150 years of the Opéra Garnier, history of arts and excellence

This year, the Opéra Garnier, also known as the Palais Garnier, celebrates its 150th anniversary. Many events will rhythm this exceptional year, highlighting its history as well as the greatest performances and magnificent scene costumes, from operas, dancers and musicians.

The construction of the building started in 1861 and lasted until 1875. The architect Charles Garnier created the sublime building and supervised the construction. The project was part of the reconstruction of Paris designed by Baron Haussmann and initiated by Emperor Napoléon III. The Opéra Garnier is a stunning example of the Beaux-Arts architectural style. The decorations are opulent, elegant and elaborate.

Over those years, several challenges had to be solved, requiring innovative engineering solutions. The most important one was the discovery of an underground lake, a secret area under the palais, full of legends. You may see the Phantom of the Opera in the corridors…

Arriving at Palais Garnier, you will admire the grand frontage, with its sculptures, columns, and the large copper dome. The frontage is an allegory of arts, poetry, music, danse and lyric tragedy. At the corners, the giant golden statues are named Les Renommées with Poetry on the right and Harmony on the left.

Entering the Palais Garnier, you will be fascinated by the huge double flight of steps in white marble. Everything, here, is gorgeous, from the great scene to the balconies, from the red Empire seats to the painted roofs, from the statues in the vestibule to the rotunda. Everywhere, your eyes are caught by wonders.

For the anniversary of our beloved Opéra Garnier, the festivities will reflect the rich heritage of 150 years of art and excellence.

A gala evening, featuring renowned artists and orchestras, will launch celebrations with iconic excerpts from operas. Then, special events will follow: backstage tours, interactive workshops, exhibitions.

The Paris National Opera offers a wild program, concerts, like the Rolex Ambassador Concert on May 11th, exhibitions of the most prestigious costumes, a behind-the-scenes documentary, artists residence through the “Project 12: 12 months – 12 artists – 12 works, unreleased publications, guided tours. Throughout the year, you will discover the secrets and prestigious history of the Palais Garnier.

Visiting Paris is Celebrating Fashion through prestigious experiences

Paris and fashion are intimately linked. Sumptuous Paris Fashion Week, luxurious shopping experiences, events on fashion themes, collections exhibitions, fashion is the heart of the city, a way of life that combines elegance with a touch of nonchalance, the French style.

Discover iconic monuments as never, celebrating Haute Couture and luxury as an art. All through the Paris Fashion Week, the prestigious houses unveil their new collections. The must-attend event will enlighten the fashion world and fashion lovers. You must be there and celebrate fashion with the most famous names of the who’s who. Explore what fashion means in the French capital.

With Dolce & Gabbana at the Grand Palais in Paris
An extraordinary journey waits for you, into the world of Haute Couture. Live an exclusive guided tour of the Dolce & Gabbana exhibition. A fashion expert will be there for you, sharing his Haute Couture erudition at the must-see event of the year. Enter in the intimacy of fashion, creativity, excellence, passion and style.

Louvre Couture Objects of Art, Objects of Fashion
The Louvre, the most visited museum in the world, creates an event associating art and fashion, from 2025 January 24th to July 21st . Some exceptional pieces are highlighted in gorgeous scenery, like a dialog, when fashion inspires art and art inspires fashion. Two collusive friends.

Private shopping at La Samaritaine
What a perfect moment, the Paris Fashion Week, to go shopping in a glamorous and distinguished environment! A personal stylist from La Samaritaine will receive you in The Magnificent Apartment, your privileged room, for a few hours. You will enjoy the refreshments and advice, dressing the most beautiful outfits, the most suited jewelry, all the stunning pieces you love and wish.

While in the capital, make sure to make a detour to Versailles, and discover more about fashion in its own birthplace.  

The reopening of Notre-Dame

On Saturday, December 7th, 2024, Notre-Dame Cathedral will finally reopen its doors to the public after years of meticulous restoration.

Since the devastating fire in 2019, artisans and master craftsmen have come together to bring this treasure back to life, honoring the expertise of the medieval builders. The oak framework, known as “the forest,” was rebuilt using traditional methods, while cutting-edge technologies, such as 3D mapping, ensured unparalleled precision.

