Table of Contents
Should you get skip-the-line tickets for the most popular Paris attractions?
Yes. With well over 20 million tourists coming to the City of Lights each year to see its famous attractions, ticket lines get long – very, very long. Don’t waste your time in Paris by standing in ticket lines when you don’t have to.
Skip-the-line (also called “fast-track” or “priority”) tickets that let you reserve a specific date/time slot are almost always worth getting and are easy to buy online before you travel.
In addition to skip-the-line entrance tickets, you have two other ways to avoid waiting in long lines while enjoying a better touring experience:
1. Guided tours always include skip-the-line priority access; a few even give you access to private areas not available to most visitors. The expert guides who lead these tours enrich your experience by telling and showing you things you might miss on your own.
Some skip-the-line guided tours for destinations outside of Paris such as Versailles, Giverny, and Disneyland even include transportation – another time and stress saver, especially if you’re traveling with kids. (If you’re traveling to these places by train and your kids are caught putting their feet on the seat, you can be fined 65€. If your kids are like mine at certain ages and you’re on your way to Disneyland, for example, good luck keeping them seated properly when they’re practically bouncing with excitement.)
2. The Paris Museum Pass lets you skip the line at many top museums and monuments by reserving a specific date/time slot. This works well for most attractions – but for the very busiest destinations such as the Louvre, Versailles, and a few others, a guided tour will usually be somewhat faster because guides use a special entrance. So if you’re on a tight schedule, a guided tour may save you even more time (plus it offers other advantages).
To be clear, none of these ticket and tour options let you skip security lines, which are mandatory. The good news is that security lines usually move much faster than ticket lines, which is what you do get to skip.
For the most popular destinations such as the Eiffel Tower, Versailles, and Disneyland Paris, you should order your skip-the-line tickets or book your tour as soon as you know your travel dates. Tickets and tours for these top attractions sell out faster than you might expect, especially during peak travel periods. Don’t be left standing in line!
Louvre Museum Skip the Line Tickets
Home to the Mona Lisa – perhaps the most famous painting in the world – and countless other treasures filling its vast galleries, the Louvre Museum attracts massive crowds.
During peak seasons, getting through the regular ticket line can take up to three hours or more. (My own worst-ever record was almost 4 hours.) Don’t risk being stuck in this line, or not getting in at all: get a skip-the-line ticket with timed entry for a reserved date/time slot in advance.
At present, the Louvre is trying to manage the huge crowds with a system that admits visitors with timed-entry skip-the-line tickets within about half an hour of arrival.
From my recent visits, it has usually taken closer to 40–45 minutes from joining the line to getting inside. But compared with the regular line, this is still a huge time saver.
However, there’s an even faster way to enter the Louvre that I’ll explain in a moment.
Faster Entry Options at the Louvre
Although you can use the Paris Museum Pass to get into the Louvre, you’ll still wait in the same timed-entry line as everyone else. So as promised, here’s how to enter even faster.
For the Louvre (and also for Versailles, which we’ll cover later), joining a guided tour is usually the fastest and most reliable way to get in. Guided groups use a special tours-only entrance through the Richelieu passage, where there’s almost no wait aside from the brief security check.
Tours do cost more, but they also bring extra benefits. If you’re short on time (or patience), a guided visit ensures you make the most of your day. Personally, I’d rather spend the extra euros and save my precious Paris time – even if that means having more hours to relax at a café afterwards.
Here are some popular types of guided Louvre experiences:
- Masterpieces Tour – A classic 3-hour tour covering the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, Winged Victory, and other major highlights. Often includes Greek and Roman antiquities, the Apollo Gallery with the Crown Jewels, and Napoleon III’s lavish apartments. If you want a comprehensive introduction, this tour is a solid choice.
- Best of the Louvre Tour – A shorter 2-hour small-group option that still covers the most famous works and is ideal if you’re limited on time.
- Direct to Mona Lisa Entry – A hosted fast-track entry where you’re escorted straight to the Mona Lisa, with free time to explore the rest of the museum afterwards. This is the quickest option if your main goal is to see the Mona Lisa without the wait.
In addition to faster entry, guided tours help you navigate the overwhelming crowds, point out important works you might otherwise miss, and share fascinating stories about the Louvre’s history as a palace-turned-museum.
After your guided visit, you’re free to explore at your own pace and revisit favorite galleries.
Eiffel Tower Skip the Line Tickets & Other Fast Entry Options
The Eiffel Tower is another iconic Paris landmark where a skip-the-line ticket can mean the difference between actually getting inside – or spending hours in a line and possibly missing out.
