Paris Museum Pass
Sep 18th, 2006, 11:50 AM
#21
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No one said you couldn't bypass some lines at the Louvre with the pass, I don't think (they were talking about he Orangerie) but I don't think it's necessary at the Louvre any more. I have encountered some lines to get into the wings themself, not just at the ticket counters (last July, for example), but they weren't that long or bothersome. I think it was because of security, although I may be forgetting a little as to the reason. The wait wasn't more than ten minutes, though, at most.
Perhaps ggreen bought the pass at the tourism center down in that middle area below ground, where the shops are.
Perhaps ggreen bought the pass at the tourism center down in that middle area below ground, where the shops are.
Sep 18th, 2006, 11:54 AM
#22
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Yes, Robespierre - ouch, that's a punny pun... lol!
jayne, definitely figure out how much/ many museums you will be seeing, and also whether or not you'll be able to fit it in your schedule to do as others have suggested and purchase tickets in the evening a day ahead.
I don't usually do a cost/benefit analysis for most things on my vacations(!), but with the museum fee situation, I think it's worth it to do a bit of one before you decide. Look at the list of museums you want to go to, and those that the pass covers, plus a rough idea of what you want to see when...
The other thing to think about is whether or not you can do the purchase-day-ahead option without too much running around - time is definitely money, too, at least while on vacation! (Is it worth the money to have the ease of use with the pass?) For us on this last trip, we knew there were a number of exhibits and museums we wanted to catch with limited time in our five days in Paris, so having the passes was definitely a benefit. But in many trips to Paris, this was the first time I thought it was that necessary.
...I think that is *all* I have to add on the logistics of the Museum Pass - I can't believe I even had that much to say!
jayne, definitely figure out how much/ many museums you will be seeing, and also whether or not you'll be able to fit it in your schedule to do as others have suggested and purchase tickets in the evening a day ahead.
I don't usually do a cost/benefit analysis for most things on my vacations(!), but with the museum fee situation, I think it's worth it to do a bit of one before you decide. Look at the list of museums you want to go to, and those that the pass covers, plus a rough idea of what you want to see when...
The other thing to think about is whether or not you can do the purchase-day-ahead option without too much running around - time is definitely money, too, at least while on vacation! (Is it worth the money to have the ease of use with the pass?) For us on this last trip, we knew there were a number of exhibits and museums we wanted to catch with limited time in our five days in Paris, so having the passes was definitely a benefit. But in many trips to Paris, this was the first time I thought it was that necessary.
...I think that is *all* I have to add on the logistics of the Museum Pass - I can't believe I even had that much to say!
Sep 18th, 2006, 02:28 PM
#24
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ggreen, Since this is my first trip to Paris, I think I'll be less stressed out if I just get the pass and use it whenever I find myself at a covered museum. Heck I could even use it to get access to a nice restroom!
I think it will be worth the money for me.
I think it will be worth the money for me.
Sep 18th, 2006, 02:32 PM
#25
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Yes, I see now that I did not read what I thought I read. I had just read so many posts last night I lost track of what I read. LOL. For those considering buying one, I had it last time around and I liked having the convenience of skipping lines (a big plus to me) and the liklihood that I would stop in someplace I might not have stopped in... For those counting every dollar it might not be totally cost effective in the short run, but skipping lines to me is worht a lot in the long run.
Sep 19th, 2006, 06:25 AM
#26
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Hi--just got back from 6 nights in Paris. I got both the museum 6 day pass (only available for 2,4, 6 days) and the Carte Orange metro pass (16 Euros for zones 1 and 2). I more than got my money's worth out of the metro pass. The museum pass--may have been able to do better by buying separate entrances since the city museums are free, new museums are often open for free for the first free days and Journee Patrimonie weekend in September many of the museums are free (e.g., Decoratif) or half price (e.g., Orsay). However, you do get to jump to the head of the line which is nice. What I think funny is the time folks spend in debating the pros and cons of the metro and museum passes--when really the big ticket items are airfare, hotel and the extras like fancy restaurant meals, shopping, opera/ballet. If you want to spend money--those are the things you want to pay more attention to--not the relative cost of the museum or metro passes. If you aren't going to see any museums or very few museums, and don't care about the lines then don't get the museum pass. But, would highly recommend getting a metro pass--Carte Orange if you arrive early in the week.
Sep 25th, 2006, 12:53 PM
#28
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That sounds like a good plan, jayne - no fuss, and leaves more time to enjoy Paris!
BTW, there's a nice bathroom near the Madelaine - do a search on Paris bathroom's on Fodor's for more specifics.
You must be getting so excited for your trip - have a great time!!
BTW, there's a nice bathroom near the Madelaine - do a search on Paris bathroom's on Fodor's for more specifics.
You must be getting so excited for your trip - have a great time!!
