My friend and I will be in Paris in April, and we are interested in possibly seeing an opera. If anyone has had the chance to attend one recently, we would like information on performances, dress code, and average ticket price. Also, I read that Opera Garnier strictly does dance and Bastille does Opera? Any advice? Thank You!

I've seen performances in both these spaces -- dance at Garnier and opera at Bastille. <BR> <BR>You can get details on the performance schedules through the many websites that cover Paris. <BR> <BR>The events at Garnier are definitely more formal than the events at Bastille (which was conceived as "the people's" opera house. The spaces are also very, very different. Garnier is a classic, overdone, gilt and crystal house -- it's magnificent. Bastille is really very modern and more casual. <BR> <BR>I had a great time at both. I guess it depends what you're in the mood for. <BR> <BR>I'd decide what kind of experience you want to have -- then pick a performance to fit.

Michael, I would like to attend an opera performance at the Opera Garnier. However, I'm concerned about the dress code. I definitely will not have a tux or nice suit with me during travel. Thus I was wondering if a nice black jacket with a zipper, nice dress shirt, dress pants, and a tie would suffice. Or will I look totally out of place dressed like this.

My daughter and I went to the Opera Garnier and saw an opera by Mozart. It was totally enchanting. I had bought the tickets through a broker and they were 750ff ea. We did not see any tuxs, just suits and dressy dresses. If you don't as yet have tickets, I suggest you get them asap. In spite of the high ticket price, our seats were the fold-down type and excruciatingly uncom- fortable. Our view of the stage was wonderful but my daughter sat in the row in front of me and this definately diminished our enjoyment of an otherwise spectacular evening. Enjoy Paris. I love her. She will not disappoint you - neither will her people. They are helpful, friendly, wonderful people. Just remember, you get back what you give.

Bill -- <BR> <BR>Only you can decide about whether you'll feel out of place or not. However, most (if not all) men will be wearing a suit to an opera at the Garnier. The place is over-the-top formal and grand. It really is a fantasy of marble, gold and crystal. It just feels right to be dressed appropriately in such an environment. <BR> <BR>I don't know how much traveling around you'll be doing, but I always like to carry a suit with me in Europe. Half the time I never use it, but half the time I'm sure glad I have it. <BR> <BR>And won't you feel snazzy-as-hell strolling down the street in Paris in your suit heading to the opera? <BR> <BR>It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Treat it as such. <BR> <BR>Michael

We will be there 10 days starting on April 23rd, where does one buy tickets to Opera before going <BR> <BR>Thanks

Try this web site www.opera-de-paris.fr/ <BR>You should be able to get all the info you need.

Hi Ron, <BR> My friend called 1-800-223-6108 to get information on both Opera Garnier and Opera Bastille. Unfortunately, we were too late, as they had no tickets left for the time frame that we will be there (April 19 thru April 26). Thank you to eveyone who helped me with great information that hopefully I will get to use on a return trip! If I can lay my hands on tickets on short notice, I will, but if not, my only suggestion to you, Ron, is to jump all over trying to get tickets the SECOND you finish reading this!!!Don't be a slacker like me. Have a great trip, by the way!

I called the Opera directly, could not get tickets to Garnire during 4/24-5/1, but did get inbto Bastille on 25th