Monuments Tours
CU1 - THE OPERA GARNIER: AN ARCHITECTURAL MASTERPIECE* – 1½ hour
In 1860, a contest was launched for the construction of a new opera house in Paris. It was young architect Charles Garnier's project that was unanimously adopted for its exuberant mix of ostentatious and eclectic baroque architecture. Today, the Palais Garnier undoubtedly embodies the architecture that best represents the art of the Second Empire, and stands as a symbol of the luxury and pleasures of the French capital. 73 sculptors and 14 painters worked on it until its inauguration in January 1875. Measuring 172m in length and 124m in breadth, the Opera Garnier is the largest opera house in Europe, with the capacity to welcome more than 2000 people.
Led by a tour guide, you will be amazed by its rich architecture and its abundant decor. Your visit will begin with the “Rotonde des Abonnes” (Members’ Rotunda) which was formerly used to welcome the audience, where you will be able to discover amongst the arabesques, the unique signature of the architect. The disconcerting Pythonisse will greet you before you take the majestic “Grand Escalier” (Main Staircase), bringing you to the auditorium, the lounges and the foyers. The abundant decor, the splendour of the various foyers and the variety of materials used will take your breath away. The numerous paintings and sculptures allow the Opera Garnier to be not only a theatre but also a museum at the same time.
The Palais Garnier, being a show site, for technical or artistic reasons, we cannot guarantee systematic access to the Auditorium. In this case, a ticket valid for 1 year on an unguided tour will be offered as compensation by the Opera Garnier.
Adult: $20 / Student (- 26 years): $14 / Child (- 10 years): $9
Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays – Departure: 11:30 & 14:30
CU2 - BACKSTAGE AT THE LIDO* – 1 ½ hour
Way before the birth of the great cabarets in France, the tradition of the « cafe concert » broke the social barriers of a time through popular cultural entertainment in a cafe ambience. Inspired by this tradition and by that of Music Hall, the Clerico brothers opened the Lido on the Champs-Elysees in 1946. Thus was invented the now famous dinner show format, and the revues followed, each more spectacular than the previous one. The cabaret was reinvented and the legend of Paris nightlife was created. Don’t judge a book by its cover! Behind this cheery, superficial Parisian image of the Lido lies an extremely complex organisation. The backstage tour of this legendary cabaret will take you where few people go, into the costume rooms full of flamboyant costumes, reserved for its dancers, costume designers and makeup artists. Your guided tour will then show you around the building with its unique architecture. You will be stunned by the complex set of pulleys, plates and giant elevators used to widen the stage and transform the sets. It’s simply magical! Who would resist the temptation of the dinner show after such an exciting visit?
Adult: $23 / Child (-18 years): $15
Friday: 17.30
Valid until 30/06/2012
Note: These rates, as well as other information, are not contractual and can be changed at any given time, without prior notice.
*The tour is unavailable for children below 5 years for security reasons.
Pick up from hotel or apartment in Paris and Drop off (see remarks in description of tours)
TDV - DA VINCI CODE & PARIS LOUVRE MUSEUM TOUR – 3 ½ hours
You will be accompanied by your driver-guide for a tour in the steps of Robert Langdon, the principal character of Dan Brown's bestseller.
During this tour, you will revisit part of Robert Langdon's adventures from Vendome Square and the Ritz Hotel to the Louvre and to the final destination of this tour at Saint Sulpice Church. At the end of this afternoon journey, you may choose to either spend more time at the Saint Sulpice Church and wander around the lively district of Saint Germain des Prés then visit to the Louvre.
Transport back to the hotel not included. Tour ends at the Louvre
Fridays - Departure from 13.15
Adult: $131 / Child: $116
To Book or Enquire
Please call us now on +61 (0)2 9247 4233 or 04 1491 4746
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