Monica

Can I buy the museum 3-day pass in the United States? If so, will it be more expensive than buying it in Paris? How much are they? <BR> <BR>My 3 days will include the day we arrive in Paris (8:20am), so I don't want to waste time searching for a place to buy the pass. We'll be staying in the 6th Arr. at Grand Hotel des Balcons. Is there a place near there that I can buy them? <BR> <BR>Thanks in advance for your information! <BR> <BR>

Boots

Buying one in Paris is not time consuming. You can get it at a metro stop or at the first museum you visit. I have been buying mine at the Cluny Museum and there is never a line. The 5-day pass costs 240 Francs, and I think the 3-day pass is 180. My guess is that you would pay extra to buy it here. <BR>

Monica

Thanks Boots. Can I buy it at any metro station?

Christina

No, I don't think you can buy them at every metro station, only major ones. The St-Michel metro stop should have them for sure near you, and maybe the Odeon metro stop. If you are going any time before peak tourist season in the summer, why not just get it at the first museum if you aren't near a major metro stop? You are worrying about this too much.

Monica

Christina, my first day will most likely be visits to Notre Dame, St. Chapelle, and the Conciergerie. I know that the museums sell these passes, but don't know if the 3 places I'm going to do. The best place will be St. Michel metro or Odeon as you mention. Thanks!

Boots

<BR>Monica, you already have a good response about metros where you can buy the Pass; I will just add that your hotel is very near the Odéon stop, and I know you can get it there because I have. You are staying in my favorite quartier. Bon voyage!

Donna

The passes are generally available at metro stations where more than one line intersects. We tried one metro station (they were out of them) and found them at the next, only to discover later that they were available right at the front desk of our hotel, so be sure to check there first. Otherwise, your best bet is to purchase them at your first museum/monument (provided this is not the Louvre or Musee d'Orsay). They can be purchased on line whereupon they will be delivered to your hotel. There's no markup, but there is a 40F handing charge. See www.bonjour.com. Even if you don't purchase a pass here, you can print out the list of places included on the pass. They are also available at any of the tourist offices. It's a good idea to visit one to peruse the other discount coupons (restaurants, places not included on the pass, such as Paristoric which is a must see).

Monica

Thanks everyone for your information! I'm looking forward to using the pass. When I was in Paris in October 1997, which was a last minute decision, I never knew about the pass. I wish I knew then what I know now! I waited in line at the Louvre for 45 minutes!!! It will be great to be able to walk on in without waiting in any lines.

Boots

I promise, Monica, that this is my last word on this. You will be tired of reading my suggestions. But getting into the Louvre with the Pass can mean long lines if the Louvre is busy. If the Pass line is long or the weather is bad, I suggest you enter by one of the underground passages that take you into the commercial area. You may still have to wait in line, but at least you are inside. There is a stairway on each side of the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel. I have used only the one on the north side, so I'm not sure the one on the south (river) side takes one to the same place. <BR>

Monica

Boots, I'll take your comments and suggestions anytime along with everyone elses!!! I always appreciate people responding to my questions. I'll remember to use the other entrances. Thanks again.

Christina

Oh, well, why didn't you just say that <BR>you didn't know if those sites were <BR>included? If you couldn't buy a pass <BR>at a site, you couldn't use the pass <BR>there anyway. All sites included in the <BR>deal sell them. This pass has its own <BR>WEB site (www.intermusees.com) <BR>which tells you everything, including <BR>complete list of included sites. <BR>I know Notre Dame & Ste Chappelle <BR>are included. <BR> <BR>

Monica

Christina, I do know that those three sites we want to visit on our first day are included in the Pass. I just didn't know if every location included in the Pass SELLS them.

mark

Monica, Last year at this time, I was on my honeymoon and was able to get both my Metro Pass and Museum card through my travel agent. It did not cost any additional and was a great time saver. <BR>

Amy

I went to the www.bonjour.com site that Donna suggested. It was really a good site. I downloaded the real player and have learned a little french. <BR> <BR>Donna, have you used the service before? I am thinking of ordering the 3 day museum passes. We will be in Paris on April 1 and 2. <BR>Thanks - Amy

Paul J

Hi Monica; Just a thought but as mentioned, the passes are a "good deal" , however we wanted to go to the Picasso Museum. It was a Sunday and although we had our passes, we found out that many of the Museums,including Picasso are open for free on Sundays The lines were very long. We tried to bypass the "free line" but couldn't do it. Avoid those places on Sunday or other days they might be open for free......Paul J <BR>

Monica

Paul, we'll be using the 3 day pass on Wed, Thu, Fri, so we won't have to worry about not being able to use it and getting our moneys worth. <BR> <BR>I have a friend going to Paris this month on business and I may have him buy our passes IF they will be good for our use in May. <BR> <BR>Also, going to a travel agent sounds like a good idea. I definitely want to save time since our arrive in Paris will also be the 1 day that we use our pass. Too much to see in such little time!

Ralph

Monica, <BR>I have only posted one question over the years to this forum, but it was answered by the famous Christina, as was your posting. However, I have read this forum many, many times over the past few months, and I found this string of postings to your question humorous as I have found several others involving the famous Christina during these past few months. When I posed my only question, Christina felt compelled to respond, and she did so in a nasty way. I noticed that you didn't feel she was too nice in her responses to you, either. Don't take it personally, because this lady is just not a happy person. On the contrary, I have concluded, based upon reading months of her responses, that she is rude by nature. I am sorry that this struck me as humorous that once again, the famous Christina cannot help but let her pesonality come out. She is just so offended that anyone would ask a question that she feels is stupid, only to learn that she had not properly read or understood the question. Isn't it interesting that people reading these postings put countless hours into research for trips just to get away from people like Christina! P.S. Despite the above, I am not a nasty person myself. I find that nearly all users of this forum are very nice people trying to help others out out of the goodness of their hearts, seeking nothing in return. I, like most others, would prefer not to hear any responses from people like her while I am trying to get into a vacation mood.