Opera Bastille (Bastille Opera House), Paris

This grand edifice, a vast and imposing contemporary structure, fashioned by architect Carlos Ott and unveiled in 1989 as a segment of President François Mitterrand's "Grands Travaux", has superseded the Opéra Garnier to become the primary venue for operatic performances in Paris (although both establishments function under the auspices of the Opéra de Paris).

The hallmarks of the theatre, aside from its postmodern façade, are the sensational acoustics of its amphitheatrically configured, fashionably adorned auditorium.

The performances staged here, much like the structure itself, tend to exhibit a distinctly avant-garde character, with contemporary reinterpretations of La Bohème being as commonplace as musical adaptations of Kafka.

The box office generally opens one month before the scheduled productions, with earlier availability offered via telephone and online platforms. Once the performance commences, "standing places" may be procured for €10 from vending machines located in the foyer. However, due to the inordinate length of the lines, it is advisable to arrive early, equipped with coins or a credit card (no bills).

The opera season typically runs from September to July, and the box office is accessible from Monday to Saturday, between the hours of 11:30 am and 6:30 pm, and for one hour before the commencement of each performance.

In the event that you are not interested in attending a performance, you may still purchase tickets to a guided tour, which lasts for 90 minutes and is presented exclusively in French.