We are 2 seniors visiting Paris for Oct 29th-Nov 8th. I have already (or plan to) reserve tickets for the Louvre, Musee d'Orsay, Versailles, a Champagne tasting tour, a dinner cruise, and some of the major places we want to go. However, I'd like to allow a little flexibility for exploring Paris. We would like to visit the Cluny, Picasso, and Rodin museums during this time. My question is, since these are smaller, and this is maybe not the busiest of tourist seasons, is it necessary to book online tickets for these smaller museums or are they less crowded enough that we can buy them when we show up? Thanks.
Posted by
1549 posts
We didn't need tickets for Rodin in the busy spring season. The garden is the most enchanting part; don't miss it.
Posted by
51 posts
I visited the Cluny in early June--so, peak season or on the cusp--and didn't purchase a ticket in advance. I didn't think the museum was overly-crowded either.
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
16077 posts
I agree that tickets are not needed for either Cluny or Rodin. When I visited the Cluny last October a number of the rooms were closed but they said that on a sign outside before you entered. Not sure if it was staffing or what and the price was reduced. The room with The Lady and the Unicorn tapestries was open.
It’s been since before Covid that I visited Picasso Museum. Unless there is some sort of special exhibition, I don’t think you’ll need to book ahead.
Posted by
OP
sarasota, fl
80 posts
Thanks for your replies. It sounds like we'll be able to allow flexibility to our schedule which will make for a more relaxed visit:)
Posted by
Chicago
9314 posts
Usually not necessary -- I have recently visit the Cluny and Rodin without and there was no line -- but oddly at the Cluny the ticket seller was faffing around on his computer and we had to wait 5 or 6 minutes before he gave attention to tickdt selling. With an on line ticket we would have just walked in. We almost always book on line if only the day of if we know we will go somewhere. It is a double check on it being open and crowds are. bit unpredictable.
an example. I recently went to the Jeu du Paume where I never buy tickets ahead and there was no line for tickets. When I left the museum there was a long line out the door for ticket purchase. Next time I go I will probably buy ahead that day.
Posted by
USA
214 posts
We arrived before opening time for the first Sunday free admission day at Cluny in April this year and it was not crowded.
Rodin ticket I bought at the counter at the Invalides for a combined ticket , no wait, mid-week, April.
I found at Marmottan museum, that they didn't care that we were not exactly right at our time (there was no line anyway but we had difficulty finding them) and they just scanned our tickets.
Posted by
Lexington
61 posts
I purchased a Museum Pass at the Picasso Museum and got right in. It was a Tuesday in August. I used the pass to get right into the Cluny. The pass even worked with a separate line at the Orsay. A bit of a line but not bad.