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A few sacred places in Paris where you can listen to music

There are only a few sacred places in Paris where you can only occasionally listen to some music in a historical surrounding. La Sainte-Chapelle, located under the Conciergerie, where Björk gave once a live performance, usually hosts concerts during the New Year period and it’s a very good occasion to enter this mystical place during that time of year. The Eglise Sainte-Eustache, in the center of Paris, near Les Halles, once saw the French singer Camille, who loves to play in incredible places – or the legend Patti Smith singing a capella (without breaking its stained glass window). This same church is usually host to the Music Festival on 21st June – 36 hours of non-stop music which is worth stopping by. In these sacred places, you’re entering a timeless world and it’s always a great privilege to witness such moments. Now, there’s one where most of the 7 million yearly visitors have no clue that it is right beside them. Inside one of the most visited French monuments, the Castle of Versailles, is hiding a pretty rival to the Sistine Chapel: the Palatial Chapel, as it is named, like its Italian sister, has a breathless painted ceiling from 1710. It’s very rich, narrow and high architecture gives the chapel – originally it was a ballet theatre – a magical feeling. Versailles The Royal Chapel has not only a crystal clear sound, but also a magical light when the sun goes down as subtle lighting is slowly illuminating. With a first floor where King Louis XIV used to sit, this Royal Opera is literaly a piece of art made of marble and gold, signed by architect Hardouin Mansart. I guess this is where Kanye really wanted to get married – and actually this is where Marie-Antoinette got married for real… Royal Chapel So the Chapel is hosting musical concerts all year long, and especially during the Summer Music Festival in July. This season, you can discover 7 operas, 35 concerts and even 3 ballets. Don’t miss Les Boréades, Rameau’s ultimate Opera directed by Mark Minkowski on october 5th or a new version from Les Contes d’Hoffman by Offenbach. These unique moments will be even more unforgettable during the interlude: you can then walk in the park, and there will be just you and a glass of Champagne. Don’t ask for something more romantic.

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2 Comments

  1. Love this post! The concerts are a wonderful way for kids that like music to engage with the rich cultural tradition in Paris as well. Sainte Chappelle appeals to the younger set because the medieval color scheme uses brilliant primary colors. We would add that L’Eglise de la Madeleine also sometimes hosts classical music concerts. Kate heard Beethoven’s 9th Symphony there once, and the acoustics meant that the last sounds literally vibrated all around the church. Great post.

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