JenBee

Hi! I'm new to the forums and have found them very useful so far in planning my trip. I am going to Paris mid-April with my six year old daughter (just the two of us). I like the idea of the museum pass in order to bypass some of the longer lines, however I fear it won't be economical as we won't be able to see too many in a day. Past experience says that a three day itinerary takes about six days, though I suspect that will tighten up a little once her legs and attention span are longer .

So...what are some alternatives to the passes that will still allow us the advantage of skipping the lines? I saw that for some museums you can by online, but it locks you into a certain day which I would hate to do prior to arrival (I find traveling with young children requires a certain amount of flexibility). Are there ticket outlets in Paris that sell museum tickets by the ones?

Probably should be a new topic but on another note - has anyone tried to do the ballet with kids? Hansel and Gretel will be playing while we are there.

If there is already a good thread on this please post the link - I didn't turn up much when I searched.

Thanks!

HappyTrvlr

We were there in mid-April and lines were not long. Your child will enter museums for free.
You can buy your pass at any of museums/sites;there are many to choose from the list.

StCirq

There's nothing I'm aware of other than the Museum Pass that will enable you to bypass the lines. That said, lines shouldn't be too terrible in April.

justineparis

Jenbee ,even in the summer there are not long lines at many museums.. so which museums do you plan on seeing?
I have been to Louvre many many times, always in summer (busy) months and never had to wait more then ten minutes to get through security, the trick is so simple. Do not use Pyramid Entrance.
Enter from underground shopping mall, off Rue Du Rivoli, and use the machines to buy tickets after you enter. . Ta Da.. And if you enter that way theres even a Tabac that sells tickets for entrance ,, so you don't even have to use the machines for tickets..

There are a few places that even a Museum pass will not help though.

One is the Eiffel Tower, the pass is not valid there , BUT, you can prepurchase ET tickets online, but I agree, I don't like be locked in to a time so I wouldn't bother myself( plus if its rainy or something )

The other place is the Towers of Notre Dame. The MP is valid there but does not allow line skipping, and the line can be long and move slowly ( its a climb up a narrow staircase so they only let 20 people up at once) The only trick to avoiding a long wait is to go 1/2 hour before the Towers open and wait a bit instead of a lot..

The Orsay does have long lines sometimes, but frankly in April , I would just go before it opens , can't see it being that bad.

If you choose a MP then its not a bad deal as you only need one, ( dd is free) and if you are smart just get the 2 day one and use it for some of the more crowded ones .

djkbooks

You do not have to purchase a museum pass to bypass ticket lines. You can purchase advance tickets online at most official websites or FNAC.com or once in Paris at any FNAC with a ticket counter.

The only places you may appreciate advance tickets are Musee d'Orsay, Chateau Versailles, and, sometimes, Musee de l'Orangerie.

I'm not a huge fan of the museum pass because you have to visit a LOT of museums to outrun the cost.

For Musee d'Orsay, there's a ticket window to the left of the main entrance where you can purchase an advance ticket - cannot be used the same day, can be used any day thereafter. OR, you can visit (nearby) Musee Rodin first and buy a combo ticket (and save 2 Euros) which will entitle you to the advance ticket holders entrance at Musee d'Orsay.

Tickets for Chateau Versailles are date specific, but usually you can have someone at the front desk or the Concierge book online for you and print your tickets a day or two ahead if you're unsure of your plans (or want to check the forecast).

If your daughter enjoys art, you may want to get her a copy of

http://www.amazon.com/Linnea-Monets-...et%27s+gardens

and plan an excursion to Giverny. You can purchase advance tickets (valid any day) on the official website or at FNAC.

We usually check the forecast, go to Gare St-Lazare and purchase our train tickets ahead of time (to avoid having to get there extra early to buy tickets) then go across the street to FNAC and purchase tickets for Monet's Home and Gardens.

Avalon2

In over 30 trips I have never bought a museum pass, and never waited very long in lines, buy tickets in advance at FNAC , use the shopping mall entrance for the Louvre. The only place with unavoideble lines has been the Grand Palais and even ticket holders wait form entry

JenBee

Thanks for all your advice. You've given me some great strategies!