Classical Concerts in Paris’ Most Famous Churches

  • December 13, 2023
  • All things Paris
  • Angela Spidahl and Christophe Duranstanti

Translated from the French by Angela Spidahl

Where to see a classical concert in a famous monument in Paris?

Looking to discover the famous monuments in Paris but make your experience a little extra special? Dive into the rich history of Paris through a night of classical music in some of Paris’ most beloved churches and opera houses! Just for you, we have listed some of the best places with some of the most unique architectures in Paris! All constructed in different periods, these churches open their doors to you to discover the greatest masterpieces of classical music!

photos from events at the Sainte-Chapelle

1. The Sainte-Chapelle

Do you know one of the most famous chapels in Paris? The Sainte-Chapelle is unique because it has 1113 stained glass windows, each more magnificent than the other and telling stories of their own. This chapel was built in 7 years, a record-breaking construction for the time period! The specialty of this place is that it shelters the most precious relics of Christianity such as the famously protected crown of thorns of Jesus Christ.

In addition, its 1113 stained glass windows are spread over 15 windows looming 15 meters high each. They illustrate different scenes from the Old and New Testaments telling the history of the world until the arrival of the relics in Paris. If you are visiting Paris, take the time to discover this unique place through a classical music concert and bask in the glory of the architecture while listening to masterpieces from Vivaldi, Mozart, or Bach.

See all shows at the Sainte-Chapelle!

photos of the Théâtre des Champs-Elysées and Théâtre des Champs-Elysées ceiling

2. Théâtre des Champs-Élysées

You’ve probably heard of the historical Champs-Élysées where the president of the republic lives! It’s very famous in Paris for its thousands of stores that adorn the whole boulevard. The real question is, do you know one of the gems on this street, the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées?

This theatre is one of the most beautiful theatre halls in all of Paris known for its golden armor. Furthermore, the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées is one of the first buildings of contemporary architectural heritage to be classified among the Historic Monuments. It was built in 1913 and created by a group of artists, architects, painters, and sculptors. This historical place receives nearly 300,000 French and foreign spectators each year coming from all over the world.

Come and discover the different classical music concerts of all genres on our website that take place in this pristine palace. This theatre presents orchestras that play some of the most beautiful oratorios and operas from the XVIIth century and not to mention they have performances of chamber music with the greatest sonatas by Vivaldi, Beethoven or Tchaikovsky.

See all shows at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées!

photos of events at the Saint-Germain-des-Prés church

3. Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Another very famous location in Paris is the beautiful district of Saint-Germain-des-Prés where the church Saint-Germain-des-Prés rests in all its glory directly in the heart of this charming district! This church was founded in 543 and is known for being the oldest church in Paris. This monument has a tragic history that if anything many historical events ended differently it could have disappeared completely from the Parisian heritage!

Whether it be the Vikings in 886, the French revolution in 1794, or Baron Haussmann in the 19th century, the church Saint-Germain-des-Prés has undergone many material damages as well as some modifications that have transformed it since its original construction. Above all, this church remains an architectural marvel of Romanesque style, a style known to be very rare in Paris.

In order to be able to observe this unique place, we invite you to discover all our offers on our site of classical music concerts that take place in this architectural masterpiece!

See all shows at the Saint-Germain-des-Prés!

photos of the palais garnier opera and palais garnier halls

4. Palais Garnier

The Palais Garnier, and more specifically the Palais Garnier Opera House, is located in the 9th arrondissement of Paris, at the intersection of Boulevard des Italiens and Avenue de l'Opéra… a place where many come to marvel at the musical and architectural beauty of this area!

The Palais Garnier is one of the two halls of the Paris Opera which houses the Paris opera and ballet company. This place is famous and celebrated around the world for its prestigious architecture. Whether you gaze upon the incredible main auditorium or all of the decor and grand staircases that lead to it, you are bound to be amazed and feel like one of the kings or queens that used to walk its halls.

If you wish to go to the Palais Garnier, we suggest you visit our website in order to discover all our offers of operas and ballets. If you’re looking to visit on a smaller budget, we recommend you reserve seats to listen to one of the superb classical music concerts they program at the Paris Opera.

See all shows at the Palais Garnier!

photos of events at la Madeleine church

5. La Madeleine

Do you know the Church of the Madeleine? Now is your time to discover it’s beauty and history! This church is very famous for its rather atypical architecture that has the shape of a Greek temple.

This church realizes many religious celebrations and also offers a wide range of classical music concerts day and night throughout the year. Many French and foreign spectators visit to enjoy the cultural richness of Paris.

We invite you to visit our website to discover all our musical concert offers. Different types of music are available, as well as classical music concerts presenting masterpieces such as Vivaldi or Mozart as Gospel concerts.

See all shows at the La Madeleine!

photos of the Saint Sulpice church and the Saint Sulpice church ceiling

6. Saint-Sulpice

Fun fact! The Saint-Sulpice Church is the largest church in Paris!

This Catholic parish church is located in the Odéon district, in the 6th arrondissement of Paris and it has been classified as a historical monument since 1915.

Many concerts are held in this magnificent monument, including the Hélios orchestra performing various concerts of classical music. This orchestra allows freshly graduated musicians to become professionals alongside renowned instrumentalists. Plan your spectacular evening while discovering some of the best upcoming musicians by booking your tickets on our site!

See all shows at the Saint-Sulpice!

photos of events and classical concerts at the chapelle royale de versailles

Concerts in Versailles

If you would like to explore a renowned city just on the outskirt of Paris for the night, check out a concert in Versailles, a city known for its history, beauty, and royal heritage!


1. La Chapelle Royale de Versailles

The Royal Chapel of Versailles was completed at the end of the reign of Louis XIV in 1710. It is the fifth and last chapel of the castle since Louis XVIII.

Click the button below to see the many concerts performed at the Royal Chapel of Versailles by exceptional musicians who will make you discover, or rediscover, masterpieces of classical music including Bach, Lully, Vivaldi, and many others loved by the French and all around the world.

See all shows at La Chapelle Royale de Versailles!

photos of the opera royal de versailles and the opera royal de versailles concert hall

2. Opéra Royal de Versailles

If you want to escape from Paris for a night or even a weekend, come and discover the Château de Versailles and the famous Royal Opera of Versailles!

This orchestra will perform different concerts such as the last three symphonies of Mozart, arias of Rameau, or Vivaldi. This is a unique place that will make you discover the environment where Queen Marie-Antoine and King Louis XVI lived a few centuries ago.

Visit our website to find the date that fits you best and take advantage of the special packages that include champagne to make your evening even more magical and dare we say, royal!

See all shows at the Opéra Royal de Versailles!