Paris Theatres
Dec 26th, 2003, 03:49 AM
#22
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I'm surprised at Patrick's comment that Versailles doesn't have a "wonderful small theater". I would certainly put the Théâtre Gabriel in that category. It was built in 1770 and restored to its former glory in the 1950's. It took my breath away when I saw it.
There is also the Opéra Comique. It is by no means the equal of the Opéra Garnier, but is well worth seeing.
There is also the Opéra Comique. It is by no means the equal of the Opéra Garnier, but is well worth seeing.
Dec 26th, 2003, 04:26 AM
#23
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Wow, that's interesting. Last time I was at Versailles, maybe three or four years ago, I specifically asked about a theatre and was told there was none. Or at least they were telling me there was none open for viewing. When did you see this? Is it a recent restoration? In two tours of Versailles over the years, it was never available to me.
Dec 26th, 2003, 06:23 AM
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Petrick: I last visited the theatre about ten years ago, but so far as I know it is still open to visits and for concerts and operas. I think the restoration was completed about 1957.
As you are probably aware, there are several guided tours of the Palace available, and I believe that outside of performances, the theatre can only be visited as part of one of these tours. I believe that when I last saw it, it was part of the tour that included the Appartements du Roi. However, as you also probably know, the administration and guides can be somewhat capricious, and galleries etc can open and close seemingly at random, so if you want to see the theatre, it's best to check beforehand.
As you are probably aware, there are several guided tours of the Palace available, and I believe that outside of performances, the theatre can only be visited as part of one of these tours. I believe that when I last saw it, it was part of the tour that included the Appartements du Roi. However, as you also probably know, the administration and guides can be somewhat capricious, and galleries etc can open and close seemingly at random, so if you want to see the theatre, it's best to check beforehand.
Dec 26th, 2003, 07:40 AM
#27
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Well, I'll be. I just went to the www.chateuversailles.fr site and found that there are indeed guided tours including the opera house -- maybe it was closed when I was there and they simply made no mention of it. In fact there are some nice pictures on the website of the interior, coldwar27. I'd definitely look into visiting it.
Dec 26th, 2003, 10:49 AM
#28
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Thanks for the additional replies. I visited the Rodin Museum last summer and loved it. Will probably return. I will keep the fashion show in mind.
I'm thrilled to find out about the theatre at Versailles. I fell in love with this place last summer and it is #1 on my list of places to visit again. I taught history so always had a special place in my heart for Versailles but was overwhelmed when I went. I am excited to go back and see the theatre as well. Thanks again!
I'm thrilled to find out about the theatre at Versailles. I fell in love with this place last summer and it is #1 on my list of places to visit again. I taught history so always had a special place in my heart for Versailles but was overwhelmed when I went. I am excited to go back and see the theatre as well. Thanks again!
Dec 26th, 2003, 11:06 AM
#29
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By the way, coldwar, be sure to visit the village at Versailles as well on your next trip, assuming you didn't do it on the first one. You can walk there -- a long way out and past the Petite Palace. Or at times there is a little mini train that will take you. It's a clever reproduction farm village created for Marie Antoinette to remind her of her youth, and it has been restored.
