Location: Opéra / Bourse
Top Things to do in Opéra / Bourse
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The 10 Best Things to do in Opéra / Bourse, Ile-de-France
Lingering over pain au chocolat in a sidewalk café, relaxing after a day of strolling along the Seine and marveling at icons like the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe… the perfect Paris experience combines leisure and liveliness with enough time to savor both an exquisite meal and exhibits at the Louvre. Awaken your spirit at Notre Dame, bargain hunt at the Marché aux Puces de Montreuil or for goodies at the Marché Biologique Raspail, then cap it all off with a risqué show at the Moulin Rouge.
Restaurants in Paris
1. Palais Garnier
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19,408 reviews
This performance hall hosts opera, ballet and chamber music performances.
Reviewed By globalfinder312 - Chicago, United States
Don't miss seeing the Palais Garnier, even if you never attend the opera or ballet. This is one of Paris' grand buildings, and I enjoyed the experience of learning it's history on a guided tour of it's exceptionally beautiful and ornate architecture, paintings, sculpture and more -- after hours without the crowds. You will learn the challenges of its design, about the architect (and how and where Garner became the first to memorialize his creation); about the history at its inception, followed by its opening after France had become a republic. I am not a devout Phantom of the Opera fan. Yet it was amazing to hear the story told where it took place. The 90-minute guided tour that begins at 5pm sells out so it would be best to reserve a space and pay for your tickets ahead of time. Easily done on the website. Bring a copy of your receipt and convert it into tickets at the box office. Our delightful tour guide Karen lead an informative and enjoyable tour, and was exceptionally kind to children in the group.
2. La Madeleine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,232 reviews
A beautiful church built by Napoleon in honor of his troops.
Reviewed By adalbert3 - Newport Beach, United States
Sitting up high with its 52 Corinthian columns and Greek Temple appearance, it is easy to understand that initially it was planned to be a memorial to Napoleon's Grand Army. When Napoleon fell, it became a Catholic church. It may be that because the exterior is so imposing that when you walk inside, the combination of dim light and the beautiful statue of Mary Magdalene behind the Main Altar create a sense of calm and comfort. Things not to miss---the Pediment above the entrance showing the Last Judgment, the Baptism of Christ sculpture by Francois Rude, the Statue of Mary Magdalene by Charles Marochetti (up close), the History of Christianity by Jules-Claude Ziegler in the Nave of La Madeleine (the frescoe is showing the main figures of the Christian religion & as a testament to the time, it included Napoleon right in the center), the bronze doors following the theme of the ten commandments and the statues of the various saints on the Colonnade. This church has a funny way of making you want to come back---it does not have the high level of ornamentation that you find in some cathedrals (however, it does have some beautiful sculptures) but it definitely has it's own personality. Check out my photos for more details.
3. Opera Comique
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 47 reviews
The Opéra Comique was founded in 1714 under the reign of Louis XIV. It is one of the oldest French dramatic and musical institutions along with the Opéra de Paris and the Comédie-Française. Its history was alternately turbulent and prestigious until it was listed on the register of national theaters in 2005.
Reviewed By mcallister1 - Chelmsford, United Kingdom
We often go to the opera in London but have never seen La Dame Blanche. It was a truly charming production with subtitles in French and English for the singing, and English for the dialogue . Excellent singers and a beautifully judged production. We were in the 3rd gallery row V 37 and 39 with a view of 3/4 of the stage. The legroom in this €35 seat was so woeful that my 6 ft 2 OH couldnt get in. I was ok at 5.ft 4...just. Luckily it was back row so he could perch on the upturned seat and stand. It is a measure of the quality of the production that he didn't mind. As others say, the building itself is wonderful and the bar salon is magnificent. Wine is €6 and a lot of locals had an emmenthal baguette sandwich for €6 at the interval which would have been handy to know about. Apparently they are engaged in rediscovering their repertoire from their early history at the moment. The man next to me pointed out a box near the stage and said that a Duke had donated the land for the theatre and in return the family could always use the box. Many times the city have tried to get it back for other uses but have failed to overturn the covenant on the land. A fabulous night out.
4. Quartier de l'Opera
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 324 reviews
Reviewed By B1714D - Belgrade, Serbia
The outstanding Palace de Garnier, or the Opera house is absolutely the main attraction here, jaw dropping both inside and outside (see that review). Besides it, this neighborhood is home to the famous department stores, Galleries Laffayete being the biggest one, as well many restaurants, hotels and designer shops. Certainly an area to explore.
5. Musee Gustave Moreau
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 369 reviews
This museum features the work of 19th century artist Gustave Moreau.
Reviewed By Taxidevil - Glasgow, United Kingdom
Gustave Moreau was a symbolist. I found his paintings fascinating and his drawings shows what a master he was. A visit takes you through his living quarters and then up into his studio. We bought a joint ticket which included the Jean- Jacques Henner museum - a very different painter.
6. Passage Jouffroy
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 262 reviews
One of the most popular shopping arcades in Paris, Passage Jouffroy features unique shops specializing in paper and antique books. Don't leave without trying the pastries at patisserie Le Valentin.
Reviewed By JnVSydney - Greater Sydney, Australia
One of our favourite things to do on a rainy day was visit the covered passages, this one, (built in 1845) is a little plain, however, has the bestest book store.
7. Passage Verdeau
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 164 reviews
Reviewed By TV2451
This passage is very short in length, but worth o visit for its style and grace. A few unique shops plus some places for coffee or lunch. Your stroll will take you off the street and away from the traffic which was the point when it was created.
8. La Grande Comedie
9. Musee de la Franc-Maconnerie
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 54 reviews
Reviewed By Venture797295 - New York City, United States
Expect to spend between 1-2 hours at this great museum. Despite the fact that it has only one floor (for not initiated members) to explore, the abundance of information, artifacts, and masterpieces is substantial. You don't have to be at the 33 degree to have a unique cultural, historical, and philosophical experience.
10. Theatre de Mogador
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