Paris Museum Pass. Purchase online?

Hi Lisa, my husband and I spend 6 nights in Paris in Nov, 2024 and concentrated on the museums by getting the 6 day pass. At the time you could make reservations at the 'reservation required' museums without actually buying the pass. You have to go through the museum pass website. Here's my very long winded review of the pass, for us it was worth it, but I'm not sure what if anything has changed since then, and we made the decision to really concentrate on museums for that trip so we kept up a good pace.
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/france/paris-museum-pass-details-and-review-nov-6-11-2024

Just to be clear. You must still purchase the Pass prior to visiting the museums/sights. However, you can go ahead and book your timed entry before you purchase the Pass.

The pass is rarely a value anymore since its most attractive features like multiple visits to the same museum no longer exist. IF you have looked at your itinerary and determined that the pass saves you a lot of money then go for it and get it on line. You can reserve time slots at the Louvre, Versailles etc without the pass in hand and then just show it when you have it at entry.

The real question is, is it a good idea at all since it offers no advantage except saving money -- so see if it saves you money. I don't know if the price has been raised since the prices for non EU citizens for many museums are now very high e.g. the Louvre is no 32 for Americans -- much less for EU residents. (the Louvre also limits museum pass tickets so book that early -- I just booked tickets for my daughter next week and most of the day we planned on was already sold out. )

Janet, surely the Louvre doesn't have a specific ticket price for Americans? What about us Australians?

We were there two years ago and it was just one price, is it now an EU and non-EU price? Annoying but understandable.

Yes, it's EU vs non EU.

you Australians are in the same kettle with us Americans. You pay the high price as well -- all non-EU citizens pay much higher prices at most public museums in Paris now (but not the ET). Kids under 18 are still free regardless.

It is 32 for Americans and Ausies and 22 for EEA members.

I'm curious why RS book says not to bother buying the Paris Pass online and wait until you're there in person? I agree with others' comments, it may not be a good deal anymore. Even when we used it in 2024 it was only one entry per museum.
As I mentioned in my review, we made a conscious decision to concentrate on the museums for that trip. It was really fun for us, but that type of touring (commando style, like we used to do at Disneyworld) is not for everyone. We had been to Paris earlier that year and planned to return so felt comfortable that we would have other times to enjoy other aspects of the city.

We just got back from 3 nights in Paris after time in Lyon and Dijon and this time we had a much more leisurely visit. The only things on our to do list were Notre Dame (wasn't open last time) and Musee Rodin (we wanted more time there). We also went to Fondation Louis Vitton for the Calder exhibit which would not have been on my list but others in the group suggested it and it was well worth it, also a chance to see a very different part of Paris.

I think RS's recommendation not to purchase in advance is because the pass is nonrefundable/nonexchangable. What if you're plans change after arrival and you decide the 4 day pass is a better fit for you instead of the 6 day pass?

Also, there are other passes available to save money.

Although it doesn't include Versailles,
The Passion Monuments Subscription allows unlimited entry for 1 year to over 80 monuments and attractions throughout France. It also offers other benefits like discounts on certain concert tickets & at gift shops and priority security lines.

When we went in Nov 2024, Versailles was definitely included, and a quick check of the museum pass website today - it's still listed. I agree though, you could make reservations for free through the museum pass website for those museums/sites requiring it, without actually purchasing the pass then you must purchase the pass before using any of those reservations.
The monuments pass includes a few of the same sites as the museum pass, but is good for a whole year with unlimited visits and includes many sites outside of Paris as well. If I were planning another trip to France and not just to Paris but around the country I would definitely look at the Monuments Pass.

The Passion Monuments pass doesn't include Versailles; the PMP does.