DK Travel : Paris : Performing arts

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Opéra National de Paris Bastille

Opened in 1992 as the largest opera house in the world, this modern building was heavily criticized, not least for its acoustics and poor facilities. Most problems have been ironed out, but plans for this to be the city’s only opera venue have been changed.
Opéra National de Paris Garnier

Not just a night out, but a whole experience, opera has now returned to its original Paris base after the theatre had a spell as a dance-only venue. The vast stage can hold a cast of 450, and the building itself is an example of excessive opulence, complete with grand staircase, mirrors and marble.
Prêt-à-Porter

Robert Altman takes a satirical look at the Paris fashion industry in his 1995 film.
Sidney Bechet

US jazz virtuoso Bechet (1897–1959) settled in Paris in the 1940s and wrote his great tune “Les Oignons” in 1949.
Stephane Grappelli

Paris-born Grappelli (1908–97) studied classical violin, but later innovatively adapted the instrument to jazz.
Subway

The metro was the star in this 1985 Luc Besson film about a man who seeks refuge at night in its stations.
The Lido

Home to the famous troupe of long-legged dancers, the Bluebell Girls, the fabulous special effects include aerial ballets and an on-stage skating rink. There are many who regard this dinner-cabaret as an essential Parisian experience.
The Trial

Orson Welles used the then empty Gare d’Orsay (now the Musée d’Orsay) to create a convincingly huge and anonymous office for his 1962 version of Kafka’s novel.
Théâtre de la Ville

Once known as the Sarah Bernhardt Theatre, in honour of the great Parisian actress who performed here and managed the theatre in the 19th century, today it puts on an eclectic range of modern dance and music shows, with some classical theatre too.
Théâtre du Châtelet

The city’s largest concert hall and fourth-largest auditorium was built in 1862 and has recently been renovated. The repertoire covers classical music, ballet and opera, as well as popular Sunday morning chamber music concerts.