A lot of people on the balcony! Have you ever heard or used that expression that makes it hard to look the person in the eye? But do you know where it comes from? To mark the 150th anniversary ofthe Opéra Garnier, we're taking you back in time to enjoy this juicy anecdote.
For this, we take a leap back to 19th-century Paris. Back then, arranged marriages were common practice, especially among the Parisian bourgeoisie. Fathers, eager to find a good match for their daughters, would take them to the Opéra Garnier, a prestigious meeting place. Dressed in their finest gowns and clad in figure-sculpting corsets, the young women took their places in the balconies to be seen and admired. The aim was twofold: to enjoy the spectacle, while enabling the young aspirants to spot potential wives.
The small balconies of the Opéra Garnier, with their unobstructed view of the main auditorium and the monumental staircase, provided the perfect backdrop. It was in this ambience that, seeing these young ladies unwillingly showing off their "assets" thanks to their advantageous necklines, mischievous spectators would humorously exclaim: " Il y a du monde au balcon!" ( There's a lot of people on the balcony!). The expression, imbued with irony and levity, refers to the advantageous appearance that corsets gave young women.
The image of the balcony, widely used in French expressions to evoke aspects of the human body, finds a particular echo here. As in "il n'y a plus personne au logis" (meaning "there's no one left at home") or "il n'a pas la lumière à tous les étages" (meaning "there's no light on every floor"), the balcony here becomes an evocative metaphor for the bosom.
This expression, which has survived the centuries, retains a touch of mischief, bearing witness to a time when elegance and seduction were part of everyday social life. Even today, it illustrates a lively and colorful vernacular, tinged with a gracefully daring allusion. From now on, you'll be in possession of knowledge that's useless, but oh so interesting to recount.
The Opéra Garnier in Paris, one of the capital's most beautiful monuments
The Opéra Garnier is one of Paris's must-see monuments. Designed by architect Charles Garnier, this eclectic palace attracts ballet fans and history buffs alike. [Read more]
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The Opéra Garnier in Paris, one of the capital's most beautiful monuments
