Definitely one of the more intriguing events coming up, the opera in the open air is part directed by one of France’s most famous ex-newsreaders and his its own Fauchon co-branded macaroon. Really weird! Here’s all the details…When you think of opera, you think of macaroons right? If somebodye would care to explain… In any case, this year’s outdoor opera has changed veneus (it used to be in the Luxembourg Gardens) and set up camp in the courtyard of Les Invalides, a beautiful building dating from 1670.

However, somethings don’t change. The seats are still just as pricey – from 44€ to 89€ – and if you want to have a really unforgettable evening, a special VIP package is available for 300€ per person, including a seat in the « golden area » and:

- a buffet where you are allowed maximum 20 petit-fours
- champagne à discretion (which is their way of saying « you can have a bit, but don’t think you can just gulp it down »)
- a personalised invitation (i.e. with your name written on it)
- a car parking space
- hostesses to welcome you
- the official programme
- an ‘Opéra en plein air’ blanket

As the « golden area » seats usually cost 89€, this means that you are paying approximately 210 euros for a bit of food, a piece a cardboard with your name on and a barman that will look down his nose at you if you ask for a refill. Up to you.Perhaps at that price you’ll also be allowed to swallow one of the official Carmen macaroons made by Fauchon? With a chocolate-raspberry taste, it has a little black and white image on it of the bull and bust featured on the poster. You may just prefer to go and buy one from the Fauchon shop at Madeleine for 4 euros. Yep, 4 euros !

And by the way, if rain looks like cancelling the show, you’ll also have to pay to know for sure: the info line provided in case of bad weather costs 34 cents a minute! 0892 707 920

You can see Carmen outdoors at Les Invalides (here) from 7th – 14th September 2010. No entry allowed after 8.45pm.

Official site: ici

To buy your seats online: www.fnacspectacles.com