Museum and sightseeing passes

Between museums, palaces, palace museums, historical monuments and the former homes or resting places of illustrious characters, the Paris Region’s cultural sites shape the landscape in a mix of ancient buildings and modern architecture. Driven by curiosity, travellers often aim to tick off as many sights as possible on their bucket list. But by being too ambitious, it’s easy to forget that the most important thing is to enjoy your visit to the full. So, no matter how long you’re here for, do a little strategic thinking. A pass will save you not only money, but time as well, because among other advantages, you’ll avoid the long queues.

One of the most popular passes available is indisputably the Paris Museum Pass. Both practical and economical, it gives you access to more than 50 museums and sights in Paris and its region, and adapts to the duration of your stay. This pass includes admission to the Louvre, the Orsay Museum, the national Picasso Museum, the Air & Space Museum and the Palaces of Fontainebleau and Versailles. With the exception of the Eiffel Tower, all the must-dos are there.

Your choice of pass will be determined by your holiday plans. Or is it the other way round? If you can’t make up your mind what to visit in Paris Region, you can avoid getting overwhelmed by sticking to the sights included with a specific pass.

Fans of Louis XIV, for example, might opt for a 2-day pass for the Palace of Versailles. Between the palace itself, the gardens and the wider estate, this national treasure takes much longer to visit than you think. It fully deserves the two days. The icing on the cake? This pass also entitles you to reduced prices on entertainment at the Royal Opera of Versailles. Pay your respects to the Sun King by watching a stage musical in the most rococo hall of the palace.

What about the locals? Sightseeing passes aren’t just for tourists visiting Paris. These multi-purpose passes are also advantageous for local residents who appreciate the Paris Region’s diversity of exhibitions and are not in a hurry. The Paris Musées Pass is a good example. This annual pass entitles you to unlimited access to 12 of the city’s museums. It even comes in a duo version so you can take your partner to all the temporary exhibitions. In fact, you get an even better deal for two people.

Some passes are valid across Paris Region, while others cover only the sights and museums of inner Paris. The museums of the entire region are included with the Paris Museum Pass. The Grand Paris Nord Pass, on the other hand, covers only those of the northern part of Paris, mainly in Saint-Denis.

Others, like the Marie-Antoinette Pass, are limited not to a geographical area, but to a specific topic. This particular pass will take you in and out of Paris, as it includes the Château of Rambouillet, the Conciergerie, the site of the queen’s tomb and the Basilica of Saint-Denis. There’s no rush to complete this tour of Paris Region because the pass is valid for one year.

You can choose your pass to match your different wishes. Before making up your mind, check whether the cost of the pass is advantageous compared to your intentions and the duration of your stay. And check how long each journey would take. On the subject of transport, there are advantageous deals for visitors too.

It’s always best to get all the details. One essential piece of information concerns bookings. In some cases booking is compulsory, in others it is recommended, just to avoid queuing. Also, some sites are free and don’t require a pass. This is the case for the permanent exhibitions at many museums.

Some visits are free for children. Depending on the places you intend to visit and the age of your child, check whether the pass is advantageous or not.

Last but not least, remember to take your time. Enjoy your visit!