Where do I buy my ticket? When do I leave a tip? Are there any concerts in the mornings? If you don’t find the answer to your question about what’s on in Paris in this list, don’t hesitate to let us know! Where to buy tickets?
You can buy your tickets at the venue, either on the day or several days before. Depending on the venue, ticket offices may be open several weeks before the performance and some events sell out very quickly. All the relevant information pages on our web site tell you how to book according to the type of show. You can also go through specialist agencies, which in exchange for a supplement enable you to book your place in the first ten rows and collect your ticket 30 minutes before the show, without having to queue. Telephone or online services of some ticket agencies are also a good way to book, often at competitive prices. There are also some packages available where you can simplify your evening arrangements by booking your seats at a show and at a restaurant nearby all in one go, either to eat beforehand, or, as is usual in Paris, to have supper after the show. Paris hotel receptionists also know what’s on and can make reservations on your behalf. Don’t hesitate to check with our welcome staff too, who can advise you for your evenings out. Matinee or evening performance?
All theatre schedules incorporate a weekly “matinee” show. Regular concert seasons often take place on Sunday morning or at midday during the week (in museums for instance). Have a look at the schedules in our information pages. Usual times of matinee performances: 3pm or 5pm Usual times of evening performances: 8pm or 9pm Discounts on theatre tickets?
Depending on their audiences, some venues give discounts automatically (under-26s, students, job-seekers, seniors, children… check directly with them). There are two kiosks in Paris specializing in the sale of half-price theatre seats for the same day (12.30pm to 8pm Tuesday to Saturday and 12.30pm to 4pm on Sunday): 15, place de la Madeleine – 75008 – Metro: Madeleine Esplanade de la Tour Montparnasse – 75014 – Metro: Montparnasse-Bienvenüe Web sites that deal in special offers for show and concert bookings offer plays, shows and concerts at reasonable prices.* Is my booking guaranteed?
Yes. Once it has been paid, whether it is made on the spot, by telephone or online, a booking involves the allocation of a seat number and is therefore definite. Should you decide to cancel, the seat will not be reimbursed or exchanged for another date. To avoid wasting your ticket, you could always give it to a friend as a gift. If the cancellation is made by the theatre or concert venue, another date or performance will be offered in its place. Travel in Paris at night?
You just missed the last Metro (between 00.40 am and 1 am) or you’re too early for the first one at 6 am? Taxis are one way to get back to your hotel when night-time traffic is smooth. There is a night bus network (Noctambus) consisting of 18 lines starting from the Place du Châtelet and heading out in different directions to the suburbs. (up to 30km from Paris, direction Paris-suburbs). This service is available every day, including Sunday and public holidays, from approximately 1 am to 5.30 am with a departure every 30 minutes. Details about night transport See “Daily life: Late opening” Where can I get the whole events programme?
There are 3 specialist magazines that relay the full list of what’s on in Paris in French. They are on sale every Wednesday in all newspaper kiosks and newsagents’: Pariscope and L’Officiel des spectacles. General-interest and cultural magazines also have “what’s on” listings (Figaro, Libération, Aden, Télérama…). For English-speakers, try Time Out. To tip or not to tip?
In certain cinemas and small venues where you see signs saying that tips are the sole earnings of the usherette then you most definitely do. Other places however, may declare that tipping is prohibited. If there is no information to the contrary, nothing prevents you from thanking the person that showed you to your seat with a coin or two. Dress for the theatre?
Evening dress and dinner jackets are still “de rigueur” in certain places for gala evenings. Usually though, regular smart dress is required for your Parisian soirées at the theatre, opera or for church concerts. However, even in summertime, jeans, shorts, Bermudas and flip-flops are to be avoided. |
