Opéra Bastille
Place de la Bastille, 75012 Paris
Capacity 2700 seats
The Tales of Hoffmann (Les contes d’Hoffmann)
Opéra Bastille
Show ended
French surtitled in English
Location
Duration
3 h 30 min
With intermission
Details
Opera
For all audiences
In French with French and English surtitles
Highlights: The Tales of Hoffmann (Les contes d’Hoffmann)
See details for our premium option below!
Story: The Tales of Hoffmann (Les contes d’Hoffmann)
Add-On & Special Experience
Reviews
Opéra Bastille
Place de la Bastille, 75012 Paris
History and Fun Facts about the 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 neighbourhood 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: 2,745
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
Coat Check: Yes (free service)
FAQ
How do I get to Opéra Bastille in the 12th arrondissement of Paris?
The Opéra Bastille is accessible by: Metro lines: The Opéra Bastille is accessible by the Metro lines 1, 5, and 8, which run until the metro station Bastille. RER lines: The Opéra Bastille is accessible by the RER lines A and D, which run until the RER station Gare de Lyon. Bus lines: The Opéra Bastille is accessible by the bus lines 29, 87, 91, 76, and 86, which run until the following stations: Bastille, Bastille - Faubourg Saint-Antoine. Our hotline can be reached in case of difficulty finding the theatre from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Paris time. For details, we invite you to consult the map above.
What do I do when I get to Opéra Bastille?
We invite you to arrive 45 minutes before the beginning of The Tales of Hoffmann, and present your voucher at the front desk. Opéra Bastille’s English-speaking staff members will guide you to your seats.
How long does the opera, The Tales of Hoffmann, last?
The Tales of Hoffmann lasts approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, with an intermission.
Can I take photos during the performance of The Tales of Hoffmann?
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 Tales of Hoffmann. 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!
Is The Tales of Hoffmann for an international audience or French speakers?
Both! The Opéra Bastille has been welcoming audiences from all over the world for 30 years. This opera performance is sung in its original French version, and surtitles in both French and English are provided for audiences to appreciate this piece in one of France’s most iconic venues.
Where will I be seated, and will I see the surtitles properly?
At the Opéra Bastille, there are a maximum of three categories available, each of which provides a comfortable view of the surtitles. The surtitles are projected above and on the sides of the stage.
Subtitles or “surtitles”?
Surtitles (also called supertitles) are the theatre equivalent of subtitles. That’s because in French, “sur” means “above”. At the Opéra Bastille, the text is projected both on the sides of the auditorium, and centrally directly above the stage.
Does the Opéra Bastille have a specific dress code?
There is no specific dress code, but proper attire is appreciated. Many Parisians will arrive directly from work, dressed in business casual or chic attire. For Parisian operas and ballets, the dress code tends to be a bit fancier than in other venues, so feel free to have a little fun and dress to impress. Generally, elegant casual wear is required, and jackets are recommended for men. Shorts, bermuda shorts, flip-flops, sportswear and trainers are discouraged.
Is there a coat check available at the Opéra Bastille?
At the Opéra Bastille, free cloakrooms are available on various floors of the theatre. Travel bags and suitcases are not allowed.
Is tipping customary at Opéra Bastille in Paris?
At the Opéra Bastille, it is customary not to tip ushers.
If I'm late, will I still be allowed into the show?
The theatre doors are closed as soon as the curtain rises. Theatre doors close 15 minutes after the start of the performance and reopen at intermission if the performance includes one.
If you arrive within 15 minutes after the start of the performance, you will not be allowed to enter the theatre and will be directed to an area with a television where you can watch the first part of the show. You will be able to return to your seats during the intermission if the performance includes one.
What is included with my Premium ticket for The Tales of Hoffmann?
As the Premium tickets are our most exclusive package, these tickets include seating in category Optima or in Category 1, the best placements in the house, a programme of the show, a glass of champagne, and exclusive access to the Salon Berlioz.
If I purchased Premium tickets, where can I collect my programme and my glass of champagne?
Yes, it’s completely normal! As the Premium tickets for The Tales of Hoffmann include exclusive add-ons, your order will first be created as a pre-booking so that the Opéra de Paris 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 Opéra de Paris. After the tickets are validated, you will receive your tickets by email. Given the large number of requests the Opéra de Paris has to manage, this process usually takes two days, but can take up to six days maximum. If your order has not been validated after six days, it will be cancelled, the pre-charge will disappear, and you will not be charged.
How do I know if my seats are next to each other?
Tickets of the same category that are booked during the same purchase session in the same booking order on our website are always assigned side by side. To be sure of this, make sure all of your tickets are in the same category and are included in your shopping cart at the time of purchase.
At the Paris Opera, the seats are assigned in odd numbers or even numbers. Therefore, if your tickets are consecutive odd numbers or even numbers (For example: 1, 3, 5,...), they will be adjacent.
If there are no available adjacent seating arrangements, our customer service team will contact you before the booking is confirmed.