— What to Expect —Step inside the legendary Opéra Garnier, one of Paris’ most iconic cultural treasures. Also known as the Palais Garnier, this architectural masterpiece is as deeply woven into the city’s identity as Notre Dame, the Louvre, and the Eiffel Tower. For many visitors, it is also famously known as the setting that inspired The Phantom of the Opera.Commissioned by Emperor Napoleon III and designed by Charles Garnier, this 19th-century opera house is a triumph of opulence and grandeur. Be captivated by its spectacular marble Grand Staircase and stroll through the lavish Grand Foyer, once frequented by aristocratic guests of Parisian high society.The building’s construction faced an unusual challenge due to high groundwater levels, leading to the creation of underground cisterns — a detail that later fueled legends of a mysterious subterranean lake beneath the opera house. While the hidden waterways remain off-limits, there is still plenty to discover within one of the largest opera houses in the world.Admire the richly decorated façade adorned with rose-marble columns, intricate friezes, and dramatic baroque sculptures. During your visit, explore temporary exhibitions and immerse yourself in the grandeur, history, and romance of this Parisian icon.