Le Palais Garnier

DINING EVENT AT THE PALAIS
Charles Garnier's genuine masterpiece, the Palais Garnier is impressive for its lavish interior design, its sculptures, busts and mosaics, and its play on light and colour. The public areas of the opera house, laid out around the Grand Staircase and the main auditorium, are made up of saloons and foyers that can host up to 2,000 people for a cocktail.

Palais Garnier © Jean-Pierre Delagarde OnP

THE GRAND FOYER
The Grand Foyer was designed by Charles Garnier to echo the galleries of Classical period châteaux.

Palais Garnier le grand foyer © Jean-Pierre Delagarde OnP

Its huge size is further accentuated through the play with mirrors and windows. The magnificent ceiling painted by Paul Baudry illustrates musical themes.

Palais Garnier le grand foyer © Lucie_and Simon_OnP

The lyre, the main decorative component, dominates the entire decorative vocabulary, on capitals, heating grids and door handles alike.

Palais Garnier le grand foyer © Lucie and Simon OnP

A copy of the bust of Charles Garnier by the sculptor Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux stands in the centre of the foyer, near one of the windows providing a view down the Avenue de l’Opéra as far as the Louvre.

Palais Garnier le grand escalier © Jean Pierre Delagarde OnP

The two galleries communicate, providing plenty of room for Gala dinners (up to 700 people). An extension of the Grand Foyer, the openwork Loggia provides a unique view over the Avenue de l’Opéra.

ROTONDE DES ABONNES
This circular space was once reserved for the subscribers, who entered it via the covered entrance on the east façade, now the Opéra Restaurant. The area devoted to the new box office on the other side, on the west façade, provides a more extensive view of the Rotonde des Abonnés, and has room for a larger number of guests. The majestic Pythia Fountain under the Grand Staircase is to be found beyond the Rotunda.

ROTONDE DU GLACIER
A light, airy rotunda adorned with a painted ceiling by Georges Jules-Victor Clairin and tapestry cartoons illustrating a variety of drinks, together with hunting and fishing scenes. This saloon was added after the Opera had opened, and has a distinct 1900s touch. It provides a more intimate setting ideal for cocktails and suppers.

SALON FLORENCE GOULD
A light-filled gallery with broad picture windows providing extensive views of the city, this saloon is an excellent venue for cocktails, suppers and lectures.