FAQ

Questions Paris Museum Pass

Should you not find the answer to your enquiry below, please write to us here.
 
• Why was I refused entry to the museum with my PARIS MUSEUM PASS?

The new PARIS MUSEUM PASS has been on sale since April 1st, 2010.You may currently be in possession of the old version of the PARIS MUSEUM PASS that expired on June 30th, 2010.

 

• Can I exchange my old PARIS MUSEUM PASS for the new version?
Old versions of the PARIS MUSEUM PASS were being exchanged free of charge until June 30th, 2010. Exchanges cannot be sought after this cut-off date.
• What are the benefits of the PARIS MUSEUM PASS?
The PARIS MUSEUM PASS offers free, direct and unlimited access to 60 museums (permanent collections only) and monuments in Paris and the Paris region for a period of 2, 4 or 6 days.
• Does the PARIS MUSEUM PASS grant access to permanent or temporary collections in museums?
The PARIS MUSEUM PASS only gives access to permanent collections in museums.
• How to use the PARIS MUSEUM PASS?
Prior to your first visit, preferably starting in the morning to fully benefit from your day, remember to write your name, first name and the current date (without overwriting and crossing out) on the back of your pass in order to activate it consecutively for 2, 4, or 6 days. Presenting your pass at the entrance of monuments and museums grants you FREE access with no waiting time at the cash register.
• Is the PARIS MUSEUM PASS pre-dated?
No, the holder is free to choose when to activate their pass by writing the starting date of use on the back.
• Is it possible to start using the PARIS MUSEUM PASS at any date?
Yes, you are free to use your pass anytime. However, as soon as the starting date is written on the back your pass is activated and the validity of 2, 4, or 6 days will start running thereafter. Make sure not to write any dates on the back of your pass before securing your visiting schedule. Your visiting schedule must take museum and monuments opening days into account.
• Is the validity of the PARIS MUSEUM PASS calculated by the date or by the hour?
The validity of the PARIS MUSEUM PASS starts running as of the date you will have written on the back of your pass. That is why it is strongly advised to start your visits early in the day in order to fully benefit from your first day of touring. 
• Is it possible to spread out the PARIS MUSEUM PASS visiting days over a month’s time, for example ?
No, as soon as you write the starting date on the back of your PARIS MUSEUM PASS, it is activated and starts running for the purchased amount of consecutive days: 2, 4, or 6.
• Do the days of validity of the PARIS MUSEUM PASS have to be consecutive?
Yes.
• Are the weekly days of closure of museums and public holidays deducted from the duration of validity of the PARIS MUSEUM PASS?
No. The duration of validity of the PARIS MUSEUM PASS cannot under any circumstances be suspended or prolonged. Our advice is to plan your visits taking into account days of closure and public holidays in order to get the most out of every day you spend here.
• Does the holder of the PARIS MUSEUM PASS, have to pay any other fees at the entrance of the museums and monuments?
No, the PARIS MUSEUM PASS gives FREE access to monuments and permanent collections of museums. This does not include services that are customarily charged as a supplement such as: lectures, audio guide, guided tours, etc. 
• Is it possible to visit the same museum or monument several times with the PARIS MUSEUM PASS?
Yes, the PARIS MUSEUM PASS allows you to visit as many museums and monuments as you wish and as many times as you care to.
• Does the PARIS MUSEUM PASS include access to public transport?
No, the PARIS MUSEUM PASS only provides access to museums and monuments. You can find a complete list of these on Museums & monuments page.
• Does the PARIS MUSEUM PASS include access to the "Grandes Eaux Musicales" in Versailles?

The PARIS MUSEUM PASS includes access to all tours at the Palace of Versailles, open according to the season* and the audio tours. Please note, however, that the following attractions are not included: performances, the "Grandes Eaux Musicales" fountains and musical gardens, conferences, bar/restaurant services and transport.

 

To visit the gardens and the "Grandes Eaux Musicales", an additional entry charge must be paid.

 

* i.e.: the "Grands Appartements", the Hall of Mirrors, the King's Bedchamber, the Queen's Bedchamber, the Dauphin and Dauphine apartments as well as those of Louis XV's daughters - weekends only - exhibitions, the Trianon Castles and the Estate of Marie-Antoinette.

