What to wear to the ballet in Paris?

This is a great question Melissa, I hope you get answers cuz I'd like to know too. I assume the same thing I'd wear to the San Francisco ballet. Do you know how to get tickets for the ballet? I'd like to go to the old opera house (Opera Garnier) not the new one near Bastille.

Hi again, I googled the Opera Garnier and figured out how to get tickets. What I would wear is dressy black pants, black dressy heals, a classy top (for me it's a linen jacket over a black tank top). I'd still like to hear what others who have been, advise. I've been inside the Opera Garnier and it's absolutely stunning. I'm very excited about going to the ballet there!

I went to see one of Barishnikov's last performances in Swan Lake at the Opera Garnier. Being a student I didn't have any fancy wardrobe nor much money. But it also meant that I had to buy the cheapest seats in the house - which happen to be the ones with the best view of the beautiful Chagal ceiling!

Ballet always draws a pretty mixed crowd that is reflected in mixed dress attire. I wouldn't worry too much about getting all dolled up. A nice top is easy to pack and will let you fit in.

I would wear a nice pair of black slacks (or possibly a black skirt if you prefer), a dressier shoe (not athletic ones)and a nice top or jacket. Stick with dark colors, for you and your husband. You obviously know, though, that you can buy anything you might need to spiff up your wardrobe in Paris.

I have never attended a performance at the Opera Garnier but I have seen the Royal Ballet at Covent Garden many times. People dress nicely but not formally. Pants are acceptable everywhere these days but you want to pull off a nice pants look. I always travel with black pants anyway so you just need a smart looking top which can be travel friendly
and decent shoes...no sneakers, etc! Ballerinas would be OK and they are good go out to dinner shoes as well and are light. Scarfs can dress up an outfit easily and are so French.

Have a wonferful evening!

Though I have no clue what a woman should wear, how about us guys...I presume something casual ie button down shirt and nice pants is ok? ( of course big clown shoes to finish of the ensemble) We too are going to Giselle...Hope the seats are good, we are in the 2nd tier.

For guys (and women), you won't get turned away at the door unless you're wearing nothing or something patenly offensive. That being said, for classical music, both in the US and Europe, I prefer to wear a shirt, tie and slacks. But you can go more casual and nobody will raise an eyebrow.

I haven't been to any performances in Paris for years. Do they still have the custom of tipping the usher who shows you to your seat?

I ran into this a number of years ago. Apparently, the usher, a woman, expected a tip, and when I didn't give it, she reminded me -- in English -- "Don't you have something for me?'

I was offended by this forwardness and didn't tip her anything, so I'm sure she decided I was an ugly, clueless American.