Daily Museum Information
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Monday:
- Palace of Versailles is closed
- Petit Palais is closed (permanent collection is free on days the museum is open)
Tuesday:
- Louvre is closed
- Palace of Versailles Musical Fountain Shows from end of May to end of June
- Grand Palais is closed
Wednesday:
- Louvre is open extended hours (9:00 AM to 9:45 PM)
Thursday:
- Musee d’Orsay is open extended hours (9:30 AM to 9:45 PM)
- Musee d’Orsay has reduced admission after 6:00 PM
Friday:
- Louvre is open extended hours (9:00 AM to 9:45 PM)
Saturday:
- Palace of Versailles Musical Fountain Shows from end of March to end of October
Sunday:
- Palace of Versailles is free the 1st Sunday of every month from November to March
- Palace of Versailles Musical Fountain Shows from end of March to end of October
Public Transportation
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Don’t waste money on expensive travel passes. The link below describes how to purchase a Navigo Découverte card.
The official RATP website does not provide much information on this. It is valid for Monday through Sunday, includes 5 zones which will cover to and from the CDG Airport, Verailles, Disneyland Paris, etc. It can be purchased at the ticket office at CDG upon arrival, however if you arrive mid-week it will only be valid until Sunday at 11:59 PM. You will need a passport photo for the card. If you forget a photo, there are photo booths nearby in all the train stations…
The train station at CDG is easy to find, just follow the signs for “Trains to Paris”. The trains leave from tracks 11 and 12 at T2. If you are at T2, there is only one direction the trains go (Paris). There are two RER B trains, one that is a “Direct to Paris” which does not stop at all the stations between CDG and Gare du Nord. This will be quicker and have less pickpockets.
Also, be sure to hold onto your metro tickets until you leave the station at your destination. There are verifications both onboard and when exiting the station.
Last Minute Louvre Tickets
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Forgot to purchase tickets for the Louvre ahead of time?
Please don’t wait in the queue that is for those without tickets. This queue only enters when the queue for those with print at home tickets enter. You can purchase the print at home tickets here for 15 Euro:
If you didn’t buy the print at home tickets then there is a Tabac shop in the Caroussel du Louvre which is at the Louvre, but accessed through a staircase near the arch that is opposite of the pyramids. The tickets are still only 15 Euro, and then you can enter in the line for those with tickets. Instructions and pictures can be found here:
International Electrical Outlets
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Don’t forget your adapters to charge your electronics. Here is a good website with the information you need for all the places you want to go.
Safety / Security
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Before you leave the United States it is highly encouraged to register with the U.S. State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. You will receive security messages from the Department of State and the Embassy of the country you are visiting. More information regarding this free program can be found on the U.S. State Department’s website shown below.
Protect Your Electronics
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The last thing anyone expects on vacation is rain… To protect my camera (and hide if from pickpockets) I recommend a ‘dry bag’. This is usually used for people enjoying watersports (kayaking, boating, etc.) and available at most outdoor stores (as well as online retailers).