La Caravane du Caire

Show ended
Location
4 avenue de Paris, 78000 Versailles
Capacity 750 seats
Duration
2h 20min
With intermission
Details
Opera
For all audiences
In French surtitled in French and English
Highlights: La Caravane du Caire
Some operas require colossal technical feats, just like memories... Sometimes oblivion casts its shadow over the score. But they cannot be erased and remain, tucked away in a drawer, until the happy day comes when light is shed on the precious papers. This is the case with André Grétry's delightful opera, La Caravane du Caire, a true acidulous treat that will appeal to young and old alike. The Royal Opera of Versailles is bringing this three-act opera-ballet back to life with the Royal Opera Ballet and the fabulous Concert Spirituel, specialists in French music, under the direction of the talented conductor Hervé Niquet.
To make your experience unforgettable, with Theatre in Paris you can choose to include an exclusive offer, such as a glass of champagne and a programme. See below for more information.
Story: La Caravane du Caire
What makes opera lovers tick? The voices, the staging, the story, the composer, or all of the above? And what if everything came together in this Cairo caravan to offer all the ingredients a fan could expect from a truly great evening of opera? The Royal Opera of Versailles resurrects the forgotten masterpiece, La Caravane du Caire, by André Grétry and adds an orchestra specialising in French music and the luminous timbre of the Quebec soprano, Hélène Guilmette, to tell us the story of the brave Saint-Phar, who is in love with Zélime, who in turn is held by a slave trader with the intention of selling her to the Pasha. Rocky situations and ballets punctuate this work, which had the famous aria “La Victoire est à nous” (“The Victory is Ours”) resounding even in the ranks of Napoleon's armies.
Premium Option & Experience
Looking for more than a standard ticket to the show? To make your experience an unforgettable one, you will be able to choose this exclusive offer at the time of booking:
Champagne + Programme + Show
This offer includes a glass of champagne and a printed programme, as well as exclusive access to the best two seating categories.
Reviews
Royal Opera of Versailles
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
FAQ
How do I get to the Royal Opera of Versailles?
The Royal Opera of Versailles is accessible by: Metro lines: You can take the RER C to Versailles Château Rive Gauche, lines N and U of the Transilien to Versailles Chantiers, and line L to Versailles Rive Droite. Bus lines: You can take bus line 171 The Royal Opera is located on the grounds of the Castle. Access is via Door B (on the right in the Cour d'honneur, near the Royal Chapel).
Our customer service can be reached in case of difficulty from 10 am to 7 pm, Monday to Friday. For more information, please consult the map above.