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Child at St. Chapelle Concert?

Hello - I am considering taking my 7.5 year old daughter to a concert at St. Chapelle while we are in Paris. Discounted children's tickets are available (10 years and under) which leads me to believe it is not uncommon for children to attend the concerts. But maybe I am incorrect! If you have been before, are any children there? Thanks!

Posted by
2430 posts

As long as she's able to exercise good concert manners, I can't imagine why you shouldn't take her. What a fantastic experience!

Posted by
1206 posts

I took my then-14 and 18 year olds a few years ago (much older than 7.5, yes!) and they enjoyed it, mostly... be aware that the chairs (at least then) were hard and upright, and the concert (organ) was about an hour long. I do seem to recall that there were younger children there, though not many. Are they still opening up the organ loft for people to walk up the back stairs and see the organ, and meet the organist, right after the concert? If so, she might well enjoy that part of the experience, too.

Posted by
509 posts

We did this in May; I don't recall seeing or hearing children, but if you think she'd enjoy it, why not? The concert was about an hour, not a squirm-fest. Paying the premium for seats in the first section might be a good investment so she can see more. There are 2 or 3 blocks of seats, but seating within the block isn't reserved. You might want to shoot for a middle aisle seat for her. This would require getting in line at the earliest recommended time -- or perhaps having another adult, if possible, in your party get in line early to "save" seats for others. It's a happy, polite crowd; no one would object to efforts to accommodate a child. As I recall, the total wait/security time was close to an hour, so being armed with something (book or game device?) to keep her entertained before the concert might be helpful. Once inside, it's such an eyeful that I'm sure she'll be fascinated. As someone else noted, this should be a memorable event for her. Go for it!

Posted by
1097 posts

Absolutely take her, if she can sit still for an hour and behave. Even better, if you know the composers whose music you'll be hearing, study up before you go and share some interesting information with her about the composer or the music. My husband is a musician and teacher and he'd tell you it's never too early to start appreciating and learning music.

Posted by
7010 posts

There were several children in the audience when I was there. Take her by all means.

Posted by
7980 posts

It is short and 'pop' classic music so a 7.5 who could sit and be quiet for an hour or so would be welcome and the room is gorgeous. It is a know your child kind of thing.

Posted by
2430 posts

I don't know whether you saw Michael Moore's latest movie "Where to Invade Next", in which he travels to various countries in search of good ideas about how to live. In France, he documents how even the most humble public schools have excellent school lunches prepared by professional chefs, the children have a hour to eat, they use real glassware and china, and they learn an appreciation for fine food and good table manners. It wouldn't surprise me if that attitude extends towards children's' involvement in other cultural activities, music, for example.