Has any one used www.classictic.com to buy Paris ballet tickets ?
Feb 24th, 2010, 08:07 AM
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Has any one used www.classictic.com to buy Paris ballet tickets ?
I need some help. I have been trying for the last week of so to buy tickets for the Paris Ballet performance of La Bayadere on May 17. I have been checking their website daily and am constantly being told that there are no tickets .
I found this company while doing a search on Google. Before spending over 300 Euros for the 3 tickets I will need, I want to make sure that it is a legimate company.
Any help from my fellow Fodorites will be appreciated.
Tina
I found this company while doing a search on Google. Before spending over 300 Euros for the 3 tickets I will need, I want to make sure that it is a legimate company.
Any help from my fellow Fodorites will be appreciated.
Tina
Feb 24th, 2010, 08:58 AM
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Those ballet performances are often sold out quite a long time in advance, and the opening nights usually are, it seems to me.
It's a legitimate company, of course, it's been around a long time and you can find tons of info on them by Googling, including many reviews on tripadvisor. So if you just want to know if it is a real company, yes, it is. Those rates aren't really that bad if they are the best seats, as they are 87 euro to start with.
It's a legitimate company, of course, it's been around a long time and you can find tons of info on them by Googling, including many reviews on tripadvisor. So if you just want to know if it is a real company, yes, it is. Those rates aren't really that bad if they are the best seats, as they are 87 euro to start with.
Feb 25th, 2010, 11:04 AM
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Hi Christina and Alan64,
Well I ordered the tickets and received them this morning. I am so excited. Opening night at the Paris Ballet. Can't get much better than that.
Thanks for your input.
Tina
Well I ordered the tickets and received them this morning. I am so excited. Opening night at the Paris Ballet. Can't get much better than that.
Thanks for your input.
Tina
Feb 25th, 2010, 12:58 PM
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La Bayadere is one of the most beautiful things I ‘ve ever seen. And no one does it better than the Paris Ballet, a score of ballerinas coming down that ramp is just amazing.
Yes this performance will be sold out so plan accordingly.
This past October we purchased the tickets (Gisele) directly from operadeparis.fr.. I had watched ticket availability like a hawk and from the minute the tickets were released, to non-season ticket holders, there were just no tickets available on their site. I beleive I paid 89 Euros for the good seats.
I was getting disparate BUT one week later there were lots of tickets to buy. There is no good reason to go to an outside vendor , other than out of desparation.
Whatever the price, this performance alone is worth the trip to Paris.
I wish I were going.
Yes this performance will be sold out so plan accordingly.
This past October we purchased the tickets (Gisele) directly from operadeparis.fr.. I had watched ticket availability like a hawk and from the minute the tickets were released, to non-season ticket holders, there were just no tickets available on their site. I beleive I paid 89 Euros for the good seats.
I was getting disparate BUT one week later there were lots of tickets to buy. There is no good reason to go to an outside vendor , other than out of desparation.
Whatever the price, this performance alone is worth the trip to Paris.
I wish I were going.
Feb 25th, 2010, 03:00 PM
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I am pretty sure those tickets don't go on sale until early March. I would try to buy them on the Opera Garnier site, this other site might be a resale site which charges higher prices (like a scalper).
Actually, this linke shows that internet sales open up on March 8:
http://www.operadeparis.fr/cns11/liv...s.php?&lang=en
Good luck!
Jo
Actually, this linke shows that internet sales open up on March 8:
http://www.operadeparis.fr/cns11/liv...s.php?&lang=en
Good luck!
Jo
Feb 25th, 2010, 04:07 PM
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Sorry for the interuption. I tried the direct site and was told that there were no tickets available for that performance. Of course my poor understanding of the French language may have read the message wrong.
I am so happy that I got the tickets , They are category 1 tickets and I paid 100 euros each. I think that was about 10 euros above the box office price.
Being a New Yorker and used to the price of theater tickets I was not overly shocked about the price. It will mean 1 or 2 less really great dinners. Well worth it.
I am so happy that I got the tickets , They are category 1 tickets and I paid 100 euros each. I think that was about 10 euros above the box office price.
Being a New Yorker and used to the price of theater tickets I was not overly shocked about the price. It will mean 1 or 2 less really great dinners. Well worth it.
Feb 26th, 2010, 09:26 AM
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i have never used that site, however, most event tickets can be bought on www.fnac.fr
Expatfrance
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Expatfrance
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Feb 26th, 2010, 11:19 AM
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I have purchased tickets through FNAC.fr.
You have to go to one of the several FNAC locations and pick up the tickets. A waste of precious "Paris Time" IMHO.
I went to the FNAC location in the mall at La Defense area.
TIP- don't forget to note and bring the credit card you used when getting the tickets.
I see nothing that special about premier night. These are professionals and every performance is special. They have premier nights every time they change performances.
Also, Pass on the 5 Euro can of gassed water in plastic cup at the intermission.
You have to go to one of the several FNAC locations and pick up the tickets. A waste of precious "Paris Time" IMHO.
