For the first time of my life I've just bought a subscription to the Paris Opera... actually to see the NYCB next fall (they have a special
subscription if you want tickets for 3 of the 4 programs).
My husband and I have just received our tickets, but now are wondering about where the seats are (unfortunately, one could only choose the ticket category, but not the area of the theater), as we are not familiar with the numbering system at the Opéra Bastille.
So perhaps someone could help ? (cygneblanc ?)

Our seats are in the 3rd category, at the parterre (actually I'd probably have preferred a balcony), and
-"porte 1, allée A, rang 28, places 9-11" for some of them
-"porte 2, allée D, rang 27 or 28, places 6-8 or 2-4" for the others
I'd especially like to know if we are on the side (excentré) or not...

Well, I may be wrong but I think you'll be on two diferent sides, in the middle of all the rows of seats (the pale yellow seats
which are next to the light blue seats on both the right and the left side.

http://www.operadeparis.fr/Saison-2008-200...ix-et-plans.asp

Thanks, cygneblanc !
So the numbering is similar to that of Garnier, with seats with small numbers 1, 2, 3, 4... are closer to the sides ?
Pity, I'd have preferred to have seats closer to the center (even if farther from the stage) :-(
Well, at least the sight lines are not too bad at Bastille...

if you go to "operadeparis.fr" you should be able to find a diagram of the auditorium of the Bastille. I just booked tickets at the Garnier for September and I had the same problem. You cannot specify a seat, just the general area which is a bit frustrating. they do however have a "preview" facility within the booking site which you if you click on will give you a view of the stage from your seat, which is very useful. Good luck.
Michael

Hello I have just returned from Paris, where I visited the Palais Garnier and the Opera Bastille, I have to sit right in the front on the first 3 rows,to be able to see due to failing eyesight. I usually telephone and speak to the same person in the Booking Centre to ensure I get the right seats, due to the problems I have. I think I am correct in saying in both places, (at least downstairs) the seat numbering system, starts in the middle from seat one, increasing out towards the sides. JUST A WARNING FOR THOSE WHO HAVE NOT BEEN BEFORE, THE LIGHTING IN THE FOYERS AND ON SOME STAIRWAYS IN THE GARNIER IS VERY LOW MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO SEE IF YOU HAVE SIGHT DIFFICULTIES. iT LOOKS AS IF YOUR SEATS ARE GOOD, IN THE MIDDLE, ROW 23 IS STILL IN THE CATAGORY 1 SEATS. SO YOU ARE NOT MUCH FURTHER BACK.

Thanks for your reply, Nanarina !
Have you seen some performances during your trip ?