Royal Opera of Versailles
In English surtitled in English & French
Choose your date From 103€/person
Book nowFrom 103€/person
Capacity 750 seats
No intermission
For all audiences
In English surtitled in French and in English
Highlights: Dido and Aeneas
Dido and Aeneas is one of those operas that are very short but incredibly concentrated in action, drama, and feeling. It is a jewel held closely by opera lovers, as it is a small opera in three acts with a story as tender and beautiful as its music. It is a pleasure to see the great Dido and Aeneas performed by Les Arts Florissants under the baton of William Christie and directed by the Spanish choreographer Blanca Li!
See details for our premium option below!
SunMarch
Story: Dido and Aeneas
Dido and Aeneas is first and foremost a chamber opera that recounts the love affair between the Queen of Carthage and a Trojan prince, both torn between love and duty. Dido, at first hesitant, gives in to the beauty and overall magnetic presence of Aeneas. But love isn't as easy as that, is it? Discover yourself their fateful end at the Royal Opera of Versailles. Dido and Aeneas is known for its many magnificent arias such as "Banish Sorrow", "Fear No Danger", "Pursue Thy Conquest", "The Queen of Carthage Whom We Hate", "The Sailor's Dance", and the magnificent and so moving "When I am Laid in Earth". Dido and Aeneas is nothing less than a treasured jewel set by William Christie, the most French of American conductors!
Premium Option & Experience
Looking for more than a standard ticket to the show? To make your experience an unforgettable one, you will be able to choose this exclusive offer at the time of booking:
Champagne + Programme + Show
This offer includes a glass of champagne and a printed programme, as well as exclusive access to the best two seating categories.
The Royal Opera of Versailles
Categorized as one of the largest performance halls in Europe during its inauguration in 1770 requested by Louis XV, it is presently still admired as one of the grand luxurious stages in Paris due to its lavishing décor composed of early-century design. The ceiling above the room comprises an exquisite form of art, something similar to what you would see in the Sistine Chapel in Rome.
Opéra Royal was no ordinary room, it was prestigious among wealthy individuals who fancied theater. Hosting 1,500 people, only a specific number of guests were invited to view the best shows in Paris at the esteemed Versailles palace. Later the room was also used as a ballroom and a banquet hall.
After the revolution the Opéra Royal room was left whole but stripped of its 18th-century embellishment. Altering its original appearance, the room is renovated for official shows such as the opening of the Versailles museum in 1837. Renovated and inaugurated once again in 1957 after the Second World War by orders of architect André Japy, the room undertook a whole new look. In 2009 Opéra Royal opened its doors to spectators from all over the world and began to display an array of enlightened shows such as contemporary dance, ballet recitals, opera, and classical music concerts. Presently it offers more than 100 performances per season in its golden room occupied with ostentatious chandeliers, surrounded by red velvet seating.
Handicap Accessible: Yes
Air conditioning: No
How do I get to the Royal Opera of Versailles?
You may access the Royal Opera of Versailles by RER C at Versailles Château Rive Gauche station, by using lines N and U of the Transilien at Versailles Chantiers station and also by line L at Versailles Rive Droite station. The Opera is also accessible by bus line 171. The Royal Opera is located on the grounds of the Castle. Access is via Door B (on the right in the Cour d'honneur, near the Royal Chapel). For more information, please see the map above. In case of any difficulty, you may contact our customer service from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday to Friday.
What do I do when I get to the Royal Opera of Versailles?
We recommend that you arrive at least 20 minutes before the start of Dido and Aeneas. Show your ticket at reception and the staff will take care of you.
Can I take photos during Dido and Aeneas?
In order not to disturb the artists and for the comfort of other spectators, it is forbidden to take pictures during Dido and Aeneas. However, you can take photos of the Royal Opera of Versailles before and after the performance, as a souvenir of your gorgeous Parisian evening!
How long does Dido and Aeneas last?
The opera,Dido and Aeneas, lasts approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, with no intermission.
Is the opera, Dido and Aeneas, for travelers or French people?
Both! The Royal Opera House of Versailles has been welcoming audiences from all over the world for years. The opera, Dido and Aeneas, is sung in English, and subtitles in both French and English are provided for audiences to appreciate in one of France's most iconic venues.
Is there a specific dress code at the Royal Opera House of Versailles?
There is no specific dress code at the Royal Opera House of Versailles, however, proper clothing is required. For the gala evenings, we suggest that men wear a suit and ladies wear a dress.
Is tipping customary at the Royal Opera House of Versailles?
Each spectator is greeted in the hall by an usher who will lead them to the seat. According to custom at the Royal Opera House of Versailles, ushers may request a tip which you may grant if you wish. It is by no means mandatory.