My partner and I bought the Paris Museum Pass when we were in Paris in June 2011. We didn't get the pass to save money as much as did to save time (because the pass gets you to the front of the line).
Can any of you tell us what the museum lines are like in February (we'll be there Feb. 16-22)? We plan to revisit the Louvre and the Musee D'Orsay.
Thanks much!
We were at the Orsay last February on the "free" first Sunday of the month. The security line was about 10 minutes and that was it. Being as it was a free day, I suspect it was the busiest day of the month.
I doubt if you'll encounter much waiting time anywhere in February, so I wouldn't buy the pass just to save that time. I'd buy it to save money on admissions if I were a more energetic traveler, ready to take on at least a couple of major ones a day for several days running (this describes me maybe ten years ago). And I'd buy it to give myself the freedom to pop in and out of places where I might not otherwise invest in a ticket. These might include "little" museums like the ones for hunting, stamps, cinema, Delacroix, Resistance, etc. Or you could spend several hours in the Louvre each day for several days. The pass makes you want to visit a lot of places in a short time, but it also lets you revisit places where you want to spend more time. I've visited Paris with one and without one, on balance I'd make the investment next time.
I have been to Louvre many many times. I always go in june, july , august and sometimes sept. I have never waited more then 5-10 minutes and that was to get through security. The trick is simple. Do not enter Louvre via the Pyramide.. every runs there. Enter via the Caroseul Mall entrance off Rue Du Rivoli. You can buy ticket from machines or you can buy them from the Tabac in the mall. Last time I waited 2 mintues for lady in front of me to pay for her postcards.. then bought my tickets and walked out to musuem where there was only maybe 10 people in the security line. We saw the line up at the Pyramid entrance ,, it ran across the square.. wow,, these people need to read travel forums! lol
The Orsay one can avoid long lines even in summer by buying ticket the BEFORE the day of your visit .. there is a window kiosk just to the left of the main entrance you can purchase a ticket there good for ANY day but day of purchase. OR .. you can arrive early. I suspect in Feb you will need to do neither of those things.
