I've been to Musée d'Orsay twice over the years and have left both times feeling awed by what I saw…read moreand rueful of all I'd so obviously missed. You can't even speed run the place in two or three hours, and you probably need days or a lifetime to appreciate it in full. My more recent visit was earlier this month, with my husband and kids and other sundry family members, who spread out and explored the museum on their own. The d'Orsay opens at 9:30 in the morning and we booked tickets in advance for 10:00 entry. Getting in was quick and easy, and the crowd was pretty reasonable for the first hour or so, which we spent on the fifth floor. By the time we got to the special exhibit on the ground level, around noon, every room was thronged. We didn't make it to the second floor at all. The museum is a global treasure, a beautiful place with a staggering collection of French art, including the world's largest trove of Impressionist and post-Impressionist paintings. The d'Orsay was once the Gare d'Orsay, a Beaux-Arts railway station built between 1898 and 1900. It would be worth visiting for the architecture and use of space and light alone. The art, of course, is genuinely amazing. If you have even a passing familiarity with paintings as a genre, you will walk around the d'Orsay going, "Oh, THAT's here?" I saw multiple paintings I'd encountered in jigsaw puzzles, or on the covers of Debussy piano books. Manet, Cezánne, Gauguin, Degas; a whole room of Van Gogh, including one of his most recognizable self-portraits and his "Bedroom in Arles" (a very enjoyable 2,000-piece puzzle). Monet everywhere--I guess the d'Orsay owns 86 of his paintings. I loved the mini-exhibit of five paintings of the Rouen Cathedral, and even my six-year-old appreciated, if purely for subject matter, "The Saint-Lazare Station." Our kids, it turns out, do not yet appreciate art, and were in ragged form for much of our visit. Our three-year-old demanded to be carried at all times and kept insisting he didn't like "these pictures." (He also objected to his first nude, "The Bathers" by Renoir: "Why aren't they wearing any clothes, even? They can wear pants. They can cover themselves.") We had to take a breather in the underground cafe, with water and snacks, and this gave us enough steam to make it back out to the main floor. We managed to zip through a few of the many rooms lining the main corridor on our way up to the Renoir exhibit at the front of the museum. This part of our visit could not have been more cursory, and yet we stumbled upon Courbet's self-portrait, "The Desperate Man"--a cool painting I'd never seen before--and Millet's "The Angelus," a painting I'd learned about at the d'Orsay many years earlier. The Renoir exhibit (Renoir and Love: A Joyful Modernity, apparently just ended) was spectacular, an expansive collection of iconic paintings displayed for maximum impact. It was also jam packed and slightly unpleasant to navigate with two children on the verge of meltdown. I'd love to go back to Paris and explore the d'Orsay at my leisure. I'm sure it'd also be worthwhile to go with a guide, and perhaps two older, well-behaved children who might get something out of the experience. In the meantime, I'm grateful I've been able to see the place at all. It's a marvelous museum, one of the greatest in the world.

One visit is not enough…read more When you learn to swim. One lesson is never enough. The more you dive into the depths and emerge for a breath of air, the more you enjoy. The more rapturous moments are grasped. Ah, so is the Musee d'Orsay. It is not a museum to plunge to once. One must visit multiple times. Otherwise, it is impossible to swim between exhibits, paddle through the intentions of artists. Be sure, you don't need to swim to enjoy the galleries. Even dog paddling between famous works is enjoyable. However, to truly move through exhibits with ease takes practice. You will thank yourself.

