Opéra Garnier
Gilded façade and grand Second Empire staircase.
The story of the place
On 14 January 1858, Napoleon III survived Orsini's bomb attack outside the old opera house on rue Le Peletier. An imperial decree of 29 September 1860 declared a new theatre to be in the public interest, on a more open and less exposed site. The competition launched in late 1860 drew 171 entries; the winner was Charles Garnier, a thirty-five-year-old architect nobody had heard of. Building work outlasted the fall of the Empire and the war of 1870 before the opening on 5 January 1875. Facade and grand staircase have summed up the Second Empire ever since.
Getting there
Nearest metro station: Opéra (3/7/8). The spot is in the 9th arrondissement of Paris. Open walking directions.
The light
Decent golden hour (3/5): the golden light works, but surrounding buildings can cut it short depending on the season.
Where to go after the shoot
A few addresses within a short walk, to make the moment last.
Brasserie opened in 1862, listed Napoleon III decor and a terrace on place de l'Opéra: breakfast simply extends the backdrop of the shoot.
Brasserie open since 1875, a couple of minutes from the Opéra, serving every day from 7am to 1am: sit down at whatever hour suits after the shoot.
Cocktail bar from 1911, still run by the MacElhone family, dark wood panelling: a drink to close the evening — it's for drinking, not for dinner.
Addresses checked in 07/2026. Places change — check opening hours before you head out.
Photo spots nearby
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Opéra Garnier?
Nearest metro station: Opéra (3/7/8). The spot is in the 9th arrondissement of Paris.
When is the best time to photograph Opéra Garnier?
Decent golden hour (3/5): the golden light works, but surrounding buildings can cut it short depending on the season. Head-on from Avenue de l'Opéra, early in the morning.
Can I book a photographer for a shoot at Opéra Garnier?
Yes. SnapSpot Paris connects you with Paris-based photographers who know the location. A single session can cover several nearby spots — the photographer adapts the route to the light of the day. Rooftop des Galeries Lafayette, Colonnes de Buren, Pyramide du Louvre, Musée d'Orsay.