Sold out Bastille Opera Tickets, Sold out Royal Opera House tickets, Sold out La Monnaie tickets
Europe is a dream stage for lovers of opera and ballet, with each season offering a spectacular lineup of productions that redefine cultural excellence. The 2025–2026 season in Europe’s cultural capitals promises unforgettable evenings of grandeur, passion, and artistry. From Puccini’s timeless Tosca to Verdi’s Aida and Bellini’s Norma, audiences can expect a season brimming with legendary productions. Alongside opera, breathtaking ballets light up the stages of Paris and London. Here are the performances you won’t want to miss.
Your Guide to the Best Shows in Paris, London, and Brussels
From the enchanting fairytale world of Sleeping Beauty at the Bastille Opera to Verdi’s heart-wrenching Il Trovatore in London, and the unique blend of humor and beauty in Monteverdi’s I Grotteschi in Brussels, these shows represent the finest cultural experiences Europe has to offer.
Paris – Opera Bastille Tickets
Opera: Aida – Giuseppe Verdi
When & Where: Opéra Bastille, 24 September – 4 November 2025
How long: 3h05, one interval
What’s the opera about?
Aida tells the story of an Ethiopian princess enslaved in Egypt who falls in love with her captor, Radamès, the Egyptian general. Torn between love and loyalty to her people, Aida’s fate plays out in sweeping choruses and intimate arias. With its famous Triumphal March and monumental staging, this opera is as grand as it is emotional.
Why you should see it: It’s Verdi at his most spectacular and a cornerstone of the grand opera tradition.
Ballet: Giselle – Jean Coralli, Jules Perrot
When & Where: Palais Garnier, 28 September – 31 October 2025
How long: 2h10 with one interval
What’s the ballet about?
First performed in 1841, Giselle is one of the most iconic Romantic ballets. It tells the haunting story of a young peasant girl who dies of a broken heart and joins the ethereal Wilis, spirits who dance men to death. With its mix of rustic charm in Act I and ghostly beauty in Act II, the ballet explores love, betrayal, and redemption in an otherworldly setting.
Why you should see it: Giselle is considered the ultimate Romantic ballet, combining technical mastery with deep emotional resonance, made even more magical in the Palais Garnier’s dreamlike atmosphere.
Opera: Tosca – Giacomo Puccini
When & Where: Opéra Bastille, 23 November 2025 – 18 April 2026
How long: 2h50, two intervals
What’s the opera about?
Set in Rome during a time of political unrest, Tosca is the story of a celebrated singer caught between love, jealousy, and tyranny. Puccini’s music sweeps audiences from moments of tenderness to explosive tension, culminating in one of opera’s most shocking finales. At the Bastille, the scale of this production magnifies the passion and drama, making every aria unforgettable.
Why you should see it: A true Puccini masterpiece and one of the most powerful works in the repertoire.
Ballet: Contrasts – Trisha Brown / David Dawson / Imre & Marne van Opstal
When & Where: Palais Garnier, 1 – 31 December 2025
How long: 2h20, two interval
What’s the ballet about?
Contrasts is an evening that celebrates the diversity and dynamism of contemporary dance. Trisha Brown, a pioneer of postmodern minimalism, offers poetic and fluid movement; David Dawson brings neoclassical precision and sculptural lines; while Imre & Marne van Opstal create emotionally charged, avant-garde choreography that pushes boundaries of form and expression. Together, these works form a striking dialogue between tradition and innovation.
Why you should see it: A rare opportunity to experience three generations of choreographic voices in a single evening, performed in the breathtaking setting of the Palais Garnier.
Ballet: Notre-Dame de Paris – Roland Petit
When & Where: Opéra Bastille, 6 – 31 December 2025
How long: 1h55, one interval
What’s the ballet about?
Based on Victor Hugo’s classic novel, Roland Petit’s ballet brings to life the tragic story of Quasimodo, Esmeralda, and Frollo. The choreography combines drama, sensuality, and technical brilliance, set against evocative staging. Each movement conveys the intensity of human desire and despair beneath the Gothic arches of Paris’s most famous cathedral.
Why you should see it: A rare chance to see one of the Ballet de l’Opéra’s signature works in the city of its birth.
London – Opera Tickets at Royal Opera House
Opera: Tosca – Giacomo Puccini
When & Where: Royal Opera House, 11 September – 7 October 2025
How long: 3 hours, two intervals
What’s the opera about?
