While Holly, Sean and Willow went to Disneyland, I had a ticket to tour the Opéra Garnier (Paris’s classic opera house). Sara and I first stopped at Galeries Lafayette. Oh, my gosh, what a store. I really didn’t price much but I know it’s all high end but (1) the store is gorgeous (note the stained glass atrium ceiling), (2) there are like 2 employees (all of them beautiful) for every customer and (3) they sure know how to do displays. Sara parked herself there while I went on the tour of the Opéra.
The outside of the Opéra is beautiful but the inside… so wonderful.
In the lower level, on the ceiling, is a carved medallion with the architect’s name--Jean-Louis Charles Garnier--and the dates of construction, 1861-1875. Napoleon had a contest that was ‘blind’ in order to select an architect to build the Opéra and Garnier was only 35 when he was chosen.
The ceiling in the auditorium (what a venue…and the stage was open when we were there…it’s enormous…holds 500 performers!) is a work of Marc Chagall, 1965. It was commissioned to rejuvenate interest in opera, ballet and that venue in particular. It worked. Not without some initial controversy, of course. I mean…this is France after all! The colorful work is multiple pieces he painted in studios in Paris and assembled at the Opéra.
A model of the original ceiling is on display in their archives/library area.
The mirrored hall with ceiling frescoes is the Grand Foyer, where one could hobnob and see and be seen… kinda like the Opéra’s living room.
There were several gift shops (of course!) with a variety of ballet and opera oriented gifts and clothes.
After the tour, I went over to the store again and found Sara. We had lunch there (expensive but very good pizza and salad!) and then went over to Ile-de-la-Cite around Notre Dame. We toodled around. Sara found the perfect apron.
We happened upon this old restaurant (literally, VERY old,) Au Vieux Paris d'Arcole, which was so interestingly decorated! If you look on TripAdvisor, it has mostly good ratings (and some excellent) along with 'tourist trap' etc. Who knows! I'd give it a try just for their decorating!
And lastly, we passed this gentleman on the street with his two precious dogs, safe and sound asleep in his arms. We were glad to help them.
And sadly, we had to say 'au revoir' much too soon to Paris!
Everything is beautiful - you are such a talented photographer!
ReplyDeleteLoved the pictures. I like the expanded commentary. Adds much to the pictures :)
ReplyDeleteThese are your friends at work, right? Kathie & Karen. I agree with their comments. That perfect apron would have gone well with the sausage t-shirt.
ReplyDeleteDo you think they actually filmed Phantom of the Opera at the opera house? 'Looked similar.