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Palais Garnier
2026 Global 100 - Best Things to Do

Palais Garnier

9.6
4.7/5
1.5k reviews
The Palais Garnier was designed by architect Charles Garnier and completed in 1875. It is a building created with great effort during the Second French Empire, blending Baroque curves and intricate decorations. It is also the setting for the story of The Phantom of the Opera: Leroux's original novel is based on this theater, and the actual underground reservoir beneath the building is the prototype for the "Phantom's underground lake" in the novel. In terms of appearance, the white exterior walls, arches, and stone columns are covered with carvings. Above the colonnade are gilded bronze busts of composers such as Mozart, Beethoven, and Rossini. At both ends of the main facade stand gilded figure groups symbolizing "harmony" and "poetry," while at the top of the building is a statue of Apollo holding a lyre. Stepping inside, the grand white marble staircase is quite spectacular, with red and green marble railings ascending layer upon layer. The "Pythia" fountain statue at the base of the stairs is equally exquisite, while the dome of the staircase hall is adorned with paintings depicting Apollo and the Olympian gods. The auditorium is decorated with red velvet and gold leaf, featuring a massive 1964 ceiling painting by Chagall that draws inspiration from scenes of various composers' operas, with a grand bronze and crystal chandelier hanging at its center. The adjoining lounge gallery resembles a replica of Versailles' Hall of Mirrors, where golden columns, mirrors, statues, and chandeliers complement one another. The ceiling boasts murals themed around music history, and the dome is covered with gold-backed mosaics. Nowadays, most opera performances here have moved to the Opéra Bastille, while this building primarily hosts ballet performances and is open to visitors, serving as a classic destination to experience the refined aesthetics of the Second Empire. Highlights Exquisite appearance: The building's exterior is adorned with intricate carvings, from the white walls, arches, and stone columns to the golden Baroque statues at both ends. Opulent interior decor: Palais Garnier boasts a spectacular marble staircase. The grand hall is surrounded by statues of diverse forms, many of which depict deities from Greek mythology, exuding nobility under the glow of golden lights. Even the carvings beneath the staircase are exquisitely crafted. The ceiling is adorned with many colorful murals depicting several classic myths. Between the columns stand bronze busts of composers such as Mozart and Beethoven. The lounge corridor features golden columns, walls, statues, chandeliers, and murals with gold trim on the ceiling.France · Paris

Experiences you can't miss in Dendermonde

Featured Culture & history in Dendermonde

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Dendermonde Audio Tour: Melodies, Monuments, and Flowing Rivers
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Duration: 1.5 hrs
English
Free cancellation
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20% off
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FromDKK 38.8DKK 48.51
Choco-Story Bruges: Entry Ticket + Audio Guide
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5.0/5
· 1 review· 24 booked
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FromDKK 119.58
Brussels: Autoworld Museum Ticket
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4.7/5
· 190 reviews
English
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94.2% of travelers recommend
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromDKK 127.8DKK 134.53
1-day tour to Ghent and Bruges from Brussels, Belgium - Minnewater/St. Bavo's Cathedral
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4.0/5
· 5 reviews· 46 booked
Duration: 7.5 hrs
English
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FromDKK 728.29
Vincent van Gogh House: Entry Ticket + Audio Guide
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FromDKK 74.74
Depart from Brussels | Antwerp + Ghent 1-day tour - Saint Bavo's Cathedral
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FromDKK 840.62
Bruges fairy-tale old town 1-day tour (departure from Amsterdam/medieval canal walk)
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FromDKK 515.69

Featured Food & drink in Dendermonde

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Belgian Beer World Experience: Entry Ticket + Beer Tasting
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FromDKK 92.75
Brussels Food Tour with Full Meal & Drinks by Do Eat Better
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Duration: 210 mins
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FromDKK 803.68
Belgian Beer World Experience: Entry + Beer Tasting
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Duration: 90 mins
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FromDKK 160.69
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What travellers say about Dendermonde

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Mahesh Kumar Prajapat26 October 2026
5.0
Worth taking the ride specially during the evening when Eiffel is about to light up. Glad to see Eiffel Tower lighting and sparkling too. Got the scenic view of Notre-Dame Cathedral, Louvre Museum and Musée d'Orsay also.

Seine River Cruise

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M33***5111 October 2026
4.0
The food was mediocre and not worth the price, but the scenery was nice; we saw the entire Seine River in two hours. The service was poor; the set meal included a bottle of wine, and after I finished the first glass the waiter poured for me, it took 20 minutes for them to refill it.

Seine River

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Pauwels Luc1 February 2025
5.0
to better enjoy a center city walk, start from the Reep, and enter the city center through the Limburgstraat. you will first encounter Gerard Duivelsteen, a castle-like residence from the 13th century, before arriving at the cathedral and the magnificent Van Eyck panels. from there on, you have different options for further discovering lovely Ghent. enjoy

Ghent City Center

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Tomo智🐬南宫亦月2 November 2026
5.0
A must-visit place when you come to the Netherlands, this is the museum with the most works by Van Gogh. Of course, the exhibits in the Rijksmuseum also show that the Netherlands is a very wealthy country.

Rijksmuseum

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Anonymous user23 October 2026
5.0
The Paris Opera House is a must-see! It possesses an intricate beauty, exuding luxury, with details everywhere. Despite its complexity, the overall design has a grand and majestic aesthetic. You could easily spend two or three hours there.

Palais Garnier

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What are the must-do things in Dendermonde?

Don't miss these attractions in Dendermonde: Seine River Cruise, Oktoberhallen, and Swimming pool Olympos. If you like Culture & history, try Dendermonde Audio Tour: Melodies, Monuments, and Flowing Rivers. If you enjoy Food & drink, try Belgian Beer World Experience: Entry Ticket + Beer Tasting.

You can give Belgian Beer World Experience: Entry Ticket + Beer Tasting and Brussels restaurant reservation service for the famous Chez Léon in Belgium a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

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