We went to the Musée de l'Air et de l'Espace, or Air and Space Museum, at the recommendation of a…read morefriend who works for Delta Airlines and spends a lot of her time among planes. We have two young boys and this seemed like a perfect family outing when we were in Paris earlier this month. Our experience was slightly tainted by an uncharacteristic tantrum from our six-year-old, but the museum was otherwise wonderful. It was maybe a mistake to schedule this visit for our first morning in Paris, when everyone was tired and out of sorts. The museum, located on the grounds of an airport long closed to commercial aviation, is a bit of a hike from Paris. We got a much later start than intended, took the train out to Porte de la Chapelle and suffered a hot half-hour wait for the first bus that would take us to the museum. Enough to make even a reasonable adult feel irritable. The museum was pretty amazing, though, well worth visiting, especially with kids who love airplanes. It wasn't busy at all on a Thursday in July. No wait and no advance reservation required. We spent over two hours exploring and would've stayed longer if we didn't have to get back to Paris. There were definitely a couple exhibit halls we rushed through for time, and others we missed altogether. The Concorde hall, with two retired Concorde jets, was the highlight for us adults, but I think the boys loved everything. Our three-year-old is obsessed with "airplanes with propellers" and both kids enjoyed all the old airplanes and the hall full of helicopters. The tarmac was awesome and featured several planes in their full glory. We got to go inside a Boeing 747, a plane we've read about several times in one of the boys' favorite picture books. The space stuff was cool, too, and we would've spent more time looking at it if we hadn't had to get going. In retrospect, we should have skipped the gift shop, where our older kid had his meltdown because I wanted to buy him the die-cast Concorde jet instead of the generic made-in-China airplane I recognized from a toy store back home. It was a nice shop, though, with a lot of attractive plane models and other memorabilia that must appeal to adult enthusiasts. If you're child-free with limited time in Paris, you're probably not making it out to the Air and Space Museum. It's an excellent outing, though, for anyone who wants to walk inside a 747 and two Concorde jets.

Surprised this doesn't get more tourists! We went on weekday and it was quiet and seemed to be more…read morelocal visitors. Though to be fair, it's out of the way so hard to get to and we had to get an Uber which had little trouble making way to entrance. However, lots of interesting displays, history and planes that you can actually explore. Great place for kids to run around and push buttons, which if on holiday and you've done loads of art museums, and kids are itching for some interactive exhibits, this is the place.

Musee du Louvre in Paris is the world's largest art museum and is considered a historic landmark…read morethat housed the famous Mona Lisa painting by Leonardo da Vinci and a whole lot more. Been here 2 times and for recent times, purchasing a ticket on their official website is preferred. It is timed entry but no limit for you to explore the museum. On our 1st visit back in 2019, we did it for 3 hours focusing on the important and famous paintings. They do have brochures/maps detailing suggestions as to what to explore best. Definitely recommend to take the 1st entry, upon opening time and head straight to the Mona Lisa, to get a very good view to beat the crowd. The Mona lisa is the most famous art piece in the Louvre so everybody just wants to be there. On our 2nd visit in 2023, we did the 2nd timed entry but stayed longer. Yes, we still went to the Mona Lisa first. It was an unforgettable (in our bucket - list) experience and will never get tired of visiting it. Hubby ended up staying the whole day on our 2nd visit. There was just so much to see and a feeling that there's not enough time. I can just get lost and be happy to where I end up. Must see when in Paris! August 2026

The Louvre needs no introduction, and my own knowledge of art is nowhere near sophisticated enough…read moreto pretend I can properly assess what hangs on its walls. What I can say with confidence is that I find the place extraordinary: the palace, monumental galleries, and almost preposterous scale make simply moving through it an experience. You can arrive knowing very little and still spend hours feeling your sense of history quietly expanding. Part of the pleasure is accepting that you are not going to conquer the Louvre in a day. On my last visit, we rented the Nintendo guide, an unexpectedly clever companion for navigating a museum this enormous, and I generally love audio tours because a few minutes of context can transform something merely impressive into something you actually understand. One space I especially love is the Cour Puget in the Richelieu Wing, a soaring glass covered courtyard where monumental French sculpture sits beneath cascades of natural light. It is the kind of room that interrupts your itinerary completely, which is probably exactly what a great museum should do. Somewhere amid several thousand years of civilization, I strongly recommend stopping for a coffee, a Perrier, and/or a bite to eat. There is something deliciously Parisian about sitting inside the Louvre, taking in the surroundings, and allowing yourself to feel exceptionally chic and cultured for a few glorious minutes. Give the museum at least a few hours, wear comfortable shoes, and let a guide provide some structure while still leaving room to wander wherever your curiosity takes you. You will leave stimulated, caffeinated, and already aware that another visit could be an entirely different adventure. Très bien!

