paris opera garnier

Okay, you knew how excited I was to get tickets to a ballet in the Paris Opera Garnier - well, the reality exceeded any expectations. It was just so, so terribly beautiful. Have a look at this ceiling painted by Chagal. It contrasted so beautifully with the gilded extravagance of the theatre. It was also more petite than I expected, making it even more gorgeous.

Um, hello, can I say breathtaking? We were in the second row, peering into the orchestra pit and with the most fantastic view of the stage, and all the theatre. This is the place to be. Also, the ballet we saw, Les Enfants du Paradise also made use of the theatre as well as the stage. One character at one stage walked along the seats in front of us, "Excusez moi", "Pardon", "Desolee" pretending to take a seat to watch her beloved perform.

What's not to love when your glass of champagne is a Charles Heidsieck? And oh my, the pretty stems of the glasses were beautifully etched. Love.

The foyer, once again utterly breathtaking it its beauty.

Look at those details!

The second act commenced with the lights still on - you felt like you were sneaking a peek at a rehearsal.

The poster in the foyer. Luckily I'm not scared of French clowns...

The exterior of the Opera Garnier as we left that night. So pretty in the twilight.

One very happy ballet fan, decked out in Miss Leona {Edmiston} for the event. Bless.