The Ultimate Paris Ballet & Opera Guide 2025

Immerse yourself in the magic of Parisian ballet and opera as the 2025 season unfolds with grace, elegance, and world-class talent. Whether you're a passionate aficionado or simply curious to explore the city's rich cultural tapestry, the Paris Ballet & Opera Calendar 2025 offers a dazzling array of performances in the most iconic venues. From the historic Palais Garnier to the modern grandeur of Opera Bastille, discover an unforgettable journey into the heart of French artistry with over 180 spellbinding shows to captivate your imagination.

Ballet & Opera Performances at Palais Garnier

The best way to experience the grandeur of the Palais Garnier is by attending one of its captivating ballet or opera performances. When the halls are alive with performers and an excited audience, the building's opulence truly shines. This season, don't miss the stirring ballet Onéguine, a cornerstone of the repertoire inspired by Alexander Pushkin's famous novel, or Sylvia, a three-act ballet inspired by Diana, goddess of the hunt, first performed in 1876. On the opera front, Palais Garnier will host Castor et Pollux, Jean-Philippe Rameau's tragic masterpiece from 1737, as well as a special performance by the legendary Renée Fleming. Plus, experience the powerful Il Viaggio, Dante, a tribute to the timeless beauty of Italian literature.

Palais Garnier & Opera Bastille: Unmissable Venues

The Paris Ballet & Opera Company graces two of the city's most celebrated stages — the opulent Palais Garnier and the sleek Opera Bastille. While Palais Garnier's baroque beauty captivates with its grand staircase and gilded halls, the contemporary style of Opera Bastille offers a different kind of grandeur — modern, minimalist, and equally awe-inspiring. Together, these venues provide a breathtaking contrast that enriches the cultural experience, allowing you to explore Paris's artistic past and present through their dynamic performances.

Explore the 2025 Performance Calendar

The Snow Queen performed by the Ukrainian National Ballet Opera Company

Prepare to be enchanted by the diversity of the Paris Ballet & Opera's 2025 program. With a captivating mix of classical masterpieces and contemporary productions, there's something for every taste. From the timeless elegance of The Snow Queen to the charm of Paquita set in 19th-century Spain, alongside innovative pieces from visionary choreographers, this year's lineup is sure to surprise and delight. Whether you're seeking a family outing or a night of artistic indulgence, Paris's ballet and opera performances promise to leave you spellbound.

Secure Your Tickets for 2025 Now

Paquita opera at Bastille Opera House with full company

With Paris being a top destination for ballet and opera lovers, securing tickets in advance is key to ensuring you don't miss out on the best seats. Whether you desire a prime view from the orchestra, a grand perspective from the balcony, or the exclusivity of a private box, early planning guarantees an unforgettable experience. Performances sell out quickly, especially during peak periods, so make your reservations now and look forward to a magical evening of art and culture in the City of Light.

About the Paris Ballet Dancers

The oldest national ballet company in the world, the Paris Ballet is also one of the youngest. That's because the average age of the ballet dancers is just 25 years and, because they are civil servants, they must retire at age 42, even if they are at the top of their form. That doesn't necessarily mean their dancing career is over. Many dancers are invited as guests by other companies. For example, Nöella Pontois made her last performance in The Nutcracker when she turned 50.

Most of the dancers at the ballet come from the Paris Opera Ballet School and enter the company at the corps de ballet level of quadrille. Each year, there is a competition to fill the few remaining spaces in the company. The annual corps de ballet exam also allows dancers to move up the ranks of the hierarchy: quadrille, coryphée, sujet, premier danseur, and etoile. Currently, there are 154 dancers, 16 premieur danseurs and 16 stars.

Etoile, or star, is used to describe a principal dancer in many ballet companies, however at the Paris Ballet, it is a prestigious title, and is at the discretion of the director. An Etoile must have star quality, and possess a certain magic that makes you unable to take your eyes off of him or her.

Paris Opera Ballet History

The roots of the Paris Opera Ballet go back to the dances and practices of court life of Louis XIV of the late 1600s. In 2013, the school celebrated its tricentennial.

Today, most ballet performances are held at the Palais Garnier, a magnificent theatre built between 1861 and 1875 by architect Charles Garnier. Its majestic gilt finishes and grand staircases were engineered to allow the rich and famous to admire themselves and others during the long intermissions.

A performance at the Palais Garnier should be on your short list of things to do. With over 180 performances a year, you can catch a show during their season that extends from September to July. Just being in the gorgeous Palais Garnier is a feast for the eyes, but add to that a performance by the top dancers in the field, and it will become a dazzling memory.

What's in a Name?

Ballet de l'Opéra de Paris is its official French name, and it can be quite confusing to distinguish between Paris opera & ballet — for good reason.

Since its beginnings in the 17th century, the name of the company has changed several times. In 1661, Louis XIV founded the Académie Royale de Danse (Royal Academy of Dance). Then, in 1669, Louis granted permission to form a separate academy for opera called the Académie d'Opéra (Academy of Opera). The following year, that company added dance to the repertoire, calling it the Académie Royale de Musique.

In 1713, the Paris Opera Ballet School (École de Danse de l'Opéra de Paris) opened. A century and a half later, in 1875, the group moved to its permanent home at Palais Garnier. The majority of ballet performances take place at Palais Garnier.

Paris Ballet Information

What to Wear to a Paris Ballet

You'll want to look your best, as you are likely to be surrounded by chic Parisian men & women. Here's your chance to bring out your finest opera coat, shoes or pashmina shawl. Elevate your attire. Jeans & casual wear aren't your best choices.

Getting to Palais Garnier

Located in the 9th Arrondissement at Place de l'Opera, it is easily accessible by Metro & RER.

• Address – Place de la Opéra, 75009
• Metro — Opéra (lines 3, 7, 8)
• RER — Auber(Line A)

Getting to Opera Bastille

Located in the 12th Arrondissement, on the Place de la Bastille, it's easily accessible by Metro & RER

• Address – Place de la Bastille, 75012
• Metro — Bastille (Lines 1, 5, 8)
• RER — Gare de Lyon (Lines A & C)