- November 7, 2019
- Theatre in Paris exclusives
- Jocelyn Wensjoe, Raquel Montoro
-
-
Blog last updated on 20 November 2025.
Exploring the Best Classical Music Spots Around Paris
You’ve come to the right spot to experience the timeless classical music scene in Paris…
If you are looking for classical music, you have come to the right place!
Paris is rich in history, art, cabarets, and, most importantly, music!
Classical music runs through the city’s veins. There are plenty of Parisian venues and events to attend featuring the creations of Beethoven, Vivaldi, Strauss, Rossini, and a countless number of other classical music composers. From opera vocalists singing Ave Maria to solo violinists playing orchestral classics, soaking in the stunning setting becomes the cherry on top.
This collection of venues welcome you into concerts which will have you deep in contemplation and in sheer appreciation of the beauty of life.
Ready to travel back in time to when classical music reigned as the highest art form? You’re in luck, as some of these venues date as far back as the 13th century, and possibly even further… Prick up your ears!
Sainte-Chapelle Concert Series
Popular amongst locals and tourists alike, the Sainte-Chapelle concert series features extraordinary performances by musicians who play with a passion that will transport you beyond the present moment.
Highly sought after by spectators, the concerts at the famous gothic chapel swiftly sell out within a matter of weeks. With striking architecture featuring tall and colourful stained-glass windows, it’s a privilege to attend a classical music concert in such a venue. The concerts’ vocalists and instrumentalists will bring to life Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, along with works by Bach, Strauss, and many other household names. Purchase your ticket now to find out why previous audience members have described the experience as magical!
Saint-Germain-des-Prés Church Concert Series
While immersing yourself in all the beauty and the landscapes that Paris has to offer, you might have passed by a tall, mysterious-yet-alluring structure right in the centre of the Saint-Germain neighbourhood. This is the Saint-Germain-des Prés-Church!
With a mesmerizing interior décor from the 6th century, Saint-Germain-des-Prés is one of the oldest churches in the city, and one of the most spacious as well.
During the evening, the church is transformed into a concert hall, where the pews no longer accommodate worshippers, but spectators listening avidly to professional orchestras as they perform some of the best-known works in the classical canon.
Definitely on our list of can’t-miss shows!
Théâtre des Champs-Élysées
Built in 1913, the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées is one of the most frequently visited monuments in Paris, just behind the Opéra Garnier.
Fun fact: this theatre was the very first structure in Paris to be constructed out of reinforced concrete rather than of steel.
Throughout the years, it has hosted a variety of shows with renowned artists of all kinds. Nowadays, it presents a diverse programme every season, including orchestral, operatic, and classical music concerts. Why not experience 19th-century Paris from the comfort of your 21st-century seat?
Eiffel Tower Concert Series
One bucket list item that goes without saying is a visit to the Eiffel Tower, but surely there’s a better way to enjoy the monument than by spending all day in a line?
Luckily, there is a unique way that you can explore the Iron Lady, while also getting an up-close view of a live classical music performance – attend one of the exceptional Eiffel Tower concerts!
Sounds like a movie, doesn’t it? Don’t let this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity pass you by. Seating up to 200 visitors, guests are able to take in the wonderful sounds of Mozart and other cherished composers, as well as a glass of champagne, should you select that add-on when booking your ticket. Allow the music to move you from inside the world’s most iconic monument!
Philharmonie de Paris
Seating up to 2,400 spectators, the Philharmonie de Paris is a top-tier venue that stages approximately 500 concerts every year! The beloved concert hall presents an array of music performances from baroque and symphonic repertoire to contemporary, jazz, and rock – and the list goes on!
As you can tell, with the Philharmonie’s broad-ranging programme, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So take your seats, and let yourself be carried away with the music!
Paris National Opera
Two of the most prestigious and frequently-visited opera venues in Paris (and in the world!) are the Palais Garnier and the Opéra Bastille. The Palais Garnier might ring a bell thanks to the famous novel and Broadway musical The Phantom of the Opera.
A stunning vision both inside and out, the Palais Garnier, constructed in 1860, has made a name for itself as being one of the important landmarks in the City of Light. Fantastic chandeliers, marbled floors, ornate statues, and antique ornaments adorn the entire locale. Like the Château de Versailles, it feels like an honour to attend a show in this opera house – its enchanting appearance makes the experience of attending a classic performance just that much better.
The Opéra Bastille, inaugurated in 1989, over a century after Palais Garnier, is a work of art. It is a more modern-looking opera house, designed to satisfy audience members attending shows in the venue through their visual and aural experience. The main hall of the Opéra Bastille seats up to 2,745 spectators, so just thinking about how many visitors it attracts per year makes your head start to spin!
Both settings are known to showcase some of the biggest names in opera, ballet, classical music, and contemporary theatre… so why not experience it for yourself!
Athénée – Théâtre Louis Jouvet
Want to escape the start-of-the-week blues? The Athénée Théâtre Louis Jouvet invites you to its famous Musical Mondays, an exceptional event that rhymes Monday with melody.
Set within the stunning framework of this Italian-style theatre, let yourself be carried away by varied programs, brilliantly blending great classical composers with contemporary talents. These concerts, lasting only an hour and a quarter, are the perfect opportunity to hear high-level performers in a refined and intimate atmosphere.
Basilica of Saint-Denis
Not very popular among foreign tourists due to its little known history, but beloved by locals, the Basilica of Saint-Denis is a crucial landmark in the city of Paris. Did you know that it is the resting place of generations of royals? The crypt became the resting place of St. Denis of Paris, King Dagobert, and 43 other kings and 32 queens! How incredible!
If you are looking for a true French experience, you can’t go wrong visiting this intricately constructed 12th-century church with a long history of hosting classical concerts. Also available is a 75-minute music tour, guided by the musical genius and lecturer extraordinaire, Grégoire Ichou, who has performed in many musical events throughout Europe. At the end of the tour, there will be a harmonious surprise… perhaps a French melody, or a Gregorian chant – who knows?
Looking for similar blog articles?
If you found this blog interesting, check out other blogs we have written!
A Gift They’ll Never Forget!
Everyone has that loved one who is impossible to buy presents for, so why not give them a day to remember instead? With our gift card, they can choose to see one of our amazing shows, concerts, cabarets and more! And you can be safe in the knowledge that you’ve given them the best present of all — an extra-special memory to last a lifetime.
There’s More Where That Came From...
Whether you're a theatre aficionado or a first-timer, the Theatre in Paris newsletter has got what you need! At least once a month, receive a hand-crafted email for your browsing pleasure, listing the best exclusive updates, deals, programmes, and all things theatre.
You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok by clicking the following link to see our Link in Bio page: Click here!