9th Arrondissement

The 9th arrondissement of Paris contains several interesting attractions, including the Paris Opéra, which is located along Boulevard Haussman. Across it are two grands magasins or department stores, the Printemps and the Galeries Lafayette.

Sights & Activities

Paris Opéra is also known as the Palais Garnier and is a popular opera house in the city. The Neo-Baroque structure was designed by Charles Garnier, hence the name. It was commissioned by King Louis XIV and was originally named Académe Royale de Musique. Completed in 1874, it was inaugurated a year after. The building bears several statues and sculpture, most attributed to characters of Greek mythology. On its façade are bronze busts of Mozart, Beethoven, and other popular composers. As visitors explore this monumental structure, they should look out for the massive chandelier hung over the theatre which can seat up to 2,200 people. The ceiling around the chandelier was painted by Marc Chagall in 1964. The rest of the building’s interiors are also adorned with gold leaf and carvings of cherubs and nymphs. The Paris Opéra is also the inspiration for the renowned novel and play, The Phantom of the Opera.

Also located along Boulevard Haussman is the Printemps grand magasin or department store. Located in number 64, the department store was founded in the late 19th century though the present structure was rebuilt on the site in 1923. One of the most striking features of this art nouveau building is its stained glass cupola located above the main restaurant. The cupola as well as the façade of the building is considered a historical monument. Apart from strolling through the store’s numerous shops and retail outlets, there are also several restaurants located with the building. There is also a balcony that affords visitors with scenic views of the city.

Another huge department store along the same boulevard is the Galeries Lafayette, located in number 60 and is directly across Paris Opéra. It is the flagship store of the company, built in the early part of the 20th century. It also features a steel dome and staircases constructed in art nouveau style. Among the services offered to tourists at the department store are interpreters, discount cards, buggies, and a provision of store maps. There is also a fashion show offered free to the public every Friday afternoon, to showcase the latest trends in fashion.

Eating Out

There are several restaurants located near the Paris Opéra, such as the L’Entracte along Rue Auber and Santal on Rue Halévy. Within the department stores are several eating establishments that provide respite and good food to its patrons. Within Printemps are the Brasserie Printemps which serves traditional French cuisine, the Baramaki which serves sushi, the Déli-Cieux, Café Be, and the Ladurée. There are also several eating establishments located within the Galeries Lafayette, such as the Laurier that offers Mediterranean cuisine. Lina’s offer child-friendly menu while the Maxim’s has light snacks and meals. Outside the department stores, visitors can also head out to the Le Mandarin, the Le Mijana, and the Délice Provence, all located along Rue Provence.