Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux

The Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux is a neoclassical opera house on Place de la Comédie in the Triangle d'Or, at the centre of Bordeaux in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France. Designed by the architect Victor Louis and opened in 1780, it is one of the finest theatres of its era. The façade is a monumental colonnade of twelve Corinthian columns, crowned by twelve statues: nine Muses and three goddesses (Juno, Venus and Minerva). Visitors can admire the exterior at any hour, and the portico and the square in front are the main spot for photography, particularly in the evening when the colonnade is lit. Inside, a grand double staircase beneath a cupola was the model for Charles Garnier's later staircase at the Paris Opéra. The horseshoe-shaped auditorium has red and gold decoration and a painted ceiling. Today the house is home to the Opéra National de Bordeaux, and ballet, opera and concerts are staged here during the season. The interior can be seen either by attending a performance, which is the best way to experience the acoustics and atmosphere, or on a guided visit arranged through the tourist office, at about EUR 10-15. Timing of guided visits varies, so confirmation locally is advisable. A visit outside takes about 30 minutes, and a guided interior visit about 1 hour. The square is busy through the day with shoppers, as it sits at the edge of the Rue Sainte-Catherine shopping area and near the Cours de l'Intendance. Crowds are heaviest on Saturdays and in the early evening, while mornings are quiet. Tram stop Grand Théâtre serves the square, and Place de la Bourse is a 10-minute walk away. The theatre pairs well with a walk along the Cours de l'Intendance, the Triangle d'Or boutiques and the nearby cafés.