Classical Music in Paris: 7 Places to Catch the Best Performances

If you love culture and are looking for the best classical music performances in Paris, you are in the right place!

Paris has it in famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Palais Garnier, museums like the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay, and concerts at historic opera houses.

We’ll take you on a classical tour of Paris, highlighting some of the must-see sights and sounds for anyone interested in a timeless experience of art, music, and architecture to end an evening in Paris on a sweet note.  

La Sainte Chapelle

A Gothic-style royal chapel on the Île de la Cité in the River Seine, La Sainte Chapelle was built in the 13th century as a sacred place to house the Holy Relics (the Crown of Thorns, a piece of the cross, and a piece of a nail). The relics have since moved to Notre Dame, as La Sainte Chapelle needed restoration many times due to several fires and damage during the French Revolution.

Today, it stands as the pride of Paris with its ornate architecture. The beauty of its stained-glass windows is among the most extravagant in the world, and each of the windows surrounding the higher chapel represents a scene of the Bible.

Visitors may tour La Sainte Chapelle during the day, which consists of two chapels. After visiting the lower chapel, you ascend a charming spiral staircase to visit the higher chapel. As the natural light beams through the stained windows, the effect is a glorious sight to behold. The cost to tour La Sainte Chapelle is about 12€.

Philharmonie de Paris

This is an amazing concert hall in Paris for listening to symphonies and concerts where the design and acoustics are incredible.

I recently had the amazing opportunity to visit Paris and see a performance at the Philharmonie de Paris. From the moment I entered the auditorium, I was captivated. I felt the vibrancy of the performance, almost like it was speaking to me. The elegant string and woodwind pieces in the first half of the performance took me to a world I had never experienced before.

During the second half, the resounding brass and percussion had me swaying in time. To make the experience even more extraordinary, the visual arts completed the performance with finesse. It was an incredible experience I will never forget.

Palais Garnier

The national opera house is like a palace. The beauty of the stage and hallway is a great profile for photos. You can tour the Palais Garnier for just a few euros and you’ll agree that it is well worth the price because the inside of this place looks amazing.

On the balcony, you can see the wide streets stretching along the beautiful French buildings reminiscent of 18th-century Paris. Don’t miss the dome roof which is painted in vibrant colors by the Russian-French painter Marc Chagall.

Eiffel Tower

A trip to Paris wouldn’t be complete without visiting the most classic landmark. Visiting during the day and climbing to the observation decks will offer amazing views of the city or enjoy brunch at the Eiffel Tower. It’s also one of the most beautiful structures to see in Paris at night. 

You’ll see the entire city sprawled beneath you, as the rich and beautiful sky accentuates the landscape that lay below. Seeing a performance in the Salon Gustave Eiffel is the ultimate Parisian experience.

Théatre des Champs-Elysées

Boasting gorgeous Art Deco architecture, Théâtre des Champs-Élysées provides an enchanting atmosphere to hear the sweet symphonies of the Philharmonic orchestra. From every corner of the theatre, its wonderful sounds captivated the audience. Aside from orchestra, this historical venue also offers other stirring performing arts like opera and ballet. In addition, the venue provides exemplary productions of modern theater.

River Seine

The river Seine runs through the city and divides it into the left and right banks. While it may be a popular stop for tourists, it makes is a lovely way to see the city and some of the most famous bridges in France. The riverbanks are lined with elegant buildings, historic monuments, and parks, making it a classical experience to enjoy the city from the river.

On river boat cruises, you can hear selections of audio performances.

l’Oratoire du Louvre

A music performance at l’Oratoire du Louvre in Paris immediately transports you to a different place and time. As the musicians began to play, the music fills the night air with soft, lyrical tones and notes of joy and passion.

The experience of witnessing a live classical performance in this grand venue is nothing short of awe-inspiring. After the performance was over, you can stumble upon the delightful cafes, eateries, and markets that dot the surrounding streets or continue to wander the charming lanes of Paris, taking in the city’s incredible culture.

Final Thoughts on Classical Music in Paris

Paris is a beautiful and historic city that is full of classical activities for couples, groups, or solo travelers to enjoy the classical culture of France.

If you visited Paris before or are looking for a unique experience, I highly recommend exploring the charming neighborhoods, immersing yourself in the musical culture, or trying a Parisian cooking class.

Au revoir!