I went to the FNAC location in the mall at La Defense area.
TIP- don't forget to note and bring the credit card you used when getting the tickets.
I see nothing that special about premier night. These are professionals and every performance is special. They have premier nights every time they change performances.
Also, Pass on the 5 Euro can of gassed water in plastic cup at the intermission.
Feb 27th, 2010, 04:37 AM
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hey, expat, you aren't allowed to advertise on Fodors if you read the terms of service, You seem to have recently discovered Fodors and are now blitzing the board with your website everywhere, which is obviously advertising or you wouldn't be listing your URL all the time, now would you?
The point is those tickets WERE NOT available on FNAC because they were sold out. classictic apparently is a broker that has some tickets even though you cannot get them at the box office or through fnac.fr which doesn't mark them up (a few euro, I believe).
Opening nights are often sold out where I live for ballet, also. People just like being there for the first show, I guess, it seems exciting to them. Sometimes that demand is combined with the day of the week it is on, also, and they go together.
I have bought through FNAC myself and it can waste time if you don't happen to be around one normally. I shop at FNAC a lot, so it's no big deal to me to also pick up tickets as I am going there anyway, and of course there are many locations more convenient than La Defense (such as the one on the Champs-Elysees or at Bastille).
The point is those tickets WERE NOT available on FNAC because they were sold out. classictic apparently is a broker that has some tickets even though you cannot get them at the box office or through fnac.fr which doesn't mark them up (a few euro, I believe).
Opening nights are often sold out where I live for ballet, also. People just like being there for the first show, I guess, it seems exciting to them. Sometimes that demand is combined with the day of the week it is on, also, and they go together.
I have bought through FNAC myself and it can waste time if you don't happen to be around one normally. I shop at FNAC a lot, so it's no big deal to me to also pick up tickets as I am going there anyway, and of course there are many locations more convenient than La Defense (such as the one on the Champs-Elysees or at Bastille).
Mar 1st, 2010, 05:39 AM
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It's not that premiere night performences themselves are of a higher quality (in fact, there can be some first-night jitters). I enjoy premieres because of the extra excitement of the crowd and the performers. Clothes are a little more dressy, there's a bit more Champagne being enjoyed. Of course seeing any show at the Garnier is a treat IMO. I love looking up at that beautiful Chagall domed ceiling.
Mar 1st, 2010, 06:10 AM
#14
Christina, the fact that the original poster could not buy tickets for this performance at the Paris Opera website does not mean they were sold out. As explained above, the internet sales do not begin until March 8.
The recommendation of FNAC is a good one. I have ordered tickets from them and they can be mailed to your address if you order with enough time to spare. The conditions of sale on the website also indicate there is a new option of printing tickets instantly from your computer. The fact that they do not have them right now also does not indicate to me that they are sold out; it is possible that the opera does not release the tickets to FNAC until they are open for internet sales March 8.
The recommendation of FNAC is a good one. I have ordered tickets from them and they can be mailed to your address if you order with enough time to spare. The conditions of sale on the website also indicate there is a new option of printing tickets instantly from your computer. The fact that they do not have them right now also does not indicate to me that they are sold out; it is possible that the opera does not release the tickets to FNAC until they are open for internet sales March 8.
Mar 1st, 2010, 03:27 PM
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This thread gave me a heart attack for second- I'm planning to get tickets to La Bayadere and have had it marked in my calendar forever that tickets go on sale March 8. I'm relieved to know I didn't screw up the date!
tdk320n, if you're still around I have a question for you- did you receive actual hardcopy tickets for the performance? Are they regular tickets issued by the Palais Garnier?
I'm beginning to wonder if it wouldn't be worth it to spend the extra euro and buy my tickets from them instead of waking up at 4am on March 8 and battling it out online with other ticket buyers.
tdk320n, if you're still around I have a question for you- did you receive actual hardcopy tickets for the performance? Are they regular tickets issued by the Palais Garnier?
I'm beginning to wonder if it wouldn't be worth it to spend the extra euro and buy my tickets from them instead of waking up at 4am on March 8 and battling it out online with other ticket buyers.
Mar 1st, 2010, 03:35 PM
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Nevermind- I just went on the website and you can choose what category seat you want, but there doesn't seem to be a "seat preview" like you get on the POB website. I want to choose a seat based on stage view so I guess I'll be setting my alarm after all.
That looks like a great website though, I've got it bookmarked for future reference.
That looks like a great website though, I've got it bookmarked for future reference.
Mar 3rd, 2010, 04:36 PM
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Apres-Londee
I received a e-Ticket with a Order number and the seat numbers for my tickets. I am to bring the e-ticket to the theater to get my tickets.
I think that I did sufficient checking of the ticket broker to be assured that it is a legimate broker.
As to going to opening night, I too think that it is exciting to be able to attend the first night.
Good luck in gtting the tickets. Perhaps we can meet in the lobby at intermission
Tina
I received a e-Ticket with a Order number and the seat numbers for my tickets. I am to bring the e-ticket to the theater to get my tickets.
