opera in paris

As a professional musician myself, I can tell you even in the USA you dress up to go to an opera. I've never been to an opera in Paris yet, but Paris of all places, I'm sure they really dress. But someone here who has been to an opera in Paris, I'm sure will answer your question. But I would be very surprised if you can dress down. My guess, a suit and tie for a guy.
But lets not guess. Someone will know for sure. This fall, I'll be in Paris and would love to go to an opera. Can you imagine, Samantha Brown from the Travel Channel wore shorts to an opera!!! Not in Paris though, but shorts would be a no-no for sure!
I'll also keep an eye on this thread. I would like to know what people have to say. Thanks for a good question!

This is the kind of question where it's helpful to have input from Paris residents and/or frequent visitors to the opera there, and you'll find that here

click here for a discussion of this exact question with input from locals

Thanks for the helpful reply. I was unaware of the TripAdvisor paris forum site.

Richard: Glad to help! Note that the link I gave you takes you directly to a specific discussion of the dress standards at the Paris opera--I did that search for you on the Paris forum.

But be careful over there--they can be a little snippy, sometimes (we're never like that here).

And come back to see us here with other questions--we like to think we do a good job with most questions. But yours is one of those questions where advice from locals is especially helpful, and if we have to, we're willing (reluctantly) to refer you to places where you'll get inside advice when you need it.

We went to a ballet at the Opera Garnier on our recent trip and I was surprised by how informal it was. It's certainly not a shorts environment, but definitely not a formal wear event either. I wore slacks, a nice blouse and wedge sandals, my daughter wore a summer dress, scarf and dress sandals, and we both fit right in. Have fun!!

There's no dress code, so technically, you can wear whatever you want. But the audience usually tends towards dressing up rather than down.

It is never a mistake to dress nicely for the opera, but it might be a mistake not to. Why not go with the option that gives you the greatest chance of being correct? Wear a blazer. You can always take it off. If you are traveling with a woman, she can wear a dress. Those are always comfortable and can be dressed up or down with jewelry, wraps, etc.

We never regret bringing a dress-up outfit, but I have often regretted not doing so.
It's just a sign of respect to the performers that you think their performance is worth dressing up for.