All to the Opera 2026: Exceptional free opening of the Royal Opera at Versailles Castle

Call to art, architecture and beauty enthusiasts! The Château de Versailles opens its stunning Royal Opera House to visitors for a rare tour as part of the event "Tous à l'Opéra", on Friday, May 8 and Saturday, May 9, 2026. During these two consecutive days, access to the Royal Opera House at Versailles will be free, and no reservation required.

It’s the perfect moment to discover this emblematic venue in the Yvelines. The renowned Royal Opera of the Palace of Versailles, inaugurated in 1770 under Louis XV, stands as an architectural and historical gem. Since 2009, it hosts around a hundred diverse productions each year, spanning operas and ballets to recitals and theatre.

This spring, for the 19th edition of "Tous à l'Opéra", you can look forward to heritage and musical experiences suitable for all ages. The program includes a self-guided tour of the Royal Opera House that lets the curious explore the stalls, the Colonnade, the King's box, or the orchestra pit. The Royal Opera House will also unveil, for the occasion, some atypical Baroque instruments.

Meanwhile, the opera singing will take center stage at the Royal Foyer, while visitors can enjoy a baroque dance demonstration performed by the Royal Opera Ballet.

• To be read
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• Tous à l'Opéra 2026: Paris's Palais Garnier opens its doors to the public for free.
• This week's top deals in Paris and Île-de-France, April 20–26, 2026.

To cap off this enriching experience, there will be an exhibition of stage costumes from the finest productions staged at the Royal Opera. This exceptional and free tour of the Royal Opera House at the Château de Versailles invites audiences to soon discover a performance in this prestigious setting, still regarded today as one of the most sumptuous theatres in the world.

Take advantage of this exceptional opening by joining us Friday, May 8, from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m., and Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., at Place Gambetta, Senate Gate (the large yellow door). Don’t miss this rare opportunity to visit, free of charge and without prior reservation, one of France’s most iconic heritage sites.

We note that the event "Tous à l'Opéra", a major public showcase of opera, is marking its 19th edition from May 8 to 10, 2026. The Palais Garnier, the Opéra-Comique, and the Opéra de Massy are also taking part in the initiative.

Tous à l'Opéra 2026: Free Tours in Paris and Île-de-France, Here's the Lineup
As part of the 19th edition of Tous à l'Opéra, several prestigious Parisian and Île-de-France institutions are once again opening their doors on Friday, May 8, Saturday, May 9 and Sunday, May 10, 2026. It's the perfect moment to freely discover the grandeur and beauty of these exceptional cultural venues. Here's what awaits you! [Read more]