I feel almost embarrassed writing this, as I should be able to figure this out- but here goes.
We will be in Paris the week of May 23--June 1st. I would like to plan one or two evening events-- my son loves classical music and we all love the opera and ballet.
Can someone recommend an online equivalent of "Time OUT" or other planner that would allow me to see what's happening and possibly purchase tickets in advance?
And-- as a related question, I was able to find a link to what seems to be a ticket broker that listed some stuff- including classical performances in the evenings at Ste. Chappelle which seems like it would be a fantastic setting. Is anyone familiar with these?

Thanks so much in advance--

Was FNAC the link you found? I've had very good luck booking through them. As of a year ago, tickets to concerts at Sainte Chapelle included a modest booking fee. The fee was worth it for me as I didn't have to stand in line to purchase tickets on the day.

FNAC sells tickets for all sorts of classical concerts. You can order online for pickup at one of their stores which are in convenient locations all over Paris.

The Paris Timeout has a website, www.timeout.fr Good, comprehensive listings and reviews.

Forgot Pariscope which you can pick up at any nes kiosk.

You can look at www.whatsonwhen.com for listings of events.

The web site for the Paris Opera is www.operadeparis.com. A quick perusal for your dates shows the opera The Barber of Seville at the Bastille (the new opera house) on Tuesday, May 29. Also at a smaller theater in the same venue, a chamber music concert of music by Debussy for piano and strings. http://www.operadeparis.fr/Saison_20...-Danel/detail/

There are several different concerts at the Theatre des Champs-Elysees, where the crowd rioted at the premiere of Stravinsky's Rite of Spring. A very nice place to attend a performance. http://www.theatrechampselysees.fr/ They are giving several performances of Cosi Fan Tutte while you are in Paris, as well as an intriguing looking concert May 30 with a chamber orchestra playing Mozart and the wonderful jazz pianist Makoto Ozone improvising on the Mozart.

I have been to concerts at Sainte Chapelle, and they are very atmospheric.

Fantastic! Thanks so much-- No- I had not used any of those sites but will. I DID know about the Barber of Seville, but previous research seemed to indicate it was sold out. -- the Debussy looks fantastic as does the theatre champs elysees Mozart performance--

FNAC is a great resource for pre-purchasing tickets. The Chatelet Theater often has English language productions with French super titles and there is a fantastic Flamenco festival coming to Chaillot. For a really tiny theater that has some fun, easy pieces (French only) performances, Le Lucernaire is where we head. I happen to be very much enchanted with the Garnier Opera house right now. Here is a report on a recent trip;
http://findingnoon.com/?p=63

How do I access the FNAC site?

Sorry, I just noticed I gave the wrong website for the opera, it should be www.operadeparis.fr

Tickets appear to be limited for the Barber of Seville performance Saturday night, May 26, but there seems to be more availability for the May 24 and May 29 performances.

There do not appear to be any performances at the Opera Garnier during your stay.

FNAC's website is http://www.fnac.com/

You can click on the tab that says Spectacles & Voyages for information about concerts.

I think FNAC has most anything you can buy tickets to, but using the website is a real pain in terms of searching, they have a really clunky interface on trying to search by date and certain things. But you can do it. If you only want to look for pop concerts, it's not too difficult. YOu can also check www.ticketnet.fr which is more user friendly, I think.

The classical music events at Ste Chapelle are tourist concerts and expensive for that reason. It's playing classical lite repertoire that they don't think will offend anyone or be too challenging for people who dont' really know classical music very well. Good bets are something by Vivaldi, Ein Klein Nachtmusik, etc. in terms of what they may be playing. There are many better concerts in other places in Paris, and many are a lot cheaper (in regular churches).

It is not an embarrassing question at all. We live in NYC and many people want to see a Boradway show but miss the Off and Off-off Broadway offerings, hundreds of different musical events, indie movies, poetry readings, and dance performances.

Someone with knowledge of Paris, could direct you to something that you would not necessarily consider.

Thank you all-- I live in Manhattan too and really can miss half of what's going on unless I'm really on my toes--as the other poster noted---trying to figure out and plan ahead for culture in Paris is a real challenge! The idea of seeing something there though is fantastic. --Advice has been invaluable--

<b>Pariscope</b> has the listings for everything once you arrive. It comes out on Wednesday and costs 0.40€. You have to ask for it at most newsstands, because they keep in behind the counter (due to all of the people who would look at movie times and then just toss it back).

All of the FNAC stores (and Virgin Megastores) have a big "spectacle" screen showing all of the major concerts and activities that are available for purchase.

Are the evening church concerts listed in the Pariscope also or do we have to look for the posters on the street lights or posts?

As kerouac said, Pariscope lists everything.

classictic.com has an easy search function and sells tickets ahead of time for most of the performances at various venues. The charge isn't too far above the face cost; I like to buy things ahead of time so I won't be disappointed.

If there are specific venues or performers you are interested in, try their websites as well for information.

at lastminute.fr under "entertainment" you can find discounts for st chapelle concerts among other events.

Thank you all!!

AmandaM, please stop! This is not a site for advertising. We lose whole threads because of you.