Expert recommendations of the top dance, theater, and classical music performances.
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Ballet de l'Opéra National de Paris Rated one of the best dance companies in the world; excels in both the classics and avant-garde, staged in the same venues as the Opéra (see below). Tickets from $10; tel. +08 92 89 90 90 (in France), tel. +33 1 72 29 35 35 (from abroad). www.operadeparis.fr
Cité de la Musique Home to the contemporary Ensemble Intercontemporain, founded by Pierre Boulez (www.ensembleinter.com); also hosts world music, baroque, classical, and jazz concerts; one of the best music museums in the world. "Delightful to experience culture through another sense."—Poet and novelist Terry Wolverton. Tickets from $11. 221 Avenue Jean Jaurès; Métro: Porte de Pantin; tel. +33 (0) 1 44 84 45 00. www.cite-musique.fr
Comédie-Française "The French equivalent of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre; an innovative contemporary repertoire."—Marie-Céline Nivière, Pariscope theater critic. Created by order of Louis XIV in 1680; classics and new productions in the historic, glittering Salle Richelieu by the Palais Royale. Tickets from $15. 2 Rue de Richelieu; Métro: Palais Royale; tel. +33 (0) 1 44 58 14 13. www.comedie-francaise.fr
La Cinémathèque Française Venerable film society in new (2005) quarters designed by Frank Gehry; four screens dedicated to changing themes, retrospectives, classics, and the seldom seen; films in original language with French subtitles. Tickets $8. 51 Rue de Bercy; Métro: Bercy; tel. +33 (0) 1 71 19 33 33. www.cinematheque.fr
Opéra National de Paris France's most prestigious opera company; performing in two venues: lavish Palais Garnier at Place de l'Opéra, which recently completed a ten-year renovation, and the ultramodern Opéra Bastille in Place de la Bastille. Tickets from $7; tel. (both) 08 92 89 90 90 (in France), tel. +33 1 72 29 35 35 (from abroad). www.operadeparis.fr
Radio France Presents top-notch classical concerts (Orchestre National de France, Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France, and the Choeur de Radio France) performing in venues around town. Tickets start at $7. www.radiofrance.fr/concerts/accueil/
Théâtre des Bouffes du Nord One of the world's most innovative theater companies, directed by Peter Brook and Micheline Rozan; café for light meals before or after performances. "The whole setting has a Peter Brook magic to it."—Marie-Céline Nivière. Tickets from $14. 37 bis Boulevard de la Chapelle; Métro: La Chapelle; tel. +33 (0) 1 46 07 34 50. www.bouffesdunord.com
