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Post by mez on Jul 4, 2007 1:03:08 GMT -5
Well, in a last minute decision, I've decided to see a performance at the Opera Garnier. Tickets go on sale today - yes, nothing like leaving it until the last minute.  In the event there are any earlybirds up, does anyone have seat recommendations for the venue? The most expensive ticket is 80 euro (which I am prepared to pay) but having sat in many atheatre, I know that the most expensive seats don't always translate to the best. Thanks in advance, Mez. |
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Post by Becky (Berkeleytravelers) on Jul 4, 2007 1:05:29 GMT -5
Sorry I don't know the answer (although I would like to). Cybee (I think) has been there -- check the various pictures she posted from past trips, and I'm pretty sure there is one identified as being at the opera house.
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Post by mez on Jul 4, 2007 2:25:20 GMT -5
Thanks!
Well I ended up springing for the 80 euro tickets and got seat 75 in the 'balcon'. I have no idea if this is good or bad, but that's what was offered.
So, can anyone direct me to a seating plan that actually shows where that seat is located?
Thanks, Mez.
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Post by iank9 on Jul 4, 2007 2:43:50 GMT -5
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Post by geordy on Jul 4, 2007 7:47:42 GMT -5
What are you seeing? My recollection of the website is that they show you your seat location? I've sat in what we would call the orchestra, once up a pop up and down(fold down?) aisle seat. Also in boxes on the 2nd and 3rd levels. Best if you've got the first or 3rd row, the first obviously and the third because you can move your seat around more w/o blocking anyone else or just stand up! But if there be on time, the ushers have to unlock the doors!  |
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Post by mez on Jul 4, 2007 9:18:07 GMT -5
Thanks Ian. I did manage to download this seat picture, but you can't really drill into it see exactly where my seat is - my seat number is 75 in the 'balcon' by the way.
The explanation given for my seating area is 'orchestre et balcon hors strapontins 1éres et 2e loges de face et de 3/4' which I have kind of translated to mean seats in the orchestra or balcony except the folding seats etc... (how bad am I with my French??) BUT there's no way that I can see that pinpoints the specific seat.
Geordy, I'm actually seeing Wuthering Heights! Can you believe you can see a ballet of this? I'm interested to see how they interpret Heathcliff roaming the moors while wailing 'Cathy.......' - lol. It should be interesting, and truthfully, this ending up winning over the Opera playing at the Opera Bastille which I'd never heard of before.
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Post by Becky (Berkeleytravelers) on Jul 4, 2007 9:21:02 GMT -5
Mez, I love ballet (and WH) but this brings to mind the old Monty Python routine where WH is performed in semaphore signals . . .  |
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Post by mez on Jul 4, 2007 9:48:03 GMT -5
Well, it will be an interesting experiment and if it really loses the plot I'll look at the gorgeous surroundings instead. Mez. |
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Post by Shoesy on Jul 4, 2007 11:50:11 GMT -5
Enjoy that ballet, mez. I'm just an itsy bit jealous. |
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Post by geordy on Jul 4, 2007 12:52:13 GMT -5
I'm a lot jealous  what are the dates on that! |
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Post by mez on Jul 4, 2007 18:35:19 GMT -5
I'm a lot jealous what are the dates on that! Umm..it's on late Sept until 6 Oct. I am seeing it on Wed 3 Oct. I've just realised that apart from my accomodation it's the first thing I've booked for my Paris trip Mez |
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Post by cybee on Jul 5, 2007 20:19:39 GMT -5
Mez, Ah! Just found this thread (as have been away boating/camping for the Fourth of July ) and yes, indeed, I did enjoy an opera at the Palais Garnier! (Good memory, Becky! ) My daughter and I had balcony seats 28 and 30 and those were fabo seats! (but tres expensive for my pocketbook!). Excellent seating though ! You will enjoy getting to stroll about during intermission and seeing the Palais in all its glory as well as enjoying the wonderful experience of the performance itself! I thoroughly enjoyed my experience there! I think your seat should be excellent as well! A Wuthering Heights ballet! That sounds very interesting! Can't wait for your review!!!  Enjoy!!! |
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Post by mez on Jul 6, 2007 1:24:49 GMT -5
OOhh Cybee!!
You've made me feel so much better about the seats.
I know in theory I would be very unlucky not to get good seats, given they're the most expensive, but there's always that kernel of doubt.
Mez
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Post by holger on Jul 6, 2007 8:54:57 GMT -5
You were luckier than I. We wanted to see Capriccio at Garnier but only the 39 euro seats were left for any times we were in Paris. Since this is for hubby's 75th birthday, I did not ticket. We are going to an opera at Bastille instead in 1st Balc, seats 10 and 12. for matinee. ::)They had better be good seats at 130 euros. Guess we will just tour Garnier for atmosphere.
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Post by mez on Jul 7, 2007 1:32:28 GMT -5
Holger,
I bought the tickets as soon as they went on sale. I would hope that they're good.
9am Paris time is 5pm Sydney time, so I'd already warned my colleagues to stay away from me until I'd bought them. They had a laugh at that.
Like you, a tour was on the cards if I didn't manage to get tickets.
Mez
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Post by mez on Jul 11, 2007 20:24:35 GMT -5
How excited am I?
I checked my mailbox this morning, and there it was- an envelope from Paris Opera with my ticket inside. Yippee!!!
The ticket is a souvenir in itself - I can't wait to get there!!!!
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Post by arrowcapet on Jul 11, 2007 22:23:40 GMT -5
mez...if you look at this picture, you can see right in the middle where the raised seats are, above the tunnel. That's the Balcon, and your seat will be there. It's really a pretty small place. Your seats are absolutely superbe.  This other pictures is looking toward the stage. The people seated are in the orchestre section, and you will be directly behind them. I really do think you'll enjoy yourself.  |
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Post by mez on Jul 11, 2007 23:27:59 GMT -5
Wow! Thanks so much Arrow.
I've already taken the first pic and used it as my 'desktop' on my PC at work - c'est magnifique!
I think my excitement is that every other confirmation has been completed via email, but I actually now have a bona fide ticket.
Mez ;D
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Post by holger on Jul 12, 2007 7:24:56 GMT -5
I am really happy for you. Wish we had been able to get good seats for anything at Garnier while we were there this coming trip. It is just so gorgeous. I know we will enjoy the opera and acoustics at the Opera Bastille but we won't have the atmosphere. Hope our tickets get here before we leave as we have more than three weeks in France and Paris prior to the ticketed date and the e-mail said they will send things to arrive at least a week before. I have written them to suggest sending the tickets earlier or to make some other arrangement. May have to call in early August.
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Post by Becky (Berkeleytravelers) on Jul 12, 2007 7:32:23 GMT -5
Mez, this is great (and thanks Arrow, now I definitely have to find a performance of something to see next time we're there)! I love the picture, it looks like just a fabulous seat.
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what are the dates on that!
Enjoy!!!
hahahha