2 Non-Consecutive Days in Paris

We've been to Paris a number of times, and love museums (especially art museums). And still, when I add up the attractions on the Museum Pass that we're realistically likely to visit, it never makes sense monetarily. (Probably, in part because we do things like schedule an entire day, minus a leisurely lunch, at the Louvre.) You can buy individual tickets to the museums ahead of time and still get to skip the ticket purchase line (though not the security line of course). That way, you could visit whatever days work for you and/or your husband.

Thank you for the input Lexma. Would you mind sharing with me your suggestions? This is our first trip to Paris and kind of a second honeymoon. I'm trying to balance seeing the most important sights, but keep it relaxing and romantic at the same time... I know.. tall order. We arrive at 7:55 AM at CDG Tuesday morning, and my husband has to be on the 6:30 PM train to Le Mans Thursday evening. Again, thank you for your time and input.
Jacque

If I understand your timeline, I wouldn't invest in a Muaeum Pass. It works best when you're prepared to visit a couple of museums each day for as many consecutive days as it covers. It lets you avoid the ticket-buying lines at "big" sights like Louvre and Orsay and Versailles, but not the security lines. Your time in Paris will be too short to try to see everything, so pick a few things you most want to see and try to time them strategically. I don't know of a pass for non-consecutive days. Just roll with it, have a good time, and, as the man says, "assume you will return."

hi, you may want to consult your husband as to what HE may want to do or do with you. It maybe just worth it to buy a pass and just eat the days lost. what do the french say...C'est la vie. that way you can pass up the ticket lines. just a comment, supposedly when places to do/see are closed, the next day is really busy. Havent had the privilege to experience that, but if its true, a pass would be nice. happy trails and i know you will have lotsa fun!

If you just want to go to a few museums (not enough to make a pass financially worthwhile), but don't want to wait in ticket buyer lines, you can usually book advance tickets on the museum's website. I agree that with your particulars, I wouldn't plan on getting a Museum Pass. With your short time there, you'll want to be absorbing Paris, not just indoors at museums (no matter how worthy). I'd hate for you to feel you had to make your pass pay off, and so end up going to museums just for that rather than because it's what you really wanted to do. Remember, you can easily fill 2 days with activities not covered on the Pass at all, and then get a Pass on your next trip. The Eiffel Tower, boats on the Seine, the Nissim Camondo, the Musee Marmottan, and the Tour Montparnasse are just some examples of paid attractions not on the pass. And then there's markets, passages, parks, neighborhood walks...

Unlike some other posters, I have always found the Paris Museum Pass worthwhile-and I do not just duck in and out of a museum. It sounds like you should consider a four day pass so that the lost days cost you as little $ and regret as possible (if you see what I mean.) I think it is valuable to have the pass in case you pass something you didn't expect and want to go in. The decision for your husband depends on how much he likes museums. The time-saving factor can be huge, and I would expect two consecutive closure days to build up tourist pressure on admissions. Clearly you need to make a list of what's open on Monday and May 1. For example, it looks like Centre Pompidou is. And pre-ticketing is in order for the Eiffel Tower in any case. I recommend Rick's book to prepare for your fist visit. It cannot be overstated how pleasant it is to walk around Paris, even by yourself. But you need to plan your museumgoing to make best use of the pass, if you buy it. Because of your mention of romance, I wonder if you want to make fancy dinner reservations? In my experience, it's hard to get a bad meal in Paris, but you might have less choice on a holiday or day around a holiday. But if you're happy looking in windows to choose a likely place, you can take a chance.

I'm happy to give suggestions, but I'm not sure about what. I gave my suggestion on the Museum Pass, that it may not make financial sense and there are other ways to avoid long ticket lines. That's what I would do, as we've done that each time we've visited Paris. Do you want suggestions on what to do / places to go? See which things your husband wants to do while he's in Paris, and then do those things that you primarily interested in on the days in in Le Mans. The places mentioned already are great; another idea, a smaller museum in a former residence, is Musee Jacquemart. I think there's also a cafe there in the building.

Wow! Thank you everyone for your thoughtful responses. This is my first experience with a group like this. In answer to a few questions... My husband John is a wonderful, intelligent man with unbelievably high ethics and standards... but.. he does not have any interest in museums.. or even dare I say.. Paris. If he weren't being paid to go visit a genetics facility in the countryside, we wouldn't even be going. But.. he is going, and because he loves me and my adventurous spirit, we added the few days onto the beginning of the trip for us. He has one possible interest... to see Jim Morrison's grave.. and even that isn't something he said he really cares if we do or not. His comment is... that if I am happy, he is happy. Together I would like us to... #1 - Relax and enjoy some nice casual strolls through neat neighborhoods, gardens, along the river, etc.!!! We are staying at Hotel Muguet near Rue Cler Try lots of wonderful food! Go to the top of the Eiffel Tower and drink champagne. A boat trip on the Seine at night... but not dinner - John would not enjoy any dinner that requires a jacket or tie. Does anyone know if there are reasonably priced smaller boats for just a small handful of people - no dinner. Tour Notre Dame Palace of Versailles (and if not the two of us, then maybe I go on my own Friday morning alone) I'm sorry I'm out of time to write more right now, but again... thank you everyone for your suggestions, advice and input. It is greatly appreciated. Jacque

"Does anyone know if there are reasonably priced smaller boats for just a small handful of people - no dinner." The Vedettes du Pont Neuf are just what you are looking for. Details on their website: http://www.vedettesdupontneuf.com/. Note particularly the "Internet Ticket with Reduction" (lower prices are always good).