While this is not necessarily a must-see museum for all visitors to Paris, it is well worth the…read moretrek to see the beautiful sun-filled (and climate controlled!) building, enjoy the peaceful grounds and view from the top floor, and of course see art. We saw the Calder exhibit, and as it unfolded floor after floor, room after room, it felt like a generously curated exhibit in a building which is itself a work of art. There is also a café and gift shop. I recommend getting tickets in advance, though there is still a line. Add in time to walk around the park.

As you depart Fondation Louis Vuitton following your visit you may find yourself asking whether you…read morecame to see the exhibit or the Frank Gehry masterpiece in which it's housed. Instead, consider it a 2-fer: you got to experience both the art and the building for a single price of admission. Both are exceptional. I understand that museum exhibits change but it's difficult to imagine a better use for the massive space than the Calder restrospective I enjoyed. It's so comprehensive that I'm certain I'll never see a Calder show that compares. I can't even imagine another museum that has the space to house such a collection. And then there's the building itself. Should you ever finish viewing the Calder exhibit, make your way to the rooftop. You were surely awed by the sight of Gehry's masterpiece from the outside but only from inside can you get to the terrace with its peek-a-boo, un-photographable Eiffel Tower view. Clearly, Gehry could have given us a dead-on site from which to take a selfie with that landmark in the background and equally clear was that he chose not to. The terrace itself is rife with views, just not that one. Don't miss it. Fondation Louis Vuitton had crowds without being crowded (except in the initial exhibit rooms) making it the perfect antithesis of a Louvre or d'Orsay experience. Other stuff: * Al fresco terrace cafe (with blankets provided; it was chilly in May) and a light-filled, artsy ground floor restaurant; * Best to purchase advance, timed tickets, easily done 1-day ahead. * When booking your ticket you can also reserve (for a couple additional euros) a shuttle to and from the site. The walk there takes about 15 minutes, is well-marked, and flat. I'd paid for the shuttle but didn't use it in either direction.

Orangerie Museum, Paris, France -- April 12…read more Our family of four with kids ages 9 and 10 visited after a morning at the Louvre, looking for a more relaxed museum experience. It ended up being one of the most enjoyable stops of the trip. Arrival and First Impressions The museum is smaller and much calmer than the Louvre, which made it an easy transition after a busy morning. The space is bright with beautiful natural light and a peaceful atmosphere. We arrived without reservations, and it took about 45 minutes to enter the museum. The Highlights Monet's water lilies are the centerpiece and absolutely worth the visit. The scale, color, and immersive layout of the rooms make it a unique experience. We also enjoyed seeing works by artists like Matisse and Renoir. The park outside was a great bonus and gave the kids space to run around afterward. The Challenges We waited about 45 minutes to get in without reservations, which could have been avoided with advance tickets. Final Thoughts This museum was my personal favorite and a place we would absolutely visit again. It is a great option for families or anyone looking for a more manageable and peaceful museum experience. It is definitely worth it, especially if you plan ahead

Such a lovely museum! Most famously known for Monet's Water Lilies, which are absolutely stunning…read more It's not a huge museum and can be done within an hour if needed. The art is so stunning and it has such a rich history to it. Definitely a must visit for sure.

This was worth the visit for some quirky and amazing folk art. There is an exhibit in a dark room…read morethat had so many fabulous pieces of art, that I thought we had seen the whole museum. But wait! Up some windy stairs is a sunlit room with about the same amount of art. Some things were creepy, some were a level of obsessive detail that required long minutes of marveling, and some were inspiring. 2 hours is a sufficient visit, and you will want to reserve time to peruse the bookstore and get a snack, lunch, or beverage at the café. The museum is in the garment district, and the art may inspire you to pick up some fabric to make a collage.

