Opéra Bastille
Place de la Bastille, 75012 Paris
Capacity 2700 seats
Swan Lake (Le lac des cygnes)
Ballet
Location
Duration
2 hours and 55 minutes
With intermission
Details
Ballet & Dance
Recommanded for all ages
No Dialogue
Highlights: Swan Lake (Le lac des cygnes)
Swan Lake is THE most famous ballet with THE most famous music by Tchaïkovsky. Everyone has in mind images of the pristine white swan, lost, ready to fly away as the music is light and graceful. The Opéra Bastille presents this sumptuous and moving ballet in a choreography by the great Rudolf Nureyev coming close to a hundred years after the great choreographer Marius Petipa. Nureyev dives into the psychology of the prince and reveals Tchaïkovsky’s poetic vision.
To make your experience an unforgettable one, you will be able to choose an exclusive add-on upon booking. See more details below.
Story: Swan Lake (Le lac des cygnes)
Swan Lake tells the story of a young prince who, while out hunting, comes face to face with a white swan. In the blink of an eye, the swan turns into the young woman, Odette, and completely astonishes the prince. She then explains to him that she is a prisoner of the wizard Rothbart who has cast a spell on her. When day breaks, she turns into a swan. A romantic story put into action and beautifully told by Rudolf Nureyev on the stage of the Paris Opera.
Add-On & Special 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 following upgrated offer at the time of booking:
Champagne + Programme + Exclusive Access to Salon Berlioz + Show
This package is available even after standard sales for the opera are closed. It includes a glass of champagne, a show programme, and exclusive access to the Opéra Bastille's beautiful Salon Berlioz, reserved for primary ticket holders. A result of our official partnership with the Friends of Paris Opera Association, the package can only be purchased via the Theatre in Paris box office.
Opéra Bastille
Place de la Bastille, 75012 Paris
Opéra Bastille
Designed by Uruguayan architect Carlos Ott, the building was commissioned by French President François Mitterrand and inaugurated in 1989. For years many had lamented the lack of a modern venue in Paris capable of welcoming modern concerts and performances with different acoustic approaches, and the flexibility that a modulable venue lends. A movement started in the 1960s called for a larger new venue in Paris that would appeal to the masses, a modern compliment to the elaborate Palais Garnier. Just over 100 years after the inauguration of the Palais Garnier, the demands finally won over the newly-elected President Mitterrand, who supported the project as the headliner among many modern works launched during his term. Selecting the popular Bastille neighborhood for its ease of accessibility from Paris and the surrounding areas, the old Bastille Train Station was destroyed to make way for the construction of the new venue. The building was completed just in time for the bicentenary of the French Revolution.
The venue has undergone many changes in direction resulting from varying political affiliations, and has undergone major renovations since its construction to repair and to soundproof the entire structure. Unlike other auditorium designs, each and every seat at the Opéra Bastille guarantees an unrestricted view of the stage. With its white glass ceiling, crisp gray compliments, and black seating adorned with rich oak, the venue is an ode to modernity and simplistic design. From the exterior, made of blue granite from Brittany and blocks of glass, light is reflected from every corner of this angular venue.
Fast facts Capacity: 2745 Handicap Accessible: Yes - in order to guarantee access to specific locations, we ask that you make your reservation at least 15 days before the performance. Air conditioning: Yes Heating: Yes
FAQ
How do I get to the Opéra Bastille?
The Opéra Bastille is accessible by the metro station Bastille (Lines 1, 5, and 8). Our hotline can be reached in case of difficulty finding the theatre weekdays from 10 am to 7pm Paris time. For details, we invite you to consult the map above.
What do I do when I get to the theatre?
We invite you to arrive 30 minutes before the beginning of the show, and present your voucher at the front desk. The theatre's English-speaking staff members will guide you to your seats. Please note that the performances at the Opéra Bastille begin precisely on time, and all late arrivals will not be permitted to enter the auditorium until intermission.
Does the venue have a specific dress code?
For Parisian operas and ballets, the dress tends to be a bit fancier than in other venues, so feel free to have a little fun and dress to impress. Many Parisians will arrive directly from work, dressed in casual chic attire. Generally, elegant casual wear is required, jackets are recommended for men. Shorts, Bermuda shorts, flip-flops, sportswear and trainers are discouraged.
How long does the show last?
The ballet The Swan Lake lasts 2 hours and 55 minutes including an interval.
Can I take pictures during the show?
In order not to disturb the artists on stage, and for the comfort of other guests, you are not permitted to photograph, film or record the performance for the duration of the show. As long as the performance is not currently in session, feel free to take a snapshot of the Opéra Bastille to remember your night out!
What is included with my Premium ticket?
As the premium tickets are our most exclusive package, these tickets include seating in category Optima, the best in the house, a programme of the show, a glass of champagne, and exclusive access to the magnificent Salon Berlioz.
If I purchased premium tickets, where can I collect my program and my glass of champagne?
At the Opéra Bastille, you may pick your program in the main shop as well as at the program stands located at the main entrance, on the 2nd and 4th floors. You can choose to enjoy your glass of champagne before the performance or during intermission. Champagne will be available at public bars or in the exclusive Salon Berlioz. The Salon is located on the first floor, at the right of the entrance to the Opera House. It is accessible by elevator or by stairs.
I bought premium tickets for Swan Lake and I haven’t received them yet. Is this normal?
Yes, it’s completely normal! As the premium tickets include exclusive add-ons, your order will first be created as a pre-booking so the Paris Opera can assign your seats and prepare your exclusive package. You may see a pre-charge on your card but you can rest assured that we will not charge your card until the booking is validated by the Paris Opera. After the tickets are validated, you will receive your tickets by email. Given the large number of requests the Paris Opera has to manage, this process usually takes two days but can take up to six days maximum. After six days if your order has not been validated, it will be canceled, the pre-charge will disappear, and you will not be charged.
Covid-19 Information
Specific measures and obligations may apply to this show. Before making your reservation, please check the updated information on our Covid-19 page: https://www.theatreinparis.com/en/page/covid-19