During peak travel months, the wait at the regular ticket line can stretch to three hours or more. Don’t risk losing that much of your day: book a timed-entry skip-the-line ticket in advance, ideally with Summit access if you want to reach the very top.
Booking Tickets on the Official Eiffel Tower Website
Tickets go on sale on the official Eiffel Tower website about 60 days in advance. During the busiest seasons, they sell out quickly, so it’s best to book as far ahead as possible once your travel dates are confirmed.
Even with a skip-the-line ticket, you’ll still need to pass through security and often wait for the elevator. Depending on the day, these lines may move quickly – or not.
Getting in Faster with a Tour Group
Another way to cut down on waiting time is by booking a guided or hosted Eiffel Tower tour. These groups typically go through a dedicated tour-only security line and use a reserved elevator, reducing the overall wait.
This option can be especially helpful if the date or time you want is already sold out on the official website. While tours cost more, the convenience and time saved often make them worth it – particularly for first-time visitors.
You usually meet your guide at a nearby location and walk to the Tower together. Along the way, your guide shares interesting facts about its history, design, and construction. Once inside, they’ll also help you navigate the busy crowds and give you practical tips for avoiding pickpockets.
Aside from skip-the-line tickets and tours, there are other unique ways to experience the Tower more quickly. For example, booking a meal at one of its restaurants, attending a classical concert on the first floor (especially magical during the winter holidays), or even climbing the 674 steps up to the second level. These alternatives not only help you bypass certain lines but also give you a more memorable experience.
Versailles Palace & Gardens Skip the Line Tickets – A Must!
Especially during spring, summer, and early autumn, skip-the-line tickets for entrance to the Château de Versailles – famous for its Hall of Mirrors and magnificent gardens – can save you up to 3–4 hours of waiting in line.
Versailles is one of the busiest attractions near Paris, and lines at the main entrance can be overwhelming. With a reserved timed-entry ticket, you’ll head directly to a priority line, avoiding hours of frustration and making sure you actually get inside on your planned date.
Best Ways to Save Time at Versailles
There are several excellent ways to make your Versailles visit smoother:
- Half-Day Tour with Transfer – If you want a stress-free trip, many tours include hotel pick-up or transport from central Paris. An expert guide will show you the highlights: the Hall of Mirrors, the King’s State Apartments, and more, followed by time in the gardens.
- Guided Tour by Train – Another option is meeting a guide in Paris, traveling together by RER train, and entering Versailles through a priority entrance. Depending on the day, you might also enjoy special seasonal events such as the Musical Gardens or Fountain Show before exploring on your own.
Whether you go with a tour or just get timed-entry tickets, remember that Versailles is massive. The palace alone is huge, and the gardens stretch for acres. A guided tour helps you make sense of it all, while independent travelers may prefer the freedom to wander. Either way, never arrive without a reserved ticket – the regular line is simply too long.
Catacombs Skip the Line Tickets & Tours
Some guidebooks still describe the Paris Catacombs – former underground quarries later used as a burial site for millions of Parisians – as a “hidden gem.”
But that couldn’t be further from the truth. In reality, the Catacombs are now one of the most popular attractions in Paris. The regular ticket line often moves painfully slowly, and waiting 2–3 hours or more is common. Old tricks like arriving before opening or late in the day no longer work, since everyone tries the same idea.
Part of the problem is that the Catacombs’ tunnels allow only 200 visitors inside at a time, which makes the line even slower. To avoid wasting half your day underground before you even enter, you should always buy priority reserved tickets with a date and time slot in advance.
Another excellent option is joining a small-group guided tour. Besides fast-track entry, you’ll also get access to certain exclusive areas not available with a standard ticket. A knowledgeable guide can share fascinating details about the Catacombs’ history, their use during the French Revolution, and eerie stories you might otherwise miss.
Whether you’re fascinated by history, curious about Paris’s darker side, or simply want to see something unusual, the Catacombs are worth the visit. Just make sure you don’t show up without a reserved ticket – or you’ll likely regret the wait.
Disneyland Paris Skip the Line Tickets & Transport
Disneyland Paris has almost no true “low season.” Except for a short lull in January, rolling school holidays across France and the rest of Europe mean the parks are almost always full of families. It competes with the Eiffel Tower as the most visited attraction in the Paris region.
There are actually two separate parks: Disneyland and Walt Disney Studios. You can buy day passes for one or both parks, depending on how much time you want to spend. Transportation from central Paris is easy by RER train or shuttle bus, though during busy times, travel can take longer than expected due to crowds.