 

 

• Could the PARIS MUSEUM PASS be purchased in advance?
Yes, you could purchase a PARIS MUSEUM PASS for example in January and use it only in July of the same year. The period of validity starts running as soon as you fill in the starting date of use on the back of the pass.
• Is it necessary to order or reserve the PARIS MUSEUM PASS in advance?
No. You can easily purchase the PARIS MUSEUM PASS upon your arrival, at one of the many sales points in the Paris area (participating museums and monuments, CDG Airport, the Carrousel du Louvre Tourism Information stand and all the Paris Offices of Tourism, etc.) You may also purchase your pass at the sales offices listed on this website who may offer advance purchase options. For more information, please visit our Points of Sale page.
• Is there a reduced price for children, large families, students, groups, unemployed and senior citizens?
No, the price of the PARIS MUSEUM PASS has been calculated as a flat rate applicable to all.
• Do children need a PARIS MUSEUM PASS?
No, children under 18 and european citizens under 26 are allowed FREE access in most of the museums and monuments included in the PARIS MUSEUM PASS itinerary.
• Do children in my party under 18 years of age have to queue up to get in?
No. The few establishments that issue tickets for free entry are not among the most often visited attractions.
• I am under the age of 26 ; do I need to purchase a PARIS MUSEUM PASS?
Since April 2009, free admission at all museums and cultural attractions nationwide has been offered to EU citizens under the age of 26, upon presentation of proof of age. Most of the museums and attractions included in the PARIS MUSEUM PASS adhere to this policy.

If you are a non-EU citizen, you will not qualify as exempt and we therefore recommend that you purchase the PARIS MUSEUM PASS.
• I am under the age of 26 ; am I entitled to free admission at museums and attractions?

Yes, as long as you are a citizen of the European Union (EU). Most museums and monuments offer free admission to permanent collections for the under-26s (upon presentation of proof of age). Other services such as temporary exhibitions and audio tours will generally incur an additional charge.

 

If you are under the age of 26 but not residing in the EU, you do not qualify for free admission.

 

• I am under the age of 26 and a citizen of the European Union (EU); do I need to queue for free entry into the Palace of Versailles ?

No. You will be issued a free ticket upon presentation of proof of age. This allows you to go straight into the Estate without queuing.

 

You will, however, be required to pay an additional entry charge if you wish to visit the gardens and see the "Grandes Eaux Musicales" fountain display.You can find the charges, here.

 

• Why is the PARIS MUSEUM PASS sometimes sold at higher prices on other websites?
Certain resellers include quite considerable management costs in their sales prices. Be careful, as these costs are often added to the delivery charges. It is worth taking the time to compare prices! The official public price of the PARIS MUSEUM PASS can be found on the Price page.

To buy the PARIS MUSEUM PASS remotely at the public price, you can use our online sales service on the Points of sale page. Our partner respects the public price and offers reduced delivery charges.
• Where can I buy the PARIS MUSEUM PASS for the public price, without any additional charges?
From as soon as you arrive, at all the points of sale in Paris: museums and monuments, the airport (Roissy), stations (tourist offices), tourist centres, etc. You can find a complete list of the points of sale on the Points of sale page.
• Can the PARIS MUSEUM PASS be printed remotely on a personal printer?
No.
•
• Can a lost or stolen PARIS MUSEUM PASS be replaced?
Unfortunately, this is not possible.
• Is there a one-year PARIS MUSEUM PASS for sale?
No, there is no yearly “Inter-Museum” pass for sale. There are however subscription options available at several museums namely at the Pompidou Centre (Laissez-passer), the Louvre (Carte Louvre Jeunes, Amis du Louvre), the Orsay museum (Carte Blanche), etc. For more information about these options please consult the website of each museum. (In our museum and monument presentation list, we have featured links to several of the relevant websites.)
• What difference is there between the Carte Musées-Monuments and the PARIS MUSEUM PASS?
The Carte Musées-Monuments came into circulation in 1988 until 2006. This pass granted the same access except that it was valid for 1, 3 and 5 days. However, this pass has been replaced by the PARIS MUSEUM PASS which is valid for 2, 4 or 6 days, and which was launched on March 1st 2006.
• Is it still possible to purchase a Carte Musées-Monuments valid for 1, 3 or 5 days?
No, this pass has been withdrawn from circulation since March 2006.
• Is the 1, 3 or 5-day Carte Musées-Monuments, still accepted?
No.
• What is the difference between the PARIS MUSEUM PASS and the 'Paris Pass'?
The « Paris Pass » is a package distributed by a different company. The product called « Paris Pass » includes the PARIS MUSEUM PASS and various tourist activities for the general public. This is why the price of the « Paris Pass » is a lot higher than the price of the PARIS MUSEUM PASS. Our advice is that if you are thinking of buying this product, check whether the additional activities will be of interest to you.
• Can you use a PARIS MUSEUM PASS during the European Heritage Days?

The European Heritage Days are organised every year in France on the third weekend in September. Many places that are normally closed to the public are opened for the occasion, and most museums and monuments offer free tours of their collections and many other activities at a reduced price. You can use your PARIS MUSEUM PASS during the event, but direct access is not always guaranteed with most of the major sites because of the large number of visitors.