I went to see the ballet at the opera Garnier. I have always wanted to go but it eclipsed my greatest expectations. We sat in the box seats right along the front of four boxes right next to each other (50/seat purchased online). We saw the spectacular Joyeaux with costumes by Christian Lacroix. That is truly the most wonderful experience I have ever had in Paris, without a doubt. It is simply indescribably how opulently beautiful that place is. Why would anyone want to go to the opera Bastille instead of that?

We saw a William Forsythe Ballet at the Garnier. I just sat there in awe, thinking that I didn't even need to see the Ballet, just being in that wonderful Opera house was enough!<BR> Weren't the ushers great! Ours hung out and talked to us during intermission (he had gone to summer camp in NY state) and he gave us a mini tour of the Opera House.<BR>

Can you get tickets when you are there, or do you need them in advance? Do they have a site?

We used ticketavenue, which is now out of business but don't wait until you get there, they always sell out!

I have gone to the OPera Bastille instead of the Garnier when they had a superior program, at least in terms of what I wanted to see. Some people actually go for the performance.

<BR>NO! really?? Well, sometimes people go for the performance IN a lovely setting!

Wren,<BR>www.opera-de-paris.com<BR><BR>I wouldn't count on getting tickets, when there. The opera house, especially Garnier, is very popular and depending on the performance, tickets go quickly.<BR>Incidentally, I wanted to get tickets for a ballet at the Bastille opera after Xmas, but no chance.<BR>Next time, I'll order them online.<BR>Bonne chance!

Scarlett, the setting at the Bastille opera is terrific, but it's different from the Garnier, of course.<BR>Personally, I prefer the Bastille as well.<BR>I think, there are some Maurice Bejart performances at the Bastille later this year. A must!

Hi Ursala

<BR>sorry, Ursula :lol

Wren: I recently purchased tix online (www.opera-de-paris.com) for the ballet, Giselle in July (at Palais Garnier). Once you've decided on a performance, the site indicates when tix become available for online purchase. <BR><BR>I'm very excited about it as I've never been to the ballet in Paris (and it's a surprise for my boyfriend).<BR><BR>

Scarlett, no need to be sorry!<BR>I like both opera houses, but I can tell you that the Batille has more comfortable seats and the view from most seats is far superior.<BR>The usual problem with old opera houses, I'd say. Ours in Zurich is the same. Unless you have a really good seat, you get home with a stiff neck. ;o)<BR>