© Sébastien Mathé / Opéra national de Paris / Svetlana Loboff
Experiencing Paris isn't complete without a night at the opera. But securing a ticket can be a challenge—planning ahead is key! Here are the top performances to reserve as soon as possible: a legendary Mozart opera, a Puccini tragedy, a ballet infused with Spanish dances, the tragic tale of an Austrian prince in classical dance form, and a lively Verdi comedy.
Upcoming Dates to remember
- Falstaff: A staple in Giuseppe Verdi’s repertoire, Falstaff is his final opera and only comedy. Inspired by Shakespeare's The Merry Wives of Windsor and Henry IV, this "opera-buffa" tells the story of the charming Falstaff, who tries to woo two ladies simultaneously, only to face their cunning revenge. A must-see! From September 10 to 30 at the Opéra Bastille, Place de la Bastille, Paris 12th. Tickets from €129.
- Madame Butterfly: One of Giacomo Puccini’s most iconic operas, Madame Butterfly narrates the tragic fate of a young geisha in early 20th century Japan, who falls in love with an American officer. She abandons her family and traditions for him, only to be heartbroken. Unmissable! From September 14 to October 25 at the Opéra Bastille, Place de la Bastille, Paris 12th. Tickets from €129.
- The Magic Flute: This is an opera everyone should see at least once. The Magic Flute, Mozart’s final opera, is a blend of fairy tale and Masonic allegory set during the Enlightenment. The story follows Prince Tamino on his quest to rescue the daughter of the Queen of the Night, armed only with a magical flute. A true classic! From November 2 to 23 at the Opéra Bastille, Place de la Bastille, Paris 12th. Tickets from €146.
- Mayerling: It’s not easy being the son of Empress Sissi… The mysterious suicide of her son, Crown Prince Rudolf, and his mistress continues to intrigue. Kenneth MacMillan's ballet, set to Franz Liszt's passionate music, dramatizes the events leading up to this tragedy. With its intense and intimate choreography, Mayerling brings to life a tormented figure shaped by history. A masterpiece! From October 29 to November 26 at Palais Garnier, Place de l’Opéra, Paris 9th. Tickets from €178.
- Paquita: In Joseph Mazilier’s ballet, set against the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars in Spain, it’s not a hero saving a damsel in distress—it's the other way around. Paquita, a young gypsy, rescues a French officer and uncovers the truth about her past, refusing his advances due to her modest origins. A spectacular performance! From December 5 to January 4, 2025, at the Opéra Bastille, Place de la Bastille, Paris 12th. Tickets from €123.
Last Minute
Even though we try to plan ahead, tickets for these shows can slip through our fingers. BUT!! Two solutions are available to you. You can simply activate the alert on the booking page for the performance of your choice to be notified by email if a seat becomes available. Another option for the more adventurous: queue up on the same evening of the show at the Palais Garnier or the Opéra Bastille. Thirty minutes before the start of the performance, discounted tickets are sold (between €25 and €40). Note: first come, first served!
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