During peak seasons (May through mid-September, school vacations, and major holidays), the parks may even close their gates to visitors who don’t have a reserved dated ticket. That dreaded “Parks Full” sign means that only those with advance reservations are allowed entry.
To avoid disappointment, always secure your tickets in advance for the specific day you plan to visit. This is especially important if you’re traveling with kids – nothing ruins the excitement faster than being turned away at the entrance after a long trip from Paris.
Once inside, skip-the-line passes for individual rides can also save hours of waiting. While they add extra cost, they allow you to bypass the most crowded attractions and spend more time enjoying the magic of Disney rather than standing in line.
Musée d’Orsay Fast Access Tickets & Skip the Line Tours
World-famous for its outstanding collection of Impressionist masterpieces – including works by Monet, Renoir, and Van Gogh – the Musée d’Orsay is smaller than the Louvre but equally popular. Its central location on the Left Bank and its spectacular art make it one of Paris’s busiest museums.
Admission lines here can be long and frustrating – waiting an hour or more is common, especially in peak tourist season. To avoid wasting time, it’s best to buy a reserved entry ticket online in advance or use the Paris Museum Pass if you have one.
Another option for a richer experience is to join a small-group guided tour. With an expert guide, you’ll not only skip the line but also gain insights into the artists, their techniques, and the cultural context that shaped their work. Guides are also skilled at navigating the crowds, helping you get a better view of the most popular paintings such as Van Gogh’s Starry Night Over the Rhône and Renoir’s Dance at Le Moulin de la Galette.
Whether you choose a guided tour or go on your own, plan to spend at least a couple of hours exploring. The museum is packed with treasures, from its stunning Impressionist and Post-Impressionist collections to its architecture – a converted Beaux-Arts railway station that’s as impressive as the art it houses.
For more information about exhibitions and visiting details, check the official Musée d’Orsay website.
Notre Dame Cathedral Skip the Line Tours
Ever since the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral after the devastating fire, tout le monde – absolutely everyone – wants to visit. And understandably so. The cathedral remains one of the most iconic landmarks in Paris.
To manage the crowds, Notre Dame now uses a free reservation system that allows visitors to book a time slot on a specific date. You can reserve your spot on the cathedral’s official website. Admission is still completely free.
If anyone outside the cathedral offers to sell you a ticket, it’s a scam – ignore them. Entry tickets to Notre Dame are never sold on-site.
Even with a reservation, you’ll go through a brief security check, which only adds a few seconds. On a recent visit, my wait with a reservation was just about five minutes from the end of the line to walking through the door.
The line for visitors without reservations was much longer and moved at half the speed. If you want to avoid wasting time, always book your spot online in advance – it makes a big difference.
Arc de Triomphe Rooftop Terrace Skip the Line Tickets
The Arc de Triomphe, standing proudly at the top of the Champs-Élysées, is one of Paris’s most famous monuments. Climbing to its rooftop terrace rewards you with breathtaking 360° views of the city, including the Eiffel Tower and the grand avenue stretching below.
Lines for entry here can be surprisingly long, especially during peak hours in the late afternoon and evening when visitors gather to watch the sunset. Buying a skip-the-line ticket in advance means you can head straight inside without wasting precious sightseeing time.
Tickets cost the same whether you buy online or at the gate, but advance booking saves you the hassle of standing in line. Once inside, prepare for a climb – there are 284 steps to reach the top – but the sweeping views over Paris make the effort worthwhile.
For visiting details, opening hours, and special exhibitions, check the official Arc de Triomphe website.
Paris Opera House (Opéra Garnier) Skip the Line Tickets
The Palais Garnier, better known as the Paris Opera House, is one of the most spectacular buildings in Europe. Famous as the setting for “The Phantom of the Opera,” it dazzles visitors with its ornate architecture, golden details, mirrors, and sparkling chandeliers.
Lines to enter the Opera House can be long and slow-moving, especially during afternoons and weekends. With a reserved access ticket, you can skip ahead and head straight inside to admire this masterpiece without unnecessary waiting.
Inside, you’ll find not only the grand marble staircase and the richly decorated foyers, but also exhibits featuring costumes, sculptures, and artwork. One of the highlights is the breathtaking ceiling of the main auditorium, painted by Marc Chagall.
Even if you don’t attend a performance, exploring the Opéra Garnier is a must for lovers of history, music, and architecture. It’s widely considered the most extravagant opera house in Europe – and skipping the line makes the visit even more enjoyable.
For tickets, schedules, and special events, visit the official Paris Opera website.
