Travel tips for opera lovers – Paris and Massenet

Massenet in Paris

The series about historical places of opera art & culture. Get to know exciting excursion and travel ideas for opera lovers. This time: Massenet in Paris.

All Destinations on google maps with links to detailed Blogposts:

Massenet in Paris

Jules Massenet wrote 25 operas, of which “Werther” and “Manon” still have absolute world renown. To this list belongs also his Méditation from “Thais”, which belongs to the canon of famous works of classical music. Massenet came to the Paris Conservatory at the age of 11 and became a professor there at the age of 36. His academic success, however, came much earlier than his artistic one, for Massenet, born in 1842, did not write his first lasting success until he was 42 years old, “Manon.” It premiered at the Opéra Comique, while “Werther” premiered at the Vienna Court Opera due to the fire at the opera house.

Massenet spent his artistically essential years in the Greater Paris area (Avon, Paris) and in 1899 he bought a chateau in Égreville as a second home. He died in Paris in 1912, the Égreville cemetery at the family residence was chosen as his burial place. 

TO THE OVERVIEW OF ALL DESTINATIONS “OPERA & CLASSIC OF PARIS“.

Destination Saint-Sulpice

One of the greatest scenes from Massenet’s operas takes place in the church of Saint-Sulpice. I am talking about the 3rd act of Manon, where first the priest pupil des Grieux sings his dream aria “Ah, fuyez douce images” and after the appearance of Manon follows the great duet “N’est-ce plus les mains”.

Perhaps Massenet’s choice of church was inspired by Charles Gounod, his teacher at the Conservatoire, who had received the lower orders here.

A visit to this imposing church in the footsteps of Massenet is worthwhile, already the facade is imposing and the frescoes by Delacroix also. Heine and Hugo were married here and the church became famous at the latest with the filming of Dan Brown’s “The da Vinci Code”.

Église Saint-Sulpice :

Ah fuyez douce images

Destination 48, de la rue de Vaugirard

Massenet’s residence is located here. He was a busy man, his day always began at 4 a.m., where he sat down at his desk to compose so that he could find time to write his rich oeuvre in addition to his obligations. A plaque on the house commemorates Massenet.

48, de la rue de Vaugirard :

Destination Jardin du Luxembourg Monument Massenet

The Jardin du Luxembourg houses a total of 106 statues, one of which is dedicated to Massenet, at the southwest part of the garden.

Monument Massenet: