How can I purchase metro pass and museum pass before I arrive in Paris. I would like to buy them now prior to arriving in Paris.<BR><BR>thanks for the help.

nancy: there is no really valid reason to buy them ahead of time. Both are cheaper in Paris and are very easy to buy in any metro station or many other places.

Really no need to. They're a snap to buy there and you will a hefty premium buying them here. However, if you want to:<BR><BR>If you want to get passes before you leave (you will pay a premium), call:<BR>800-869-8184 (lost the name of the company) or<BR>go to http://www.conciergerie.com/hall.shtml or<BR>go to http://www.ticketsto.com or<BR>go to http://www.parisplus.com or call them at 800-950-8673<BR>For more Paris information e-mail me: [email protected]

don't let anyone discourage you from buying them in the states. it's your money. something to be said for not dealing with testy [mal]fonctionnaires. just know the passes are cheaper in Paris. most large Metro stations and main tourist office, 127 av. des Champs Eleysees, offer them. many hotels do also.

Nancy<BR>I completely relate to the idea of wanting to take care of things as much as possible before landing in Paris, but really, the museum pass is especially easy to purchase there. As said, most metro stations, the Tourist Info office on the Champs Elysees, and any of the participating museums sell them. Buy it in the closest small museum, even if you don't want to visit that museum. Last time I was there my hotel front desk sold them at face value.<BR><BR>The metro passes also are significantly cheaper to buy there. If you are considering the Carte Orange<BR>Hebdomadaire (weekly, Mon-Sun pass), that can only be purchased there. Bring a small photo, or use one of the photo machines in many metro stations.

Nancy: Add my vote to "Do not buy them before you land." <BR><BR>You are paying 20% (at least) extra for two passes you can get at your first metro station. Do a search on this site for exactly which passes you want, write their names (and length of time) down on an index card, and pass it under the window at the first Metro. You don't need to speak even a word of French, although Bonjour, madame, s'il vous plait, etc would come in awful handy.<BR><BR>I think the reason why so many of us are so vociferous on this issue is that we know how easy it is to purchase the passes. One former poster said she was buying passes ahead of time "to avoid lines." In seven trips to Paris, we have yet to have been in a line. <BR><BR>There are certainly exceptions, though, to our feeling about buying this stuff ahead of time: one poster was arranging a trip for his elderly parents, a trip on which he could not accompany them. To me, that's worth the 20% commission.