Palais Garnier in Paris

Palais Garnier is one of the most important buildings in Paris. The opera house opened its doors to the city's high society in the 19th century. At the time, it was the world's largest opera house. Today, it's still an icon of sumptuous design, with opulent statues, paintings and gilding that takes inspiration from the Palace of Versailles. During the day the building is open as a historical monument, while at night it hosts dazzling performances of opera, dance, and music.

The best bits are above you, so take a moment to look up at the dazzling chandeliers, elaborately painted ceilings, and gilded mouldings. The Palais Garnier was the setting for Gaston Leroux's famous novel Phantom of the Opera, which was inspired by real events, including a counterweight falling off a chandelier and the cavernous underground lake that sits beneath the building.

Palais Garnier in Paris - one of the highlights of 14 Most Instagrammable Places in Paris and 11 Most Important Monuments in Paris (Read all about Paris here)