Palais Garnier And Me: Because I’m Worth It

I hate to break it to you.

Despite all the “happy families” photos you might see on family travel websites, traveling with your kids is no episode straight out of The Brady Bunch (just to prove my point, have a read of THIS ).

That’s why it’s important to get some “mummy time” even while traveling with your family.

That means, setting aside some time for YOURSELF. Without guilt.

I had no problem doing this while we were in Paris. By our 5th day, the kids were happy to chill out at our apartment with their dad while I had half a day to myself to explore the things I’ve always wanted to see in Paris but never got the chance.

The Palais Garnier was one of these things.

The Palais Garnier

 

Palais Garnier Front

Image by Wikipedia Commons

 

Walking up the steps inside the Palais Garnier, I felt a sense of awe as the opulence of the interior became evident to me. I was not expecting such beauty- people don’t talk about the Palais Garnier. In fact, I had only  heard about it from reviews I’d read on Trip Advisor.

When I arrived at the Palais Garnier at around 10am, I was surprised to find that there were no queues of tourists. I thought maybe the building had not yet opened? But it had.

Tickets are only 11 Euro and can be purchased via an automated machine. It was a very quick and smooth process (or maybe that’s because I was sans kids!).

As I made my way inside and up the steps into the Grand Foyer, I was in awe- this was not what I was expecting! The architecture and interior design was very impressive- opulent and grandiose.

 

Palais Garnier

 

The Palais Garnier was designed by French architect Charles Garnier as part of a competition announced by Emperor Napolean III.

And how’s this for a great excuse to build a new opera house: the Emperor thought the existing opera theatre was unsafe after an assassination attempt while he was entering the building. Let’s not just ramp up the security: let’s build a new opera house!

(I like the French way of thinking).

French composer Claude Debussy, upon visiting the Palais Garnier, remarked that it resembled a Turkish bath. Now I haven’t visited a Turkish bath before, but from what I imagine one to look like, I can agree with Debussy.

What do you think?

 

Untitled design (4)

 

 

With all the heavy marble, it’s lucky that Garnier made sure that the building was constructed on a framework of metal girders- this was not common during that time period. The metal and steel structure also ensured that the building was fireproof!

Garnier often visited Greece and Rome and many believe that his style was influenced by Renaissance artists such as Michelangelo. Judging by the gallery leading to the Grand Foyer, I can see the influence.

Does this remind you of the Hall of Mirrors in Versailles?

 

Palais Garnier Foyer

Garnier had a say in the way that the building was decorated- he chose all the furnishings and fittings. These have been restored over the years- the original Louis XIV armchairs are still present but were pulled apart and reupholstered. The ten chandeliers in the Grand Foyer and the candelabras were also restored.

I’ve always had a thing for chandeliers- and it seems Garnier did too!

 

Garnier Ceiling

 

 

There was something gothic and eerie about standing on these steps and looking down towards the basement.

 

Palais Garnier Stairs Grand Foyer

 

 

But do you know what I enjoyed the most about the Palais Garnier? Being completely present in the moment, and savouring every minute I spent in that beautiful building. Forgetting for a few moments, that I was a mum on holidays with my tribe.

I could pretend I was a solo female traveler circa my 20s!

Because I’m worth it. We’re all worth it! And we all know that being a mum doesn’t end while on a family trip. Just because we’re in another place, doesn’t mean that our little people stop needing us all the time. So it’s important to take time out for ourselves if and when we can.

Even if it’s just a cup of coffee at a local cafe! Or visiting a place on our own.

 

Statue Palais Garnier

 

What are your thoughts about mummy time while on a family holiday? Do you take time out for yourself while travelling?

 

10 thoughts on “Palais Garnier And Me: Because I’m Worth It”

  1. Thank you for linking up on Travel Tuesday. I totally agree with you that we deserve some mummy me time when on vacation! Because, well, we ARE on vacation right? Unfortunately half a day off is too much to ask for me because my boys drive my hubby crazy. The only times I get to sneak off is for an hour to go to the coin laundry. So while waiting for the laundry to be done, I have a cup of coffee at the local cafe.

    Reply
    • That’s great! Not everyone can have a few hours to themselves, sometimes I can’t either. Nothing like a great coffee and 5 minutes to yourself 🙂

      Reply
  2. You’re absolutely right – it is important to have some mummy time – I am a big believer in doing that even if it’s for a short while. Glad you got to enjoy the splendour of Palais Garnier – it’s really stunning. Thanks for linking up with #MondayEscapes

    Reply
  3. Wow, what a magnificent building! One of my favourite memories of our last trip to NYC was when I left the rest of the family and headed off to The Strand bookstore on the corner of 12th Street and Broadway. 18 miles of books. I was in heaven.

    Reply
  4. Wow, I’ve been to Paris twice & this wasn’t on the radar. Wish we had, it’s beautiful. Yep, very Versailles-like. Although my jetlag was so horrendous first visit we may have passed it during our bus tour, but that whole night is blurry haha

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