Where to find Classical music in Paris

If you are looking for classical music, you have come to the right place my friends! Paris is rich in history, art, cabarets, and most importantly MUSIC! Classical music runs through the city’s veins. There are plenty of venues and events to attend involving Beethoven, Vivaldi, Strauss, Rossini and a countless number of classical music composers when visiting Paris. From opera vocalists singing Ave Maria to violinist playing to the melody of orchestra classics and a stunning sight to soak all of it in. Exhibited in these following venues are the type of classics that will have you deep in your thoughts contemplating on how beautiful life is. Ready for the adventure through the era where classical music was among the highest prestige? Literally because some the places listed below are from the 13th century and over.

Sainte Chapelle Concert Series

Popular amongst locals and tourist alike, the Sainte Chapelle concert series is an extraordinary performance composed by professional artists who play with a passion that will transport you to the best era of our life. Highly sought after by spectators, the concert at the famous gothic church has seasonal programs that swiftly sell out within just a couple of weeks. With admirable architecture surrounded by tall and colorful stained-glass windows, it feels like a privilege attending a classical music concert in such a venue. The show consists of violinist and vocalist singing to the ballad of the Four seasons by Vivaldi, Bach, Strauss, and many others. Reviewed as a magical evening by a wide range of viewers who have attended the concert.

Saint Germain des Prés Church Concert Series

While being immersed in all the beauty and landscapes Paris has to offer, you might have crossed paths with a tall mysterious yet alluring church in the center of Sainte Germain, this is the Saint Germain des Prés Church! With a mesmerizing interior design 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, occupied by chairs where spectators can sit comfortably and listen to the professional orchestra performing to numerous compositions well known in the classical music industry. Definitely in our list of can’t miss shows.

Théâtre des Champs- Elysées (swan lake) and opera

Build in 1913, Théâtre des Champs- Elysées is one of the most visited monuments visited in Paris, next to Opera Garnier. Fun fact about this theatre, it was the very first infrastructure to be constructed out of reinforced concrete instead of steal. Throughout the years it has hosted a variety of shows with renown artists. Nowadays it displays a diverse number of programs every season made up of orchestra, opera, and classical music concerts. One masterpiece that will be exhibited in the theatre this winter is Tchaikovsky’s classic, the Swan Lake. After a spectacular performance in winter 2018, it is a shoo-in that Swan Lake will sell out quick. An ideal classical ballet performance to watch with family and friends.

Eiffel Tower Concert Series

An event that is mandatory to check off your bucket list is visiting the Eiffel Tower, but not just in the old-fashioned way by waiting in line for an hour to go up and have a view of the whole city. There is a unique way that you can enjoy exploring the iron lady while also getting an up-close view of a live classical music performance, it’s by attending the Eiffel Tower concert series. Sounds like a movie doesn’t it? A once in a lifetime opportunity not everyone is aware, they can experience. Seating up to 200 visitors, guests are able to take in the wonderful sounds of Mozart as well as other cherished composers that never go out of style. Have a glass of champagne and let the music move you.

Château de Versailles

Anticipated by spectators from all over, the concert in Château de Versailles is a memorable one. Besides having been the home of queen Marie Antoinette and an iconic hub spot for tourist visiting Paris, Versailles also hosts grand spectacles all year long composed of royal opera, ballet, gala evenings, and classical concerts. It is but a dream to sit in the massive castle of more than 380 years and take delight in being a part of an atmosphere that appreciates listening to classics as much as you do. The journey towards Versailles is well worth it! Once you sit down in the Royal Opera room surrounded by hundred-year-old architecture and a ceiling painted to perfection, with a perfect view of the concert on stage, you’ll understand what we mean.  Upcoming classical music performances include Mozart’s Requiem, Handel’s Messiah, Beethoven’s concertos for piano, and other idolized hits. To see the full program for this season, click here.

Philharmonie de Paris (explore paris)

Seating up to 2,400 spectators, the Philharmonie de Paris is a top of the line venue that stages approximately 500 concerts a year! It is identified the music museum. The treasured concert hall displays an array of music performances such as baroque, symphonic reptoire, contemporary music, jazz, rock and the list goes on. As you can see, laid out is a whole fusion of music genres, a little bit of everything for everyone to enjoy. Imagine roaming through a 48,000 m2 architectural phenomenon, this could be possible by booking ticket with Explore Paris. Explore Paris will guide you behind the scenes of this musical wonderland. Before attending a concert in the Philharmonie de Paris, why not take a tour of the whole place first and discover its history? There’s something about getting the inside scoop on a place that makes the performance on stage all that more stimulating.

Opera National de Paris

Two of the most prestigious and frequently visited opera venues in Paris are Palais Garnier and Opera Bastille. You might have heard of Palais Garnier thanks to the famous play, the Phantom of the Opera. Lavishing in every way inside and out, Palais Garnier has made a name for itself as being one of the important landmarks in the city of lights constructed in 1860. Fantastic chandeliers and marbled floors, antique ornaments decorate the entire locale. Like Château de Versailles it is an honor to attend a show in this opera house, its mysterious look makes the experience of attending a classic performance all that better. Opera Bastille inaugurated in 1989, 114 years after Palais Garnier is a work of art, a modern looking opera house designed to satisfy audience members attending shows exhibited in the venue with an exemplary view of the stage. The main hall of Opera Bastille seats up to 2, 745 spectators, so you could imagine how many spectators they normally attract in a yearly basis. Both settings are known to carry out some of the best programs of big names in relation to opera vocalist, ballet choreography, classical music concerts and contemporary plays. Each season they have a new program, if you’re planning to attend it is helpful to be informed with their seasonal calendar of shows displaying each month.

Basilica of Saint- Denis

Not very popular among tourists due to its unknown history, but well known amidst locals, the Basilica of Saint- Denis is an important landmark in the city of Paris. Little secret, there are royalty buried within the walls of this admired church including St. Denis of Bishop, King Dagobert, 43 other kings and 32 queens! Incredible isn’t it? If you are looking for a true French experience though a 12th century adorned church filled with a long history of classical concerts, there is an hour and fifteen-minute music tour available guided by the musical genius who has performed in many musical events throughout Europe, Grégoire Ichou. At the end of the tour there will be a harmonious surprise, maybe composed of French chanson or Gregorian chant, who knows?

If you’re interested in other activities in Paris don’t hesitate to read up on other cool places: