Classical Paris: a dazzling musical tour
Planning a trip to Paris? Want to combine sightseeing with some of the best classical concerts? Take our photographic tour and travel to the city's finest venues.
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1. Notre Dame Cathedral
The world-famous cathedral hosts musical events around the year including weekly recitals on the largest organ in France. There are also concerts of sacred and Medieval music, and Gregorian chant. Photo: Getty
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2. La Sainte Chapelle
At this medieval Gothic chapel in the heart of Paris, you can experience one of the most breathtaking sights in the city while enjoying more than 100 performances each year, played by excellent soloists and ensembles. Photo: Benh
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3. Opéra Royal de Versailles
Inaugurated with an opera by Lully on 16 May 1770 - the day of the Dauphin’s marriage to Marie-Antoinette - there could be no more opulent setting to see some of the world's leading classical musicians and spectacular opera productions.
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4. Palais Garnier
Built from 1861 to 1875 for the Paris Opera, this sumptuous venus is now mainly used for ballet. Most of its fame nowadays is probably thanks to its famous 'Phantom', sightings of whom are few and far between. Photo: Anthony Dégremont
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5. Église Saint-Paul-Saint-Louis
Between 1688 and 1698, the composer Charpentier was director of music at this exquisite church in the Marais quarter. The perfect place to catch a performance of Vivaldi's 'The Four Seasons', while looking at the church's own Delacroix painting. Photo: Pline
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6. Église de la Madeleine
'The Four Seasons', Mozart's 'Requiem' or the Pergolesi 'Stabat Mater' are often on the menu at this church dedicated to the glory of Napoleon's army. Saint-Saens and Fauré were once organists here. Photo: Joe de Sousa
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7. Théâtre des Champs-Élysées
Opened in 1913 as a venue for contemporary music, dance and opera, this theatre hosted the Ballets Russes for its first season and was the scene of the world première of the Rite of Spring on 29 May 1913, thus becoming the location of one of the most famous of all classical music riots. Photo: Pline
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8. Église des Billettes
Vocal recitals, Baroque chamber music and organ concerts all sound superb in this somewhat austere but beautiful Lutheran church. Photo: FLLL
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9. Opéra Bastille
A world-class modern opera house, the Opéra Bastille was inaugurated on July 13th 1989. It seats 2,745, has unique stage facilities, and integrated scenery, costume and accessory workshops backstage. Photo: Paris 16
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10. Temple protestant de l'Oratoire du Louvre
L'Oratoire became the royal chapel of the Palace of Louvre in 1622 under the reign of Louis XIII. In 1811 it was given to the Protestant church by Napoleon. Today it hosts world-class concerts from the likes of the Tallis Scholars.
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11. Salle Pleyel
The Salle Pleyel is home to the Orchestre de Paris and the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France. It was inaugurated with a concert in 1927 with Stravinsky and Ravel conducting. Photo: Getty
