Monte-Carlo Opera, la Salle Garnier

After a costly renovation, Garnier’s jewel box reopened in 2005, its heavily gilded décor (think Second Empire–style lyre-toting angels and an abundance of mythological frescoes and bronzes) restored to its former glory. Even the Lesage gold-embroidered velvet chairs and ribboned mohair curtains that graced the 522-seat concert hall have been reproduced exactly; now, though, there are also tiny lights for libretto-reading fans. Don’t forget to look up, if only to gape at the Grand Lustre, a five-ton chandelier of Bohemian crystal whose missing tiers have been perfectly replicated.

Highlights of the seasonal events include a top-notch opera series, Jazz and pop artists, and performances by the avant-garde Ballets de Monte-Carlo.