One of the most recognized sights in Paris and opera houses in the world, the Opera Garnier celebrates 150 years in 2025. This is also the theatre that was the inspiration for Gaston LeRoux’s Phantom of the Opera.

I took a guided tour which was excellent. This was an opera house not built for acoustics or sight lines but all about to see and be seen but elite society. To say it was opulent is an understatement.


The famous double staircase featuring 23 different kinds of marble.















The guide then told us we would be going to one of the most beautiful rooms we would ever see – the Grand Foyer. She was not wrong.





















