Ken Paterson
By Jacquelin Carnegie
In Paris, fancy opera houses such as Opéra Garnier or the Opéra Bastille are not the only places to hear great arias. Music lovers can also find professional opera singers performing in casual bars and theme restaurants. Check out these four favorites on your next visit.
Photo Caption: The Paris Opera, designed by Charles Garnier as a "monument to art, to luxury, to pleasure."
On Monday nights, the mezzanine of this popular restaurant, in the heart of Saint Germain des Prés, becomes a hot spot for singers with operatic voices. Hear great music over a few drinks in this lively ambience.
Where: 62 rue Mazarine, 6th arrondissement, Metro: Odéon; www.alcazar.fr
When: Monday nights, 8pm-12am
Cost: No cover charge
Photo Caption: On Mondays at La Mezzanine de L'Alcazar in Paris, you can hear opera as you dine. Courtesy La Mezzanine de L'Alcazar
Dine in a medieval setting on period cuisine while being serenaded by classical musicians and singers performing madrigals and operatic arias. You're greeted by multi-lingual Chef Patrick, who is happy to explain exactly what's in the cuisine médiévale dishes.
Where: 70 Blvd de Ménilmontant; 20th arrondissement, Metro: Père Lachaise; www.auxtroubadours.com
When: Saturday nights
Cost: €75 prix fixe menu and wine
Photo Caption: Classical musicians will serenade you at Aux Troubadours in Paris. Courtesy Aux Troubadours
Enjoy an Italian meal served by professional singers. Throughout the evening, the waiters -- sopranos, mezzo-sopranos, tenors, and baritones -- sing every 15 minutes until midnight. You'll hear some of your favorite arias from operas by Verdi, Mozart, Bizet, Rossini, and Puccini.
Where: 72 Quai de l'Hotel de Ville, 4th arrondissement, Metro: l'Hotel de Ville or Pont Marie; www.lebelcanto.com
When: Every night
Cost: €85 prix fixe menu, drinks extra
Photo Caption: At Bel Canto in Paris, your meal will be served to you by professional singers. Courtesy Bel Canto
In Paris, fancy opera houses such as Opéra Garnier or the Opéra Bastille are not the only places to hear great arias. Music lovers can also find professional opera singers performing in casual bars and theme restaurants. Check out these four favorites on your next visit.
Photo Caption: The Paris Opera, designed by Charles Garnier as a "monument to art, to luxury, to pleasure."
Where: 62 rue Mazarine, 6th arrondissement, Metro: Odéon; www.alcazar.fr
When: Monday nights, 8pm-12am
Cost: No cover charge
Photo Caption: On Mondays at La Mezzanine de L'Alcazar in Paris, you can hear opera as you dine. Courtesy La Mezzanine de L'Alcazar
Where: 70 Blvd de Ménilmontant; 20th arrondissement, Metro: Père Lachaise; www.auxtroubadours.com
When: Saturday nights
Cost: €75 prix fixe menu and wine
Photo Caption: Classical musicians will serenade you at Aux Troubadours in Paris. Courtesy Aux Troubadours
Where: 72 Quai de l'Hotel de Ville, 4th arrondissement, Metro: l'Hotel de Ville or Pont Marie; www.lebelcanto.com
When: Every night
Cost: €85 prix fixe menu, drinks extra
Photo Caption: At Bel Canto in Paris, your meal will be served to you by professional singers. Courtesy Bel Canto