Paris Museum Guide​

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There are over 100 museums to choose from in Paris, so do some research and pick just your favorites. Check out the Paris Museum Pass and the Map of Museums. 

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Paris Pass

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Cost is a big factor, but if you’re willing to list the places you want to go to and do some math, you can figure out if this is a good option for you 
 

Pass Pros:
Cutting the long lines, and depending on the time of year, this is a huge PRO.
Access to top museums and monuments (including Palais Garnier and Versailles)
Metro + Bus travel 
1 day hop on/ hop off tour
River Cruise
 

Pass Cons: 
Costs: 110 Euros to 239 Euros (2-6 day passes respectively) 
Eiffel tower and Catacombs are not included 
Inevitably, you’ll feel rushed and like you need to see everything the pass covers in the amount of time you have the pass for. That means, early mornings and a lot of sightseeing. 
 

1st Arrondissement

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Louvre 

Don’t try to see all of it, but do try to go Wednesdays or Fridays when it’s open late (note: closed on Tuesdays). Pick a few areas and see those in depth but include a quick detour for the Mona Lisa.

 

Musee D’Orsay 

Just across the river from the Louvre...Worth a visit for the architecture and river views alone. The museum is open late Thursdays and closed on Mondays. It’s full of the Impressionist highlights from Van Gough to Cezanne.

 

Jeu de Paume 

Inside the Tuileries and a quick stop if the exhibit is interesting.

 

Musee de l’Orangerie 

A minimal art gallery, featuring impressionist and post impressionist work.  

 

Musee Des Arts Décoratifs 

Located near the Louvre and worth a visit for the designers and bookstore.

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7th Arrondissement/Eiffel Tower

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Palais de Tokyo 

A worthy visit for the changing exhibits and lovely grounds. It’s open until midnight many nights, so perfect for an evening activity and dinner at the restaurant.

 

Musee d’Art Moderne 

Near Palais de Tokyo, usually has large installations, photo booth, and a thrift store.

 

Musee Rodin 

Visit the famous Thinker, and then wander the pretty gardens surrounding the museum as long as you like.

 

Hôtel des Invalides 

Military hospital, war museum, and houses Napoleon's tomb

 

Musée du quai Branly-Jacques Chirac 

Museum showcasing the indigenous art and cultures of Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas.

 

​Palais de Chaillot 

The Palais de Chaillot houses three major museums – the Cité de l’architecture et du patrimoine, the Musée national de la Marine and the Musée de l’Homme. There is also a restaurant, Café Carlu, and the Théâtre National de Chaillot.  

 

Musee Guimet 

Visit for a large collection of Asian Art and a break from tourists.

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Ile de la Cite

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Conciergerie

Formerly used as prison during the French Revolution, and now showcases where Marie Antoinette spent her last days.

 

Sainte-Chapelle

Visit this royal chapel for the majestic stained glass. You can probably see both the Conciergerie and Sainte-Chapelle in an afternoon, depending on the lines.

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Champs Elysees

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Petit Palais

Free to see the permanent collection and has a lovely garden cafe

 

Grand Palais

Full of rotating exhibits and is currently the largest existing ironwork and glass structure in the world. Also houses the Palais de la Decouverte, the science museum.

 

Louis Vuitton Foundation

 

Musée Jacquemart-André

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Musée Nissim de Camondo

 

​Pagoda Paris

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