Opera Garnier is very impressive. Good pictures were difficult in the low light and crowds, but there was definitely a graceful elegance in the high, sweeping arches, the reliefs carved into the stone, and the ceiling artwork.
I seem to have a problem with authority figures. While sitting on the floor of one of the halls, I was approached by staff. I thought this would be a loitering issue again, as I had been seated there for some time experimenting with taking mirror pictures.
Instead, I was told emphatically in broken english and gesturing that tripods were not permitted. Confused, I acquiesced, though I asked “Pourquoi?” Naturally, I didn’t understand the French answer as he walked away, though I caught somethinh about “all” and “in Paris”.
Google turned an explanation. As best I could piece together, tripods are associated with professional photographer, who need a license to photograph many of the works in Paris that are under copyright. There appears to be some disagreement about what is “public” and what needs a permit… I gather this is a subtle issue sometimes misinterpreted by overzealous staff and police?
At any rate, I finished my tour, still snapping pictures, and discretely using my tripod to brace against walls when I had to. Upon exit, I discovered the day had warmed considerably, and continued my travels in Paris.