I think that I did sufficient checking of the ticket broker to be assured that it is a legimate broker.
As to going to opening night, I too think that it is exciting to be able to attend the first night.
Good luck in gtting the tickets. Perhaps we can meet in the lobby at intermission
Tina
Mar 3rd, 2010, 07:26 PM
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Thanks tdk320n. I'm not going opening night unfortunately, I'll be going on the second night, on the Tuesday. I agree that opening night can be really exciting!
In case you didn't already know, there's a Ballet Russes exhibit showing at the Palais Garnier until May 23. From what I've read, there are original costumes, drawings, etc. on display.
Enjoy the ballet!
In case you didn't already know, there's a Ballet Russes exhibit showing at the Palais Garnier until May 23. From what I've read, there are original costumes, drawings, etc. on display.
Enjoy the ballet!
Mar 12th, 2010, 12:12 AM
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to Christina - Christina on Feb 27, 10 at 2:37pm I have been reading you history (previous responses/comments to posts) it is clear you are out of touch with Paris, maybe you came here on holiday once? you maybe studied here for a year sometime ago? even so, its no excuse for misleading readers!
I acceptit is not your fault that you're out of touch, and its nice to see you're trying to help others, but you are living in DC and really do not know the ongoings on Paris.
The Advice as noted by others is the most secure method of buying event tickets, although as per most of your posts, you contest other peoples opinions.
As with any major event, you have to be quick to buy, consider all major concerts (madonna, coldplay, PSG, worldcup!). I remember back in 2003 queing outside a FNAC in Bastille (the one opposite GAME (i guess you didnt know a GAME opened a few years back) at 5am to get U2 tickets (the concert was later extended a day due to demand and tickets later became available available online). Just so you know, major events here are restricted, at that time the maximum number of tickets that could be bought per person was 6. It was bloody freezing that morning, yes it was snowing. The point is, i went to FNAC (before the metros started , which just so you know is 05:30) along with what i guess to be 150 other people who know FNAC, along with other stores, like VIRGIN champs Elysee)is a key place to buy (NOTE this one 150 people outside 1 store, do you know how many FNACs are i PARIS?..... so you say Fnac has been a waste of time for you? I dont believe you've ever bought tickets through them, all major events are advertised and tickets are distributed by FNAC as a Premium VENDOR.
You would help our community more Chritina by providing constructive and valid comments, other than focusing on suggesting ill-informed advice and targeting individual contributors.
ONE MORE NOTE. FNAC has the large volume of tickets to sell, if they are sold out, you're out of luck and too slow!!! But whatever you do, be very careful if you're buying from a "trader" , ie on ebay, craigslist etc !!!!!!! i have supplied tickets like this (why do you think in 2004 i bought 6 tickets for U2), however, i only sold through ebay in person to parisians and in cash. If you're engaging in a conversation with a trader, make sure you check their ORIGNATING IP ADDRESS (look at the email headers) then google FREE IP TRACKER/LOCATOR..... either way, unless you're in paris and can meet the person face to face, AVOID.
I acceptit is not your fault that you're out of touch, and its nice to see you're trying to help others, but you are living in DC and really do not know the ongoings on Paris.
The Advice as noted by others is the most secure method of buying event tickets, although as per most of your posts, you contest other peoples opinions.
As with any major event, you have to be quick to buy, consider all major concerts (madonna, coldplay, PSG, worldcup!). I remember back in 2003 queing outside a FNAC in Bastille (the one opposite GAME (i guess you didnt know a GAME opened a few years back) at 5am to get U2 tickets (the concert was later extended a day due to demand and tickets later became available available online). Just so you know, major events here are restricted, at that time the maximum number of tickets that could be bought per person was 6. It was bloody freezing that morning, yes it was snowing. The point is, i went to FNAC (before the metros started , which just so you know is 05:30) along with what i guess to be 150 other people who know FNAC, along with other stores, like VIRGIN champs Elysee)is a key place to buy (NOTE this one 150 people outside 1 store, do you know how many FNACs are i PARIS?..... so you say Fnac has been a waste of time for you? I dont believe you've ever bought tickets through them, all major events are advertised and tickets are distributed by FNAC as a Premium VENDOR.
You would help our community more Chritina by providing constructive and valid comments, other than focusing on suggesting ill-informed advice and targeting individual contributors.
ONE MORE NOTE. FNAC has the large volume of tickets to sell, if they are sold out, you're out of luck and too slow!!! But whatever you do, be very careful if you're buying from a "trader" , ie on ebay, craigslist etc !!!!!!! i have supplied tickets like this (why do you think in 2004 i bought 6 tickets for U2), however, i only sold through ebay in person to parisians and in cash. If you're engaging in a conversation with a trader, make sure you check their ORIGNATING IP ADDRESS (look at the email headers) then google FREE IP TRACKER/LOCATOR..... either way, unless you're in paris and can meet the person face to face, AVOID.
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