How Far in Advance Can You Book Paris Museum Pass Time Slots?
It varies by site, but the busiest — the Louvre and Versailles — typically release timed slots weeks to a couple of months ahead, on a rolling basis. The slots are free with the pass. Book as early as you can, especially in peak season. Here’s how the booking windows work and how to secure the times you want.
Booking windows vary by site
There’s no single rule — each site opens its free timed-slot bookings on its own schedule, often releasing dates on a rolling basis a number of weeks ahead. The Louvre and Versailles, the hardest to get, generally let you book the furthest in advance, so check each official site for its current window.
Book as early as you can
Whatever the window, the rule is simple: reserve as soon as your dates are set and you hold a pass. Popular slots — mornings at the Louvre and Versailles especially — disappear fast in peak season, so early booking is the surest way to get the times that anchor your itinerary.
You need the pass first
For most sites you book the free pass-holder slot using your pass, so buy the pass before you try to reserve. Since the pass activates only on first use and has a long validity window, buying early purely to secure slots carries no risk to your sightseeing days.
Slots release on a rolling basis
If your travel dates are beyond a site’s current booking window, the slots may not be open yet — check back as your dates come into range, and book the moment they do. Setting a reminder for when a site’s window reaches your dates helps you grab the best times.
Peak vs quiet seasons
In spring and especially summer, book weeks ahead, as slots for the Louvre and Versailles fill quickly. In quieter winter months you have more flexibility and can often book closer to your visit, though it’s still wise to reserve in advance rather than risk it.
Prioritise the hardest slots
- Buy your pass as soon as dates are set.
- Book the Louvre first, then Versailles.
- Then Sainte-Chapelle, the Conciergerie and the Orangerie.
- Add the Orsay (from March 2026) and Notre-Dame towers.
- Spread the slots across your days.
If your preferred slot is gone
If the time you wanted is fully booked, try an early-morning or late-afternoon slot, which are often easier and quieter, or check back for released cancellations closer to the date. Building your day around whatever slot you secure is better than holding out for a sold-out time.
Keep your confirmations
Once booked, save each free confirmation — usually a QR code — with your pass on your phone, and screenshot it offline. You’ll show both the pass and the slot at the gate, so having them together and accessible keeps entry smooth on the day.
Set a reminder for your dates
If your trip is further off than a site’s booking window, the slots for your dates simply will not exist yet. The fix is easy: note when each site’s window will reach your dates and set a calendar reminder, then book the moment they open. This is especially worth doing for the Louvre and Versailles, where the best morning slots are claimed within days of release in peak season.
Buy your Paris Museum Pass and book early
To lock in the best times, buy your Paris Museum Pass online as soon as your dates are set, then reserve the Louvre and Versailles first and the rest across your days. Secure your pass and book early to get the slots you want.
Frequently asked questions
How far ahead can I book pass time slots?
It varies; the Louvre and Versailles often release slots weeks to a couple of months ahead.
Are the slots free?
Yes — they’re free with the pass.
Do I need the pass to book?
Usually yes — buy the pass first, then reserve.
What if my dates aren’t open yet?
Slots release on a rolling basis — check back as your dates come into range.
When should I book in peak season?
Weeks ahead — the Louvre and Versailles fill fast.
What if my slot is sold out?
Try early or late times, or check for released cancellations.