Insiders Guide to
Paris Culture
Classical Music in
Great Historical Venues
Beyond art, museums and monuments, Paris culture lives in opera, ballet, classical music concerts and theater.
You can be sure that every night there is a spectacular cultural event taking place in one of the capital's great venues.
By attending an event at the Bastille Opera House, the Salle Pleyel concert hall or Palais Garnier you'll be in the thick of the cultural activities.
You'll experience an Insiders Paris that few tourists see. But to make sure you reserve a seat we recommend that, before you leave home, check the list of events, choose the ones you like, and order tickets in advance. And that's easy to do, using the links below.
This selection of the top venues offers the best of the city's culture. Step out of your comfort zone and attend an opera, ballet or classical music concert in the City of Arts & Culture.
Concerts at Historic Gothic Cathedrals
Paris churches and cathedrals are more than just historic landmarks, many of them are also venues for classical music concerts.
There is nothing quite like an evening of amazing music in one of these historic buildings. It's haunting and completely memorable. Further down on this page you'll find links to some specific churches and cathedrals, or read our complete guide —
Concerts at La Sainte-Chapelle
On the Ile de la Cité, this French Gothic masterpiece was built as Louis IX's personal cathedral. Following centuries of conflict and vicissitudes in 1862 it was named an Historic National Monument.
Today, you can visit Sainte-Chapelle (entrance is free with the Paris Pass), and, in the evening, attend concerts in this stunning landmark. Sainte-Chapelle is Paris Insiders readers' favorite concert venue.
Music at Notre Dame Cathedral
For nearly 800 years music has been an integral part of this world famous landmark. Attending a concert in the soaring Notre Dame Cathedral is a once-in-a lifetime experience.
The only way to guarantee your seats is to order online in advance, otherwise, they're on a first-come first-serve basis. The concerts range from an evening of Bach, an organ recital, a stunning rendition of Ave Maria, to medieval Christmas music.
Salle Pleyel
A Legendary Landmark in Paris Culture
In 1927, the Pleyel piano company celebrated their 100th anniversary by constructing this huge concert hall.
The Pleyel company has fallen on hard times since then, closing up their last workshop in November 2013. But still today, Salle Pleyel is one of the most famous concert halls in the City of Culture and in the world. Attending an event there is pure acoustic joy.
Opera & Ballet
Opera and ballet have been integral parts of Paris culture for hundreds of years, and there's been at least one opera house in Paris since 1669.
Today there are two opera houses – the classically lovely Palais Garnier at Place de la Opera, where ballet and concerts are stage, and Opera de la Bastille, home to the Paris Opera company.
Discover how easy it is to buy tickets online for a performance at one of these grand palaces.
Classical Music at Paris Churches & Cathedrals
Classical music concerts are performed at a number of additional churches and cathedrals.
You're able to guarantee seats at the following Paris churches by buying tickets online.
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Saint-Germain-des-Prés » Place Saint-Germain-des-Prés, 75006 |
Église de la Madeleine » Place de la Madeleine, 75008 |
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Saint-Sulpice » 26 Bis, Rue Cassette, 75006 |
Saint Ephrem » 17 Rue des Carmes, 75005 |
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Église des Billettes » 24 Rue des Archives, 75004 |
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