A stunning cyclorama with two feature exhibits, a bright and airy bookstore, and a crazy busy cafe…read morefor an accessible 9€. We popped in for the Jeunet/Caro exhibit, because when in Paris, you Amélie. The design of the exhibit space is in a wagon wheel, with fixtures from the duos filmography segmented by "pie piece." An intriguing blend of movie props, original script notes, stills and videography paint a brilliant behind-the-scenes for The City of Lost Children, Delicatessen, MicMacs, Alien: Resurrection and more. A floor up, sunlight floods a year-long showcase residency called Turbulence in the Balkans, featuring Eastern European works but unfortunately, no brass bands. Sad dance party loss. Anyhoodle, the space open, well-designed and easy to get through in an hour or so. If the exhibits catch your fancy, pop in for an afternoon delight.

Lovely little museum of Monet's art. We stopped by after visiting Monet's house & gardens. We…read moreenjoyed reading about his life and works and seeing his paintings. We spent around 30min-45min.

Free entry to the museum was all we needed to hear! After a wonderful few hours at Monet's…read moregardens, we saw the sign welcoming visitors so we went inside 3 rooms of widely spaced artworks & this exhibition was covering comparisons of Monet and Rothko. Never would have thought to compare the two but it worked! Lots of benches to sit & gaze at the masters & contemplate their works We were fans!

Well going and seeing history first hand is so fun. Let alone the travel to come and see it. The…read morecoffee was great and the tour was wonderful. The desert was so tasty.

It was so cool to visit the little town of Auvers-sur-Oise where Vincent Van Gogh spent the final,…read moreyet very productive, 70 days of his life before his suicide death at age 37. We stood at the very spots where he painted some wheat fields, where he painted the town city hall, and where he painted the local church. We saw the inn where he rented a room for those final days. Visiting here definitely gives you a sense of connection with one of the world's greatest painters. He painted what he felt from the scene in front of him and the style of his 2100 paintings was ahead of his time as he never achieved any fame until well after his death. It's well worth a visit!

First, please excuse any mispronunciation. We came across the Musse De La Grande Guerre by pure…read morechance. It was a very pleasant surprise. The museum is enormous. With artifacts starting pre-First World War to the following years after the conflict. The museum is very interpretative with uniforms, weapons, and equipment being worn by mannequins representing all of the nations involved in the conflict. There is even tanks, armament, planes, and various vehicles. I have highly recommended this museum to all friends, family, and anyone interested in the Great War.

How much you enjoy the Picasso Museum is no doubt related to your overall feelings about Picasso's…read moreart. Detest Picasso's art and you'll likely have no reason to come here. But if you love his art, are unfamiliar with it, or waver in your opinion this, the definitive Picasso experience I'd say, is a great experience. The museum is in Le Marais and has a quiet presence, especially compared to many other Paris museums. Their rooftop cafe is a good way to end your visit here but even better is an underused (empty on my visit) outdoor space full of grass, flowers, and chairs from which to enjoy it. Unless you know of this space you'll likely overlook it but if you do know of it? What a great place to sit quietly and enjoy the peace. The museum itself takes you through Picasso's extensive oeuvre but also features rather extensive exhibits by at least one other artist (Henry Taylor on this visit) and may also feature works by artists with whom Picasso traded or purchased artwork from (e.g. Matisse). Quiet, thorough, with a charming cafe and a peaceful garden, I'd not return to the Picasso Museum anytime soon as I'm uncertain how frequently their exhibit changes, but if you've never been and think you might enjoy it, I'd say that you're probably right.

Ok place to kill a little time between cafes and shipping in Les Marais…read more Some nice pieces were on exhibit. The building itself is nice to look at, though only the grand staircase remains unchanged.