Opéra at a Glance
Lines=3, 7, 8
Arrondissement=9th
Tip=This is a big station.
Sights Within 1 Kilometer:
North
Palais Garnier-230m
Roissybus Stop-250m
Boulevard Haussman-350m
Galeries Lafayette-400m
Printemps-550m
East
Bourse-750m
Passage des Panoramas-800m
Passage Jouffroy-800m
Gallopin Brasserie-800m
Galerie Colbert-850m
Galerie Vivienne-900m
South
Palais Royal-1km
West
Fragonard Parfumerie-240m
Place Vendome-450m
Gare Saint-Lazare-750m
Angelina-800m
Madeline Church-1km
Tuileries Garden-1km
Sight Details
North
Palais Garnier: While walking inside, you might forget that you are not at Versailles. The elegant opera house is decorated with gold leaf and paintings. Be sure to look up at the Chagall ceiling as you enter the auditorium. Perhaps you’ll even hear the phantom echo through the walls.
Roissybus Stop: Another option for getting to the airport is the Roissybus. This is the most affordable option at 10 Euros. The bus leaves every 15-30 minutes during certain hours. It is a convenient option as long as you leave plenty early. This will probably be the only way I get to and from the airport now.
Boulevard Haussman: Haussman is the architect that organized Paris. Not only are his plans aesthetically pleasing, they are also strategic in terms of military advances.
Galeries Lafayette: Even if you have no intentions of shopping, take 20 minutes to go to the terrace at the very top. For free, you can take in one of the best scenes of the city. On clear days, a crisp view of the city will stand before you.
Printemps: The rival to Galeries Lafayette, Printemps is another department store worth visiting. Check out the cafeteria or take advantage of the sales twice a year.
East
Bourse: If you are in the neighborhood, walk past the 19th century building. Inside is the hustle and bustle that can only be found at a stock exchange.
Passage des Panoramas: Each passage seems to have its specialty, and the Panoramas passage features many stamp vendors. No money needs to be spent to enjoy these passages.
Passage Jouffroy: I think this is one of the most photogenic passages. They all have their own beauty, but I found this passage to be gorgeous.
Gallopin Brasserie: If you enjoy eating in a place with a little history, this lovely brasserie will be a hit. The menu features traditional French cuisine in a quintessential brasserie setting.
Galerie Colbert: This is not a shopping passage like many in the neighborhood, but an art and history institute instead. You will need to pass through security to go in, but walking under the rotunda and glass ceilings is worth a peek, especially if it is raining.
Galerie Vivienne: The Galerie Vivienne is probably one of the more extravagant passages. The stores are high-end and they are encased in a passage full of tile floors and a glass ceiling that gives a sense of a different time. Passages are found all over the city, and they can be a great refuge from the rain. If you’d like more information about a great walk in this neighborhood, view this blog post.
South
Palais Royal: Unfortunately you cannot get into the Palais Royal, but you can enjoy the interesting courtyards. Each courtyard has its own style. Of course there is the typical garden, but there is also an artsy, playful courtyard with varying heights of black and white striped stumps rising from the ground. If the weather is not pleasant during your visit, take shelter under the arcades filled with restaurants and shops.
West
Fragonard Parfumerie: Perfume and France go together like wine and cheese. Visit this free museum to learn more about the perfume-making process. Discounts are given in the store after taking the walking tour.
Place Vendôme: The square plays an optical allusion on your eyes as you gaze at a rectangular place that appears to be more octagonal.
Gare Saint-Lazare: It is helpful to know about the train stations, but I’m also mentioning this one because of its place in Impressionist art. Perhaps you’ve wandered museums and seen the billowing smoke fill a train station in Monet’s painting. Artists like Monet would ask conductors to start the engines and linger a while to let the smoke and steam create the atmosphere for him to paint the scene.
Angelina: The restaurant is best known for its pricey hot chocolate. I’ve heard it said that the chocolate will take you over and never let you forget it. Don’t eat a big meal before going because the thick chocolate can be filling.
Madeline: While approaching the church, you may feel like you are looking at a temple. The church was dedicated to Napolean’s army and is in the style of one of the best preserved Roman Temples found in Nîmes.
Tuileries Gardens: The palace gardens extend from the Louvre. There are a variety of activities that visitors can participate in on any given day. During the summer, the carnival is open with the giant Ferris Wheel. Even finding a reclined green chair near a pond makes for a great energizer. If you look around, you may even see someone famous sitting next to you at the café. Gabriel Byrne from Little Women and Stigmata was enjoying a café on our right one day at the park. If you have a little energy left in you, go to the end where you’ll find l’Orangerie and Place de la Concorde.
Suggested Walks
Liberated Traveler 