Saint-Étienne's opera house has a strong reputation for French opera and hosts a full season of productions from September to June. The building is a handsome nineteenth-century theatre with good acoustics and an intimate scale — far less intimidating than the Paris Opéra. Ticket prices are reasonable by French standards.
The company has a history of championing lesser-known repertoire alongside the standard works, and has built a particular reputation for French opera of the Belle Époque. Worth checking the programme before your visit — even if opera is not your main interest, a well-produced performance here is a memorable evening.