Etretat

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Palais Garnier
2026 Global 100 - Best Things to Do

Palais Garnier

9.6
4.7/5
1.5k reviews

The Palais Garnier was designed by architect Charles Garnier and completed in 1875. It is a building created with great effort during the Second French Empire, blending Baroque curves and intricate decorations. It is also the setting for the story of The Phantom of the Opera: Leroux's original novel is based on this theater, and the actual underground reservoir beneath the building is the prototype for the "Phantom's underground lake" in the novel. In terms of appearance, the white exterior walls, arches, and stone columns are covered with carvings. Above the colonnade are gilded bronze busts of composers such as Mozart, Beethoven, and Rossini. At both ends of the main facade stand gilded figure groups symbolizing "harmony" and "poetry," while at the top of the building is a statue of Apollo holding a lyre. Stepping inside, the grand white marble staircase is quite spectacular, with red and green marble railings ascending layer upon layer. The "Pythia" fountain statue at the base of the stairs is equally exquisite, while the dome of the staircase hall is adorned with paintings depicting Apollo and the Olympian gods. The auditorium is decorated with red velvet and gold leaf, featuring a massive 1964 ceiling painting by Chagall that draws inspiration from scenes of various composers' operas, with a grand bronze and crystal chandelier hanging at its center. The adjoining lounge gallery resembles a replica of Versailles' Hall of Mirrors, where golden columns, mirrors, statues, and chandeliers complement one another. The ceiling boasts murals themed around music history, and the dome is covered with gold-backed mosaics. Nowadays, most opera performances here have moved to the Opéra Bastille, while this building primarily hosts ballet performances and is open to visitors, serving as a classic destination to experience the refined aesthetics of the Second Empire. Highlights Exquisite appearance: The building's exterior is adorned with intricate carvings, from the white walls, arches, and stone columns to the golden Baroque statues at both ends. Opulent interior decor: Palais Garnier boasts a spectacular marble staircase. The grand hall is surrounded by statues of diverse forms, many of which depict deities from Greek mythology, exuding nobility under the glow of golden lights. Even the carvings beneath the staircase are exquisitely crafted. The ceiling is adorned with many colorful murals depicting several classic myths. Between the columns stand bronze busts of composers such as Mozart and Beethoven. The lounge corridor features golden columns, walls, statues, chandeliers, and murals with gold trim on the ceiling.

France · Paris

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What travellers say about Etretat

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M33***5111 October 2026
4.0
The food was mediocre and not worth the price, but the scenery was nice; we saw the entire Seine River in two hours. The service was poor; the set meal included a bottle of wine, and after I finished the first glass the waiter poured for me, it took 20 minutes for them to refill it.

Seine River

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Anonymous user23 October 2026
5.0
The Paris Opera House is a must-see! It possesses an intricate beauty, exuding luxury, with details everywhere. Despite its complexity, the overall design has a grand and majestic aesthetic. You could easily spend two or three hours there.

Palais Garnier

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What are the must-do things in Etretat?

Don't miss these attractions in Etretat: Seine River, Tourist Train Etretat Caux, and Flower Camping La Chênaie. If you like Day tours, try From Paris: Étretat Cliffs & Honfleur Port Full-Day Trip. If you enjoy City sightseeing, try Saint-Étienne Highlights Audio Tour: Architectural and Industrial Heritage.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include From Paris: Étretat Cliffs & Honfleur Port Full-Day Trip, Paris round-trip | Normandy Etretat Elephant Trunk Rock + Rouen old town [Chinese and English private charter 12h], and From Paris: Normandy D-Day Landing Beaches Full-Day Tour. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of 8 November 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Etretat is around CAD 44.09 – CAD 1,275.36. Rates vary by duration, group size, transport, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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