Versailles' Royal Opera Orchestra Concert Series

Location

Royal Opera of Versailles
4 avenue de Paris, 78000 Versailles
Capacity 750 seats

Duration

Around 1 h 30 minutes

With intermission

Details

Concert

For all audiences

No dialogue

Highlights: Versailles' Royal Opera Orchestra Concert Series

You have not finished being amazed by Versailles. On May 21, 2026, the Royal Opera of Versailles will host a magnificent Handel concert.

The famous Music for the Royal Fireworks was composed in 1749 by Georg Friedrich Handel for the celebrations in honor of the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle. On this occasion, King George II requested festive music from Handel to accompany a grand fireworks display on the Thames. Handel, then a living star in England, impressed the public with his sumptuous music. Twelve thousand people crowded into the rehearsal, causing numerous incidents, and the official performance brought together around eighty musicians for an “outdoor” masterpiece: winds and percussion competing with the explosions, without any string instruments.

As part of the palace’s musical season, the Royal Opera Orchestra, conducted by Gaétan Jarry, will perform the Water Music followed by the famous Music for the Royal Fireworks, accompanied by the suite from Les Indes Galantes. The evening promises a deep dive into the Baroque golden age, combining grandeur and moments of delicate beauty. The wooden decor of the hall and its elegance will create a unique atmosphere, making this performance a memorable journey into the heart of 18th-century history and music.

A delight for the ears, a feast for the eyes!

Next dates

21

ThuMay

8:00 PM

Premium Option and Experience

Looking for more than a standard ticket to the show? To make your experience an unforgettable one, choose between one of the following upgraded offers at the time of booking:

Prestige Tickets: Show + Glass of Champagne + Programme
This ticket category includes a glass of champagne, a specially prepared programme of the show, as well as exclusive access to the two best categories in the house.

Concert Programme

Thursday, 21 May 2026 at 8:00 p.m.
Handel in all his glory at the Royal Opera House in Versailles
With the Royal Opera Orchestra and Gaétan Jarry (conductor)
Handel: Water Music, Music for the Royal Fireworks
Rameau: "Indes galantes" Suite

Reviews

Get ready for a memorable evening!

"Unexpected to see such a beautiful place behind the auditorium itself. Back in time in a peaceful environment, truly wonderful." (Translated from French)

Didier B, Tripadvisor user

Beautiful theatre

"Great acoustics and beautiful sets." (Translated from French)

jpabassfunk, Tripadvisor user

Personalised welcome for disabled people

"We [...] would like to highlight the tailor-made welcome we were given for a family member who was temporarily disabled." (Translated from French)

Tournesol78, Tripadvisor user

Royal Opera of Versailles

4 avenue de Paris, 78000 Versailles

History and Fun Facts about the Royal Opera of Versailles

Categorized as one of the largest performance halls in Europe during its inauguration in 1770 requested by Louis XV, it is presently still admired as one of the grand luxurious stages in Paris due to its lavishing décor composed of early-century design. The ceiling above the room comprises an exquisite form of art, something similar to what you would see in the Sistine Chapel in Rome.

Opéra Royal was no ordinary room, it was prestigious among wealthy individuals who fancied theater. Hosting 1,500 people, only a specific number of guests were invited to view the best shows in Paris at the esteemed Versailles palace. Later, the room was also used as a ballroom and a banquet hall.

After the revolution, the Opéra Royal room was left whole but stripped of its 18th-century embellishment. Altering its original appearance, the room is renovated for official shows such as the opening of the Versailles museum in 1837. Renovated and inaugurated once again in 1957 after the Second World War by orders of architect André Japy, the room undertook a whole new look. In 2009 Opéra Royal opened its doors to spectators from all over the world and began to display an array of enlightened shows such as contemporary dance, ballet recitals, opera, and classical music concerts. Presently it offers more than 100 performances per season in its golden room occupied with ostentatious chandeliers, surrounded by red velvet seating.

Fast facts
Capacity: 750
Handicap Accessible: Yes
Air conditioning: No
Heating: Yes
Coat Check: Yes (free service)

plan d'acces, access map, opera royal de versailles

FAQ

How do I get to the Royal Opera of Versailles?

The Royal Opera of Versailles is accessible by:
RER: Line C (station Versailles Château Rive Gauche), from this station, the castle is a 10-minute walk.
Transilien: Line N (station Versailles Chantiers), line U (station Versailles Chantiers), line L (station Versailles Rive Droite), from this station, the castle is a 25-minute walk.
Address: Place d’Armes, 78000 Paris
You can find a map to guide you to the Royal Opera’s ticket office in the theatre’s "photo" section on this page.
In case of difficulty, our hotline can be reached during our business hours. Please see the footer of this page for our contact details.

What do I do when I get to the Royal Opera of Versailles?

The Royal Opera of Versailles is located within the Château de Versailles. To get there, follow the signs for Entrance B at the top right of the Cour d'Honneur.
We invite you to arrive 20 minutes before the beginning of the Versailles' Royal Opera Orchestra Concert Series, and present your ticket at the front desk. The Royal Opera of Versailles’s English-speaking staff members will guide you to your seats.

How long does Versailles' Royal Opera Orchestra Concert Series last ?

Versailles' Royal Opera Orchestra Concert Series last approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, with no intermission.

Is Versailles' Royal Opera Orchestra Concert Series for an international audience or French speakers?

For both! The Royal Opera House in Versailles welcomes visitors from all over the world. Music is for everyone. Music lovers and curious visitors alike will enjoy listening to a concert in the sumptuous Royal Opera House in Versailles.

Is there a dress code at the Royal Opera of Versailles?

There is no specific dress code at Opéra Royal de Versailles, but proper attire is appreciated. Many Parisians will arrive directly from work, dressed in business casual or chic attire.

Can I choose my seat when booking?

When purchasing tickets for Versailles' Royal Opera Orchestra Concert Series, choose your preferred category and you will be allocated the best available seats in that category!
Please note that tickets of the same category that are booked during the same purchase session, in the same booking order on our website are always assigned side by side. To be sure of this, make sure all of your tickets are in the same category and are included in your shopping cart at the time of purchase.
If there are no available adjacent seating arrangements, our customer service team will contact you before the booking is confirmed.

I bought tickets for the Versailles' Royal Opera Orchestra Concert Series and I haven’t received them yet. Is this normal?

Yes, it’s completely normal! Your order will first be created as a pre-booking so that the Royal Opera of Versailles can assign your seat. You may see a pre-payment on your card, but rest assured that we will not charge your card until your reservation has been validated by the Royal Opera of Versailles. Once the reservation is confirmed, you will receive your ticket by email.
Due to the large number of requests that the Royal Opera of Versailles has to manage, this process usually takes two business days, but can take up to six days maximum. After six days if your order has not been validated, it will be cancelled, the pre-charge will disappear, and you will not be charged.