

Palais Garnier

Place de l'Opéra

75009, Paris

Street lamps - Palais Garnier

Street Lamps

Palais Garnier

These unusual street lamps are found in front of the grand Palais Garnier.  

The musical instruments seems fitting for the home of the Paris Opera.

This is my contribution to the 

City Daily Photo Theme Day for August.

Palais Garnier

Place de l'Opéra
75009, Paris

Palais Garnier - Repetto

What little girl would not want the 

beautiful tuille attire of a French ballerina?

The gift shop at Palais Garnier is one of my favorite stops, 

for taking photos, for people-watching, and for dreaming of sugar-plums.

Palais Garnier

8, rue Scribe

Place de l'Opéra

75009, Paris

 

Palais Garnier - La Salle de Spectacle

Palais Garnier

La Salle de Spectacle

Walking in through a hallway door into the richly adorned theatre

one is amazed at the opulence.   

Palais Garnier

Place de l'Opéra

75009, Paris

Métro Opera



Palais Garnier - VI

Palais Garnier is a monumental display of architecture and intricate details.  Built between 1860 and 1875 by Charles Garnier, an unknown 35-year-old architect, it was part of the great Parisian reconstruction project of Baron Haussmann.  The abundance of gilt and carvings are over the top, but the wealth of photo opportunities makes my heart sing.  

(Have you seen L'Intouchable with Omar Sy and François Cluzet?  

I saw it last week and loved the scene at Palais Garnier.) 

Palais Garnier
place de l'Opéra
75009, Paris
Métro Opéra

Palais Garnier - The Grand Foyer

The opulence of Palais Garnier defies description.  This tourist shot does at least give one an idea of the scale and size of this Beaux-Arts opera house.  I will be returning here next week to feel the music in every crevice, to imagine the famous dancers who have graced her stage, to appreciate the barely-known architect who created her.

To me it is like so much of Paris.  One cannot truly grasp the whole with a single visit, and I want to see it again with the fresh eyes of my husband who will be making his first trip to Paris.  We will be there next week.

Virginia (Paris Through my Lens), a dear friend and fellow traveler to Paris, sent me a link to this marvelous 25 minute documentary on the story and building of Palais Garnier.  I think that you will not be able to stop once you start.

bon weekend

Palais Garnier
Place de l'Opéra
75009, Paris

(For more Weekend Reflections, click here for James' wonderful collection of participants)

Palais Garnier - Illumination

Always look "up" or you might miss something spectacular like this...


Le Grand Escalier (The Grand Staircase)
Palais Garnier

Palais Garnier

At Palais Garnier, home of Opéra de Paris, the Grand Staircase will take your breath away with its opulence. Two larger-than-life gilt statues dominate the entrance to the ampitheatre.

Inaugurated in 1875, the architect of this magnificent building, Charles Garnier, was a previously unknown 35 year-old. I will bring you here again...