Thanks for the information. I have to say that I was pretty disappointed by the information posted on the official webiste and printed in the guide handed out by the tourist offices. It was inaccurate to say the least. I turned up at the Petit Palais hoping to watch some opera performances to no avail. There were no performances at the Elysees Palace either and I ran into a street fight complete with bottle-throwing hooligans, fire, ambulances and riot police at Bastille. Other than that, a pretty interesting first fete de la musique a la Paris! How was your day?

Cheers,
Audrey

No- the opera wasn’t part of the official program. There are big concerts that are scheduled, but then all during the day, people are just out singing and performing. And because of the echos under the arches, I think a lot of opera singers choose to sing there. I once saw a castrato (he must have been!) singing there, and it was the most beautiful, haunting this I’ve ever seen… But for the “official” concerts, it’s probably more like the rock concert that you saw. On the official site for Fete de la Muqsique, you can do a search for the genre of music you’re looking for. I think they have something at St Eustache every year, but I’m really not certain. Have fun!! (I hope this weather clears up!!)

Kim

Thanks for the information. I just found about this festival and as it is my first time, I was thinking of following your suggestion. I have, however, been checking the official website and it doesn’t show that there is opera at the Palais Royale. It looks like that there are three young rock musicians there this year, if my limited French serves me right.

Could you kindly clarify for me if you are talking about the exhibition place, Palais Royal, where the YSL auction took place recently?

Also, would you know if it’s safe for a woman to be out alone at such public gatherings?

Appreciate your opinion.

Cheers!