Step inside and be captivated by the magical light of the rose windows, the exquisite details of the sculptures, and the elegance of the flying buttresses that have defied time.

The reopening of Notre-Dame is more than just an event; it’s a symbol of resilience and the remarkable craftsmen of France.

Immerse yourself in this journey through centuries and let the beauty and emotion of every restored stone move your heart.

Peplum joins the community of Notre-Dame lovers and thanks all the donors from all over the world who supported the reconstruction of this wonderful historical heritage.

If you are searching for a different winter experience, these following four activities will be the perfect addition to your ski vacation in France. For the entire familly or for extreme sport lovers, dive into the faboulous world of the French Mountains and enjoy  your winter holidays a new way.

DOG SLED RIDING

Discover winter in France with sled dogs.

If you love nature, the snow, contact with animals, and adventure, dogsledding is made for you. No need to go to Canada, Alaska or Scandinavia for this incomparable experience. Vast snowy landscapes, bordered by forests as far as the eye can see, makes France the perfect place for this special experience.
Like the great explorers who, at the start of the 20th century, set out to explore the poles, you too can travel the snow-covered expanses in sled dogs.
While browsing the snow-capped mountains, breathe the pure air of the nature world and let yourself be carried away by the atmosphere of serenity.
Carefully follow the instructions of the musher, the driver of the team, who will guide you. Make yourself comfortable and embark for a magical moment in the heart of the snowy forest. 

ICE DIVING
A new way under water

Diving in an icy lake, sliding under the thickness of ice, forgetting time, being hypnotized by the air bubbles that brush against the surface, this is the promise of a somewhat unreal dive!
Beginners or experienced, let yourself be guided by a group of experienced instructors who will allow you discover this unforgettable atmosphere.
The activity is also practiced at night, in a natural and unspoiled setting. On the program: ice ceiling in boreal colors, crystal clear water, ice funnel, lake plants …
Whilst impressive, this activity is also safe. Equipped with a suit specially designed to fight against the cold (the water is around 2 ° C) and connected to the surface by a breadcrumb trail, the diver discovers a world of silence, all in transparency, under a thick layer of ice. Just Magical. 

ZIP LINES
Have you ever dreamed about flying?

PARAGLIDING

Ready for take off ?

There are several activities to gain height in French ski resorts.
The French Alps is home to some of the best flying sites in Europe. The high mountain terrain and reliable weather create ideal flying conditions suitable for all pilots from beginner to pro. Explore the landscape while flying ; below a thick layer of snow covers everything. It’s a truly magical feeling.
Experience the thrill of a tandem paragliding flight and see the French Alps from above, or take part in a course and learn to pilot your own wing. This is a amazing way to experience the thrill of free-flight, and it’s hard to beat the French Alps for jaw-dropping mountain scenery.

When it comes to skiing the French Alps are world-class; boasting seven of the 10 largest interconnected ski areas in the world. Huge mountains, luxury chalets and thousands of kilometers of pistes – many with artificial snow – make the French Alps a top choice for your next ski trip.

The Northern French Alps offer big mountain terrain and some of France’s most famous ski resorts. Think Chamonix, Tignes, Val d’Isère and Meribel, Courchevel and Val thorens in the legendary Les 3 Vallèes.

That snowy enchanted forest landscape is one of the many aspects that the Alps can offer, spreading beyond frontiers for giving rooms to its wonders to express in many ways in different countries. That is in France, though, that its beauty remains famous for the great diversity it allows. That variousness can be found in the sports available to nature enthusiasts: biking, hiking, paragliding are only a few possibilities to be chosen in a wide series of entertaining, thrilling activities and wide range of possibilities from luxury shopping to gourmet tours, clubbing and enjoying live events such as concerts and festivals. That diversity is also the rule for certain other features, corner stones of a fantastic adventure.

Whatever destination you choose, you cannot miss the white silence of the French Alps. Land on a remote place, apart from major cities crowd as you will cozily enjoy a warm beverage in your private chalet, gorgeous 5 star hotel or Palace after a long day of skiing out.