Paris has some of THE best museums in the world. While I would love to encourage everyone to visit every museum in the city, I know that {1} not everyone has the time to visit each museum & {2} not everyone can handle that much art in one trip. So, in an attempt to help you get the most out of your trip, I’m sharing my personal favorite museums along with tips for each museum.
- Musée de l’Orangerie. This is hands down my favorite museum. As a lover of Claude Monet, I could literally spend hours soaking in his gorgeous wall-to-wall paintings. This museum is incredibly small, so you can actually visit it decently quickly if needed. It is big enough to feel like a proper museum, but small enough that even those who don’t love visiting museums won’t be overwhelmed. Tip- I highly recommend arriving early in the morning so you can view the paintings as a whole, with no one blocking any piece of the art.
- Musée d’Orsay. I enjoy this museum for four reasons. First, it houses some of my favorite classic artists {Monet, Degas, Renoir, Van Gogh, etc}. Second, the architecture is incredible and it was actually an old railway station prior to being converted into a museum. I especially love the “Salle des Fetes” room. Third, the restaurant- the views are unparalleled, the room is stunning and the food is gorgeous. Fourth, the famous clock- which you have likely seen on Instagram time and time again. Tip- for pictures in front of the clock without people, arrive early and run straight up to the top floor for pictures {or have lunch in the restaurant and take pictures in front of the second clock}.
- Louvre. No list is complete without the Louvre. It is massive, so do be prepared for long lines and to spend a decent chunk of time inside. However, the Louvre houses some of the world’s most famous art and is well worth the wait. Tip- if you don’t have time to go inside, you must at least visit the building and enjoy the gorgeous architecture. The building is art in itself. If you can make time for the Louvre, look at the weather during your trip and choose the least beautiful weather day and go then.
Also note worthy:
- Petit Palais
- Musée Rodin
- Musée Picasso
If you can only visit one or two museums, I highly recommend either the Musée de l’Orangerie or the Musée d’Orsay. I also suggest picking up the Paris City Pass if you intend to visit multiple museums. Not only does it give you access to a plethora of museums, but it also allows you to skip the line!
What are some of your favorite museums in Paris?
Who are some of your favorite artists?
{don’t forget to pin this image & save this post for later}
This looks amazing! I love the scarf!
Museums are great if it’s rainy outside. They also provide good insight into what the country values and what is considered aesthetically beautiful there.
I visited the Musée d’Orsay and The Louvre many, many years ago. I remember the Van Goghs and the Mona Lisa of course, but not much else. I think i need to visit again.
Of all the museums you listed I’m kind of ashamed to admit I’ve only ever heard of the Louvre! Monet was my mother’s favourite artist so when I visit Paris I should definitely check out the Orsay and Orangerie. As for my favourite artist? Well, I’m a sucker for Dali myself. There’s something about surrealism that I just adore!
We don’t like going to museums but would like to check out Musée d’Orsay the next time we’re in Paris. We checked out the Louvre years ago but my husband wanted to leave an hour into our visit lol! Maybe we need to give it another shot.
That clock looks so familiar and its beautiful, of course. It’s funny, I love painting and being creative but I just can’t find myself standing in a museum admiring them. I still go anyways because I might surprise myself. I only made it to the Louvre when I was in Paris last but when I visit again I’ll make sure to check out the smaller museums; I hate crowds.
Thank you for the tips especially the Paris City Pass. I will save this one because we will be visiting Paris and my husband loves going to museums.
We don’t usually go to museums but these are absolutely gorgeous and I also love art so these are perfect! I would love to stand by that clock, it reminds me of a movie although I cant recall the name right now. Looks like you guys had fun and the photos are beautiful!
This looks like so much fun! Thank you for sharing!
Amazing! I would love to spend another day or four in Paris museums!
France has so many incredible museums – I’ve been to the Lourve but haven’t made it to Musee D’Orsay – which is such a crime! I think that the beautiful clock is one of the most photographed spots in Paris!