Did you know? Streets around the Opéra Garnier are very special

When we finally think Paris no longer has secret for us, our dearly beloved City of Lights has another fun fact coming up. Today, let us focus on the Opéra neighborhood. Did you know the streets around the Opéra Garnier are named after famous people? And not just any famous people… Welcome to our “Did you know?” column, especially concocted to excel in high society.

Without further ado, the Opéra Garnier (built in 1870 by architect Charles Garnier) is surrounded by rue Gluck, rue Scribe, rue Auber and Place Jacques Rouché. Do these men (alas, no equity back in this area) ring any bell? As a matter of fact, they are four illustrious men from classic music in the 18^th and 19^th centuries.

For a wider introduction: Jacques Rouché was a musical critique and patron (he even managed the Paris Opera from 1914 to 1936). Daniel-François-Esprit Aubert was a composer, mostly praised for opera-comique or spoken-opera. Eugène Scribe – perhaps the most famous of the four geniuses – is often named as “the greatest dramatist in the 19^th century”, please! As for Christophe Willibald Gluck – a German opera composer – he immortalized his name by reforming classic opera by making it more accessible and less recited.

Hang on, do not leave now!

Now, let us quickly talk about another curious trait around the Palais Garnier, that you might have noticed, and it is normal. The four music streets make a diamond shape. The ground being drilled as such by Haussmann’s project started in 1853.

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Did you know all these uncommon and fun facts about Paris and the Opéra Garnier?

To find out more, do not hesitate to read and enjoy these 3 fun facts about the famous landmark.

Did you know? 3 uncommon little stories about the Opéra Garnier
Proudly sitting in the Haussmann neighborhood, the Opéra Garnier opera house has been amazing Parisians and tourists. But what do you really know about this cultural monument? We unveil you three and uncommon little stories about it! [Read more]