All to the Opera 2026: Free Visits and Workshops This Weekend in Paris and Île-de-France
Opera lovers and curious minds, mark your calendars! The highly anticipated “Tous à l’Opéra” event returns this weekend for its 19th edition. From Friday, May 8, to Sunday, May 10, 2026, several prestigious Parisian and Île-de-France establishments will open their doors to the public free of charge, offering a unique opportunity to discover the splendor and beauty of these exceptional cultural venues. This year’s theme is “Youth,” and the event promises a rich program of activities.
What to Expect?
During these three days, visitors can enjoy a wide array of free activities accessible to all, including public rehearsals, concerts, costume and makeup workshops, behind-the-scenes tours, and meetings with opera professionals. Please note that some events require advance free booking.
Since its inception in 2007, “Tous à l’Opéra” has attracted over 1.5 million enthusiasts across France, demonstrating its immense popularity. This year, around twenty opera houses nationwide are participating, with several prominent venues in Paris and Île-de-France joining the initiative.
In 2026, the Palais Garnier, Opéra-Comique, Opéra Bastille, Opéra Royal de Versailles, and Opéra de Massy are once again part of the operation. The detailed program is now available, featuring unique experiences like a singing tour at the Opéra-Comique, dance classes with Andrey Klemm at Opéra Bastille, and a presentation of atypical baroque musical instruments at the Opéra Royal du Château de Versailles.
This year’s spokespersons for the event are Marie Oppert, singer and actress, and Neïma Naouri, singer.
Detailed Program in Paris and Île-de-France:
The Palais Garnier in Paris
Visit the Palais Garnier, the national emblem of lyrical theatre in Paris.
- When: Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last visit slot at 3:30 PM, last entry at 4:00 PM)
- Booking: Mandatory on the website from May 5 at 2:30 PM.
Théâtre National de l’Opéra-Comique in Paris
The Opéra-Comique opens its doors for a day to discover the making of a show.
- When: Saturday, May 9, from 10:00 AM onwards.
- Activities: All activities are free. Some require booking on the Opéra-Comique website.
- Specific Events:
- Baby Choirs: Saturday, May 9, at 10:15 AM and 11:15 AM (for children 0-3 years).
- Guided Tours: Saturday, May 9, from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM.
- Singing Workshops: Saturday, May 9, at 10:30 AM and 1:00 PM (on Place Boieldieu).
- Costume and Wig Workshop Visits: Saturday, May 9, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM (free, booking required).
- Sing Vaudevilles: Saturday, May 9, at 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM (participatory lecture).
- Singing Tour: Saturday, May 9, at 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM with tenor Grégoire Ichou.
- Relax Singing Workshop: Saturday, May 9, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM (inclusive workshop for people with mental disabilities).
- The Making of an Opera: Saturday, May 9, from 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM (educational suitcase activity).
- Masterclass with Louis Langrée: Saturday, May 9, at 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM.
- Exhibitions: All day Saturday, May 9, featuring set models for Lucie de Lamermoor and natural dyeing costumes.
- Dress Up! Try on stage accessories and costumes for a photo.
- Free Visit & Guinguette: On Place Boieldieu.
Opéra Bastille in Paris
- Violin Masterclass: Saturday, May 9, at 2:30 PM with Petteri IIvonen, first violinist of the Orchestre de l’Opéra national de Paris. Booking required from May 5 – free.
- Opera Goes to the Cinema: Saturday, May 9, at 10:30 AM, 1:00 PM, 2:30 PM, 4:00 PM. Screenings of audiovisual gems from the Opéra national de Paris. Mandatory registration from May 5 at 2:30 PM on the Opéra de Paris website.
- Free or Guided Tour: Explore the late 20th-century theatre of glass and marble. Masterclasses and workshops from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:15 PM). Free entry for walking around, mandatory booking for workshops from May 5 at 2:30 PM.
- Public Barre: Dance class with Andrey Klemm, Ballet professor. Saturday, May 9, at 10:30 AM. Participants must wear work attire under their street clothes (no changing rooms). Socks or demi-pointe shoes recommended. Free, mandatory registration from May 5 at 2:30 PM on the Opéra de Paris website.
- Tune Your Ears: Music in the corridors of Opéra Bastille. From 2:15 PM to 4:30 PM, Alexander Martin, Music Director of the Opéra de Paris, offers some hits with his musicians.
Opéra de Massy
The Opéra de Massy opens its doors all day.
- When: Saturday, May 9, from 10:00 AM onwards.
- Activities: Discover the magnificent halls and programmed activities around the Blackbeard Opera. Surprises also await visitors outside on the forecourt of the Opéra de Massy.
Opéra Royal du Château de Versailles
Exceptional visit of the Opéra Royal du Château de Versailles.
- When: Friday, May 8, from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM, and Saturday, May 9, from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- Access: Free entry, no reservation required.
- Activities: Free visit of the Royal Opera, from the historical backstage to the colonnade, including the King’s box and the parterre. Presentation of atypical baroque musical instruments. Singing demonstrations by young performers in the Royal Foyer. Baroque dance demonstrations by the Royal Opera Ballet. Exhibition of stage costumes created for operas staged at the Royal Opera.
Practical Information:
- Dates: May 8 to May 10, 2026.
- Hours: Indicative hours; please contact the establishments to confirm opening times.
- Admission: Free.
- Official Website: tous-a-lopera.fr
- Important: Some events require mandatory advance booking.
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of opera and discover the hidden gems of these iconic cultural institutions!
Source: sortiraparis.com
