Conceived in the days of the Second French empire, this massive ornate structure is one of the largest theatres in the world - the incredible stage has room for 450 artists. The facade is lavishly adorned with gilded statues, marble pillars and marvelous multicolored friezes. The opulent scheme set by the facade is continued inside where the audience is enchanted with ceiling frescoes by Chagall, nymphs, cherubs and marble halls. The building was designed by architect Charles Garnier at Napoleon III's order, construction works began in 1862 and were completed 2 years after Napoleon's demise in 1875. Gaston Leroux used Opéra Garnier as a setting in his famous horror novel Phantom of The Opera. Andrew Lloyd Webber made it even more famous when it turned it into a musical.

Opéra Garnier hosts mostly dance performances, both contemporary and ballet and also smaller opera productions. If you can't attend a representation in the evening it's worth visiting it during the day when you can stroll around and marvel at its treasures. The entrance fee is 7 euros; be aware the opera house is closed during rehearsals. Box office is open Monday to Saturday from 11am to 6:30pm.

Place de l'Opera, 75009 Paris
Metro: Opéra
Tel: 01-40-01-23-34
http://www.opera-de-paris.fr