Cheap place with a good view: our benchmarks
Paying less without finding yourself at the top or completely to the side: this is the most common trade-off when choosing your place. The cheapest categories generally correspond to the locations considered the least favorable, but some offer a much better view-price ratio than others. This guide provides guidelines for identifying these good compromises, remembering that the exact prices and configuration always depend on the event.
Why do some places cost less?
The price of a place mainly reflects the estimated quality of the location: proximity, angle, height and comfort. The least expensive categories bring together the places judged to be the least advantageous based on these criteria: further away, higher up, more to the side or behind part of the action. This does not mean that they are bad: within the same economic category, certain seats offer a much better view than others. The challenge is to identify these locations.
Where to look for good value for money
- The tops of the front stands: far away but well oriented, often better than a low, very side seat.
- The 'T0' first rows of a second level 'T1', sometimes less expensive than the bottom of a lower level, with a clear view.
- The centered 'T0' lateral 'T1' rather than the end laterals, for a more acceptable angle at the same price.
- The 'T0' zones with clearly visible 'T1' screens, which compensate for the distance for a concert.
- The 'T0' intermediate categories 'T1' on promotion or official resale, sometimes close to the price of the lower categories.
Frequent compromises between price and view
| Economical location | Asset | Compromise to accept |
|---|---|---|
| Top of front stand | Well oriented | Distance, height |
| Lateral centered | Correct angle | Side view |
| Flowerbed background | Ground level | Reduced perspective if flat |
| Grandstand end | Often the cheapest | Grazing angle, partial action |
General information: The actual view-to-price ratio depends on the venue, event and locations open for sale for your date.
Find an affordable place in a good location
- 1
Set your budget and target area
Determine the maximum acceptable price, then identify the categories that fit into it before looking at the specific places.
- 2
Compare orientation at equal price
At a similar price, prefer a slightly distant front seat to an end side seat. The angle often matters more than the distance.
- 3
Look at the height and screens
A moderate elevation clears the view; the presence of screens makes up for the distance for a concert. These elements are shown on the plan.
- 4
Check visibility mentions
A very inexpensive place may be marked with reduced visibility. Read these notices: a good deal should not obscure the scene or the terrain.
Spotting fake bargains
A very inexpensive seat sometimes hides a real flaw: reduced visibility by a structure, extreme angle, last row under an overhang, or location from which part of the scene is not visible. The low price is then justified, but the experience can disappoint. Conversely, certain economic places are simply distant or high, without obstacles: these are the ones to aim for. The difference can be seen on the map and in the ticket information.