rex

I would like to include one of the concerts offered at Sainte Chapelle on our Paris itinerary in September (not entirely set, most likely three nights, perhaps at the front end, either Sep 12-22 or Sep 19-29).

There are numerous postings here on Travel Talk, pointing me to this web site or that. Most do not presently have _any_ listing for September (too soon?); do they decrease in frequency after summer ends? The website www.ampconcerts.com lists a few, and the dates do not match our plans very well. At least one posting suggested that their ticket offerings are not at all comprehensive; many others refer to being able to buy tickets at the door, based on posters seen in the area.

And I understand that clearing security at the Palais de Justice takes part of the enjoyment out of going there...

Still, so many people indicate that it is really worth it, especially when a (near?)sunset visit can be combined - - that must be hard to do in the middle of summer!

Regardless... September looks ideal, for the timing of sunset (8 pm to 7:40 pm, mid-September to the end of the month); the concerts that I have seen listed begin typically at 19:00 or 20:30.

When have _you_ been there? (most people do not mention the month they attended a concert there) - - I'll appreciate very much any advice you can offer for trying to adjust our plans, to make this part of the trip.

Thanks in advance for any replies... and...

Best wishes,

Rex

Rhea58

Rex: I think I found a web site that
might help you - plug in your dates
as the site does show 9/07 concerts @ St Chapelle.

http://tinyurl.com/368rqs

Do not understand your reference re security. We walked right up, no prob
w/security & bought our 25E tickets
as concierge could not do so. Only
caveat is to get there at least 1/2 hour before hand in case there is a
line. I was there mid-April for a
Vivaldi concert w/a little Mozart
for 5 violinist concert.

rex

Thanks! - - though this generally underscores my concerns! If we travel the later set of dates (Sep 19-29), thenwe would totally miss out, as there are NO performances listed after Sep 18! (though ampconcerts.com does list two dates of Sep 19 and 20 - - so maybe no one ticket source is comprehensive?)

hmmm, hmmm, hmmm....

Nikki

I have gone to two concerts at Sainte Chapelle on separate trips in February and March. Ampconcerts is just one organization putting on concerts; there are others. Not all concerts are on the web sites; I just saw posters around town when I got to Paris.

Gordon_R

Rex, great choice! The location and acoustics are wonderful for chamber music. My wife and I have attended concerts at Sainte Chapelle several times (including December 2001, May 2005 and May 2007). Each time we've been the concerts have ben performed by members of Les Archets de Paris. Check out their website at http://www.archetspf.asso.fr/ (it's in French but easy to translate). Right now their programme goes up to the end of August, but I expect this is simply because dates beyond this have not yet been arranged - it's just too far off yet.

Buying tickets is easy - as Rhea said, just turn up at least 30 minutes prior and you should be able to buy tickets on the night. If you want to be absolutely sure, just visit Sainte Chapelle a day or 2 before and go to the concert ticket office after security (you don't have to go into Sainte Chapelle itself and pay admission if you just want concert tickets). The security checks are airport style - xray check of bags and metal detector walk-thru for the people. I'm sure you'll have more sense than the American girl ahead of me in the queue last week who had the penknife in her bag confiscated - D'Oh!

Just one more thing to be aware of - there is some renovation work in progress inside Sainte Chapelle at the moment - it doesn't spoint the concert at all but some of the beautiful interior architecture is covered by scaffolding and dust-sheets. Maybe they'll be finished by September though.

Keep checking the website(s) for what's on nearer the time and enjoy the event.

Gordon_R

that's supposed to be "...doesn't spoil the concert..." (wireless keyboard!)

rex

<< Keep checking the website(s) for what's on nearer the time and enjoy the event. >>

Well, on the one hand, it doesn't seem important enough to plan all the dates of the trip around this...

...but on the other hand, if we buy our plane tickets soon - - and then find out that there are no performance dates, corresponding to our time in Paris... well, I guess there are bigger cookie crumbles than that, huh?

Still seeking any input, especially from ex-pats, for example, who know if the concert schedules drop off significantly, after the summer tourist rush concludes...

Maybe I'll try an ex-pat website.

janisj

&quot;<i>who know if the concert schedules drop off significantly, after the summer tourist rush concludes</i>&quot;

I have been to Paris ONLY in the off season. All of my visits have been between late Sept and Early April - and I've gone to a concert at Ste Chapelle almost every trip. During my last visit March '06 theye had concerts almost every night and two concerts most evenings.

rex

Eh bien, merci, janis! that's the kind of experienced/educated guess I was hoping to get. We really prefer the later sets of dates, and I'll cross my fingers that we can make plans for Sep 21 or 22. It doesn't seem like the kind of thing you would want to try to do on arrival day. 8 pm on arrival day is getting rather darn close to bedtime for me.

rex

Thanks to everyone who told me to &quot;just believe&quot; that offerings would occur which fit our schedule. We did indeed, choose the later dates, and because of mucho, mucho high (high) occupancy in Paris, we decided to split the Paris time into one small sliver (just under 24 hrs) at the front end and a little over 3 days/3 nights at the end.

And... merveilleusement... what you promised me ... &quot;would be there&quot;... is indeed there...

http://www.classictic.com/Paris/1005...ris/38368.html

I'll run it past my wife, BIL and SIL, and probably go ahead and get these booked. Hopefully, the sunset will cooperate with the stained glass that evening.

Merci encore...

TRSW

Thanks for the link Rex. It's nice to know there will be concerts going on in Paris when I am there in November.

Tom

rex

You're welcome... note that it is through the 11th of November only.

TRSW

Thats perfect. I will be in Paris from the 1st to the 8th. Thank you again Rex.

Tom

Travelegs

Just saw this topic &amp; hope I can get back some quick &amp; replies.

We're leaving on Thurs. &amp; will be in Paris 3 days, July 22-25. Would like to attend any type of classical music venue. So far all I see is the concert at Ste chapelle which would work for us for the 22nd or 23rd.
Would love to be able to time this with sunset or best light times. Would the 7 PM or the 8:30 concert be best.

In the past, we've tried to see Ste Chapelle but the lines were usualy just so very long. This time while in Paris, we don't intend to visit any museums &amp; so won't be buying the museum pass, but would still love to see S.C. Any tips for us to get in with out the card--as to best time of day with shorter lines?
It seems as if those darn tour buses just keep pouring in &amp; going to the front.

Rhea58

I would think the 7 pm concert would be
the best Sorry can't help w/lines
situation.

rex

&lt;&lt; Would love to be able to time this with sunset or best light times. Would the 7 PM or the 8:30 concert be best. &gt;&gt;

&lt;&lt; I would think the 7 pm concert would be the best &gt;&gt;

Not sure why Rhea says this.

July 22 sunset is 9:43 pm - - see www.sunrisesunset.com

Michel_Paris

As an add on note...when you get Paris (perhaps at Relay store at CDG), buy a Pariscope / Officiel des Spectacles small weekly magazines. They list all of the concerts going on that week, walking tours,etc.. There is an English section.