getting passes for museums ahead of time /Paris

There's no reason to by the pass ahead of time. If you don't want to wait in line, buy it at the Musee d'Orsay- there's a separate entrance where they sell the pass and there is never a line (as opposed to the main ticket desk, which is another entrance and usually has a long line). Others have reported buying the pass at train stations with no line whatsoever.

By the way, these forums are answered by members of the general public with no affiliation to Rick Steve's company.

Jan,, as Tom said,, no need to buy ahead,, and perhaps no need to buy it at all. I find Musuem Passes are not cost effective for me,, but I do like to spend hours in one museum and will usually only visit one or max two a day. I do not find lines an issue,, and I always go in the summer, the apparently busy time.

I do have two great tips though. The Orsay can have insane lines, go to the Rodin Museum first that day,( it is in area and rarely has much of a line) . You can buy a pass there that admits you to the Orsay on the same day. Viola, two birds one stone, and no waiting in ticket line at Orsay. Or you could go first thing in am.

Other best tip,, and I got this off a travel forum and use it every summer.

Do not enter Louvre through the Pyramid. Enter from underground shopping mall entrance. Simply go in off Rue du Rivoli,, ( an awning says Carosuel ) and go down the escalators. Buy ticket from machine. Walk to security line ( going through a shopping mall, and no, it is very clear where to go you won't get lost) . Viola,, never a hassle. Yes, you have to go through the security line, but the Museum pass does not allow you to skip that anyways( although it was funny to see this couple arguing with a guard when they tried to skip to the front of that line,, waving their passes,, if only they knew what he was really saying,inbetween trying to explain in english, its a SECURITY line,, not a ticket line LOL )

If you want to buy a MP anyways, simply purchase from one of the places listed on the website, i would pick a quiter place near hotel,, the Cluny Musuem usually has no congestion.

The prices you are seeing are higher because Expedia, etc are charging a mark up to make a profit. The prices in Paris will be much closer to the book pricing.