a guide to Opera
about Opera
One of the few areas of the city not to feel the effects of Napoléon III and Baron Haussmann's modernisation of the city, Le Marais district has maintained the architectural charm of the narrow, cobbled streets of the Renaissance era. With its prominent Jewish, Chinese and gay communities, it is also one of the most cosmopolitan and cultural areas of Paris.
Museum enthusiasts will find much to revel in in Marais, with the Musée Carnavalet offering an extensive history of Paris, the Musée Cognacq-Jay housing an amazing collection of fine art and trinkets from the early 20th century, and the Musée Picasso containing the artist's collection of his own work. The Place des Vosges is the oldest planned square in Paris and has been home to many prominent Paris residents, while the Archives Nationales contain a number of enlightening documents pertaining to the history of Paris and its residents.
Not far away in the 9ème, the culture continues with the opulent Palais Garnier. Nowadays, it shares the Parisian opera scene with the Opéra Bastille, but there is no doubt which is the more impressive venue; despite the modernity of Opéra Bastille there are few buildings in Paris that match the inner splendour of Charles Garnier's magnificent opera house.
Did You Know? Le Marais actually translates as ‘The Marsh', a nod to the swamp that used to exist on the site up until the 16th century.
top hotels in OperaHotels in Opera
how to get there
by car
Exit the Périphérique at Junction 1 (Porte de Bercy). As the slip road takes you under the Périphérique, you will be confronted with a choice of three roads. Take the middle one, which will bring you onto Quai de Bercy. Continue along this road, which follows the river until it becomes Quai de la Rapée. When you reach the end of the main road, take a left, then take the third right onto Boulevard de la Bastille. This road continues in a straight line for a while; when you reach the end of it take a left onto Place de la Bastille. Going into the square, take the fourth available exit off the roundabout onto Rue Saint-Antoine. Any right turn along this road will take you into the heart of Le Marais.
For satellite navigation systems enter postcode 75003 or 75004.
Nearest underground parking: Saint-Antoine, 16 Rue Saint-Antoine, 75004
by bus
Saint-Paul is the most convenient stop, and is served by route 69, 76 and 96.
by tube
Nearest station: Saint-Paul (Line 1)
From Gare du Nord: Take Line 4 towards Porte d'Orléans and get off at Châtelet (7 stops). Change to Line 1 towards Chateau de Vincennes and alight at Saint-Paul (2 stops).
From Gare de Lyon: Line 1 towards La Défense Grande Arche takes you directly to Saint-Paul (2 stops).
From Gare Montparnasse: Take Line 4 towards Porte de Clignancourt and change at Châtelet (7 stops) for the Line 1 service towards Chateau de Vincennes and Saint-Paul (2 stops).
by train
Nearest RER station: Gare d’Austerlitz (RER C) is just the other side of the Seine.
attractions
upcoming events
Jan 11
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Jan 14
Decorated with wine-themed collectors' posters, Willi's Wine Bar in the Opéra district is a must for wine buffs with over 250 wines on offer and knowledgeable waiters. Dishes such as guinea-fowl with <i>confit</i> of onions and bacon sit alongside ripe Bordeaux in this intimate dining-area. Reservations are recommended.
Jan 11
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05
Jan 14
In an unrivalled location opposite the Louvre, the fashionable and cosy Fumoir looks rather like a gentleman's smoking-club with dark wooden pannelling and furniture. Head to the little library at the back, coveted by trendy artists and intellectual types, and opt for a bar snack or mouth-watering dishes like poached cod and Argentinean rib-eye steak.
Jan 11
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05
Jan 14
A former fishmongers near Les Halles, once a market, La Fresque serves French cuisine inside a cosy, fresco-clad dining-room with a small, bustling terrace. Friendly waiters scurry between the kitchen and narrowly spaced tables carrying dishes such as salmon terrine and lamb with Provençal tomatoes.