In Puccini’s Tosca, love, faith, and political betrayal collide in a whirlwind of passion. Tosca, a famous singer, must choose between her beloved and her honor in a battle with the corrupt police chief Scarpia. From its lyrical duets to its heart-stopping climax, this is opera that grips from the first note to the last.
Why you should see it: Covent Garden offers a world-class cast and the intimacy to make every aria feel personal.
Ballet: La Fille mal gardée – Frederick Ashton
When & Where: Royal Opera House, 18 October 2025 – 9 June 2026
How long: 2h15, one interval
What’s the ballet about?
One of the oldest ballets still performed today, La Fille mal gardée is a joyful tale of young love triumphing over parental opposition. Filled with humor, rustic charm, and lighthearted dance, it features lively ensembles and comic interludes. Ashton’s choreography infuses the work with warmth and sunshine, leaving audiences smiling.
Why you should see it: A true feel-good classic that embodies the charm of English ballet.
Opera: Ariodante – Georg Friedrich Handel
When & Where: Royal Opera House, 9 – 21 December 2025
How long: 3h45, two intervals
What’s the opera about?
Handel’s Ariodante is a baroque masterpiece where love is tested by deceit and betrayal at a royal court. Filled with dazzling vocal fireworks and hauntingly expressive arias, it’s a drama of innocence, honor, and redemption. The music combines virtuosity with emotional depth, offering singers the chance to shine.
Why you should see it: A rare chance to experience one of Handel’s finest operas, with an outstanding cast.
Brussels – Opera Tickets at La Monnaie
Opera: Norma – Vincenzo Bellini
When & Where: La Monnaie, 9 – 31 December 2025
How long: 3h10, one intermission
What’s the opera about?
Norma tells the story of a high priestess torn between her love for a Roman soldier and her duty to her people. With some of the most demanding arias in the bel canto tradition, this opera showcases the soprano voice at its most expressive and powerful. Themes of love, betrayal, and sacrifice are at the heart of the drama.
Why you should see it: Bellini’s masterpiece is a vocal tour de force and a defining moment for any opera season.
Opera: Tosca – Giacomo Puccini
When & Where: La Monnaie, 17 June 2026 – 1 July 2026
How long: 2h35, one interval
What’s the opera about?
Puccini’s Tosca follows the singer Floria Tosca as she fights to save her lover from political persecution. It’s a story of passion and betrayal, ending in one of opera’s most powerful tragedies. With Puccini’s sweeping score, each scene builds to moments of unforgettable intensity.
Why you should see it: Seeing Tosca in Brussels, sung in Italian with French and Dutch surtitles, offers both intimacy and grandeur in a historic opera house.
With Carsons Travel Concierge, not only can you reserve tickets for these exclusive performances, but we also offer access to sold-out tickets to other performances at iconic venues like Opera Garnier in Paris, Royal Opera House in London, and La Monnaie in Brussels. Dive into the world of opera and ballet with us and enjoy exclusive seats that would otherwise be out of reach. Whether you’re in Brussels, Paris, or London, these performances provide an unforgettable glimpse into the world of opera and ballet.
Take Your Opera Experience to the Next Level
To complete the luxury Carsons experience, we can arrange:
- Chauffeured transfers to and from the opera
- A personal stylist and make-up artist at your hotel before the performance
- VIP seating at Palais Garnier
- Pre-opera cocktails or a private backstage tour
But why stop at just attending? We offer curated private visits that allow you to deep dive into the rich culture of opera. Explore behind the scenes, learn the history, and feel the heartbeat of Royal Opera House with VIP Behind the Scenes Tour.
If you decide to stay overnight in Paris, book with us a top choice hotel – Hotel InterContinental Paris – Le Grand, and enjoy plenty of perks and bonuses, such as:
◊ 100 USD hotel credit
◊ Upgrade whenever possible
◊ Breakfast daily
Nestled in the vibrant Opera district, the InterContinental Paris – Le Grand is a historic gem that combines Parisian elegance with modern luxury. This iconic hotel, just steps away from the Opéra Garnier and close to premier shopping destinations like Galeries Lafayette, offers a sophisticated ambiance with beautifully appointed rooms and suites, many with stunning views of the Eiffel Tower or Opera House. Guests can indulge in the renowned Café de la Paix, known for its classic French cuisine, and enjoy a relaxing moment in the hotel’s serene spa. Ideal for both business and leisure travelers, Le Grand delivers a quintessential Parisian experience with impeccable service and timeless charm.
