Keep on walking and you come to the prosaic but essential heart of the building - dressing rooms and practice rooms, and then ascend to the roof for a stunning 360 degree view of the Paris skyline.
And what of the rumours that the Phantom of the Opera stalks the Palais Garnier? It is true that the 1910 novel of the same name was largely inspired by stories that a man with no face lived in the underground ‘lake’, and that the building itself is the setting for the famous opera. Does he haunt there still? Come and see for yourself.
Visit: Opéra national de Paris
BONUS virtual visit to Claude Monet's House
Head to the countryside west of Paris to the lovely village of Giverny where you'll find the house and gardens of Claude Monet.
The Fondation Claude Monet website has created an extraordinary online tour, guiding you through the doors of the famous pastel pink house. You'll have the memorable yellow dining room to yourself, explore the kitchen, bedrooms and salons where you'll see some of his paintings hanging. It's a touch screen visit so you control where you go next!
It's a wonderful chance to study the Monet's home style up close. There's no virtual tour of the gardens - but there are videos.
Photo: Daniela Perria Rickey