More Paris Attractions Where Skip the Line Tickets Save You Time
At several other Paris attractions, you might sometimes walk straight in, while at other times you’ll face surprisingly long lines. Peak tourist season, weekends, and special exhibitions are the main culprits. In almost every case, buying tickets online in advance is the smarter choice – often at the same price as on-site. Even if it saves you just 10 minutes, that’s 10 extra minutes to enjoy Paris rather than wait in a queue.
Picasso Museum
Located in a stunning mansion in the Marais district, the Picasso Museum holds an incredible collection of the artist’s works. Due to its smaller size, only a limited number of visitors are allowed at once, and tickets often sell out quickly. Priority tickets are highly recommended if you don’t want to miss out. For updates, check the official museum website.
Sainte-Chapelle
With its soaring stained-glass windows, Sainte-Chapelle is one of the most breathtaking monuments in Paris. Visitor numbers are limited, and lines move slowly due to security checks. Having a reserved skip-the-line ticket is almost essential. Many visitors also combine Sainte-Chapelle with a ticket to the nearby Conciergerie, a former royal palace and prison where Marie Antoinette spent her final days.
Batobus (Seine River Hop-On, Hop-Off Boat)
The Batobus is a fun and affordable way to travel around Paris by boat. With 9 stops at major landmarks – including the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, and Musée d’Orsay – it’s both transportation and sightseeing in one. While you can usually buy tickets at the dock, purchasing them online in advance guarantees a smoother start, especially on busy weekends or holidays.
Grevin Wax Museum
The Grevin Wax Museum is a delight for families, with more than 200 lifelike figures, an elaborate Hall of Mirrors, and creative historical displays. Lines here can be unexpectedly long, so advance tickets are strongly recommended to make the most of your visit.
Galerie Dior
Since its opening, Galerie Dior has been one of Paris’s most sought-after attractions. Its curated fashion exhibitions are immensely popular, and tickets must usually be reserved 2–3 weeks in advance. Although a handful of same-day tickets may be sold at the door, waiting times often stretch for hours. Save yourself the frustration by booking on the official Dior website.
Espace Dalí
Located in Montmartre, Espace Dalí houses the largest collection of Salvador Dalí’s surrealist works in France. Due to its popularity, skip-the-line tickets are recommended, especially on weekends. This museum is a must-see for fans of modern art and surrealism.
Frequently Asked Questions: Skip the Line Tickets
Q: How soon before my trip should I buy skip-the-line tickets?
A: For the most popular attractions such as the Eiffel Tower, Versailles, or the Louvre, you should book tickets as soon as you know your travel dates. During peak season, tickets can sell out several weeks in advance.
Q: Are skip-the-line tickets more expensive than regular tickets?
A: It depends. Some museums, such as the Louvre, offer advance skip-the-line tickets at the same price as regular tickets. Other attractions, like the Catacombs or Eiffel Tower, may charge a small premium for priority access. In most cases, the time saved is well worth the extra cost.
Q: Do I still need to go through security with a skip-the-line ticket?
A: Yes. Security checks are mandatory and cannot be skipped. However, many major attractions now have separate faster security lines for visitors with timed-entry tickets, which makes the process quicker.
Q: Should I get skip-the-line tickets even outside the busy summer season?
A: Yes. In recent years, many attractions require tickets to be purchased online in advance regardless of the season. Even if it’s not crowded, buying skip-the-line tickets ensures smooth entry and helps you avoid unnecessary waits.
Q: Is it better to book directly on the official website or through third-party platforms?
A: The safest option is to book directly on the official websites of the attractions whenever possible. This way, you pay the correct price in euros and avoid potential resellers. If you’re booking in a foreign currency, use a card with no international conversion fees.
Paris Museum Pass: Another Way to Skip the Lines
The Paris Museum Pass gives you free skip-the-line admission to 60+ top museums and monuments in Paris and nearby areas. You can choose a pass valid for 2, 4, or 6 consecutive days, depending on the length of your stay.
The pass includes priority access to many of the city’s most popular attractions: Sainte-Chapelle, the Louvre Museum, Musée d’Orsay, Pompidou Center, Arc de Triomphe, and Versailles Palace. It also covers less crowded but equally fascinating places such as the Musée de Cluny, Musée du Quai Branly, and the Air and Space Museum.
However, not every attraction is included. For example, the Eiffel Tower, Disneyland Paris, the Catacombs, and the Paris Opera House are excluded and require separate tickets.
If the pass covers enough of the places you plan to visit, it can save both time and money. Just keep in mind that the validity is consecutive days, so you’ll need to organize your sightseeing schedule efficiently to get the best value.
For official details and online purchase, visit the Paris Museum Pass website.
