Paris Opéra (9ème)

Opéra National de Paris/Opéra Garnier, Pl. de L'Opéra (☎08 92 89 90 90; www.operadeparis.fr), Formerly known as the Opéra National de Paris before the creation of the Opéra Bastille in 1989, this splendid historic structure is now better known as Opéra Garnier. Architect Garnier was extensively inspired by his studies in Greece, Turkey, and Rome, and it definitely shows; the Opéra's wondrous frescos and dazzling stone and marble designs regularly leave visitors speechless. That being said, visiting the Opéra is a roll of the dice. The building is periodically closed due to performances or set construction, and these interruptions are rarely listed on the website. We also advise that you take one of the guided tours, as the guides are all extremely knowledgeable. You might get a tour guide with a nearly incomprehensible French accent, so try to schedule this visit later in your stay when you're well accustomed to English a la frog. Opéra. €9, under 25 €5. Guided visit €12, 12 and under €6, over 60 €10, students €9, big families €30. 10am-4:30pm; may be closed on performance days, so check the website. Takes credit cards. No wheelchair access.
Notre Dame de Lorette, 18bis rue de Châteaudun (☎01 48 78 92 72; www.notredamedelorette.org), Constructed between 1823 and 1836 by architect Hippolyte Le Bas, Notre Dame de Lorette is a remarkably ornate neoclassical church in an otherwise average residential neighborhood. At the time of its construction, it pushed the limits of socially acceptable extravagance, and even compelled a cadre of church officials, journalists, and other Parisiens to disapprove of its bordline-vulgar extravagance. The four massive and intricately carved pillars that support the church's blackening entrance will remind you of the Parthenon; splendid frescoes adorn the ceilings of each of the four chapels, and portray the Virgin Mary and the four principal sacraments (baptism, eucharist, wedding, and ailing, for those not in the know) in detail. Though a must-see for lovers of art and architecture, Notre Dame de Lorette remains an active neighborhood church, so try to avoid Mass times unless, of course, you want to go for Mass. Given some serious disrepair, the future of the church's r Notre-Dame-de-Lorette. Reception M-F 2:30-6:30pm, Sa 5:00-6:30pm. Open for visitors 9am-6pm daily.
Pigalle, Like seedy strip clubs, sex shops, fake Gucci, and pigeon shit? Then the Quartier Pigalle is for you. Named after French sculptor Jean-Baptiste Pigalle (who perpetually rolls in his grave), this neighborhood is so nasty it's internationally famous. Sketchy old guys with stained shirts and way-too-small pants stumble after tired and scantily-clad women, and an overwhelming colony of pigeons appear all vie a hostile takeover of the area. If you aren't accustomed to the grimier things in life, you might get sick to your stomach even before you exit the Pigalle Metro stop. It is absolutely in no way a good idea to come here at night, whether you're a man or a woman, or together. Women beware of sexual deviants, and guys beware of getting roped into one of the cabarets or strip clubs. Stories of being forced—like, physically, by burly bouncers—into coughing up €100 for a drink are commonplace. The area does boast a few cool spots: famous cabarets like Folies Bergère, Moul Pigalle. Does not take credit cards.
Cafe de la Paix, 12 bd. des Capucines (☎01 40 07 36 36; cafedelapaix.fr), A trip to Cafe de la Paix should be less about eating (you'll be getting severely ripped off), and more about witnessing a Parisian institution steeped in more than a century of history. Constructed by Charles Garnier, the same guy who designed the National Opera, Cafe de la Paix was the regular haunt of an impressive list of celebrities; Emile Zola, Guy de Maupassant, and Salvador Dali all wined and dined at the establishment. Beware though; prices are comically high (for the record, we would only pay €26 for a cheeseburger in apocalyptic situations). Stop by at breakfast for a reasonable tartine and butter combo (€4), or grab a coffee mid-afternoon (€12) after your visit to the Opera Garnier. The decor is fabulous, and any visitor can't help but feel a bit more important and innovative after they've dined here. Does not take credit cards.
Musee Gustave Moreau, 14 rue de La Rochefoucauld (www.musee-moreau.fr), Provided that its workers aren't on strike (this appears to be a recreational activity in France), the Musee Gustave Moreau is one of the finest and most intimate museums that Paris has to offer. Located within spitting distance of the Opera district, the Museum offers the premier collection of Moreau paintings, sculptures, and drawings on the site of the eccentric artist's home in the 9th arrondissement. The first floor of the museum is the sight of Moreau's dining room, boudoir, bed rooms, and office, richly decorated in 19th-century style. The second and third floors, bridged by a uniquely shaped, beautiful spiral staircase, showcase the diverse artistic tones and masterpieces of the multi-talented and faceted Moreau. While small, this museum is best taken in at leisure; the paintings and sculptures require all the brainpower that the average Muggle might have for a wizard like Moreau's many chefs d'oeuvre.