Paris does not lack in the area of performing arts, from theater to opera to dance to concerts to jazz clubs. There is something  for everyone. Most of the theater performances are in French, but there are a few theater companies that perform in English. However, if you don’t feel your French is up to it you can always attend a concert. Two well regarded orchestras are the Orchestre National de France conducted by world renowned conductor Kurt Mauser and the Ensemble Orchestral de Paris. One of the most beautiful concert halls in Paris is the Chatelet - Theatre Musical de Paris. The performance schedule is posted on their website (in French only). The Orchestre de Paris perform at the historic and recently restored Salle Pleyel. The website has an English version. Opera and dance performances are held at the Opera-Bastille and the Palais Garnier respectively. You can purchase tickets online and the website has an English version. Most operas are now performed at the modern Opera-Bastille, while the Palais Garnier is used for dance performances. Instead of going on a guided tour of the Palais Garnier, I feel it’s more fun to attend a performance in the evening. A guided tour in the daytime doesn’t have the same abience as attending a performance in the evening. Yes, you get to see the interior of the  building, but the tour lacks the fun and excitement of a night out and the opportunity to stroll around the Grand  Foyer and the beautiful reception rooms with a glass of champagne in your hand during intermission. You might say one of those once  in a lifetime experiences. A fun thing to do after dinner is to go to one of the many jazz clubs. Two of my favorite clubs are Le New Morning, 7-9 rue des  Petites-Ecuries, Tele: 01 45 23 51 41 and  Les 7 Lezards 10 rue des Rosiers 01 48 87 08 97. If you understand French reasonably well and are in the mood a night of eating , drinking and laughter there is the  Le Lapin Agile in Montmartre.  Or you can see a film at one of the many cinemas. The French love film, so there is no paucity of cinemas. Some of which are grand Art Deco palaces.

This was just a small sampling of things to do in Paris. Pariscope (there is a section in English) has a more complete listing of what’s happening (concerts, film, theater etc.). You will find this publication at most hotels. If the hotel does not have a copy try the local newsstand. The Time Out Paris’ Arts & Entertainment section as extensive listing of venues for Classical music (concerts, opera) and for Popular music (Rock, Blues, and Jazz).  

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