Paris has so much to offer any traveler, but for us one of the biggest draws were its two renowned art museums, the Louve and the Musee D’Orsay. We took some courses in art history at our local university, poured over the recommendations in travel guides and spent the time to plan our visits to ensure we saw the best each one had to offer. We were not disappointed. A photo of Winged Victory does little to convey the depth of feeling the actual work evokes.
As we have recommended in the past purchase your entry tickets in advance and print them at home. The Louvre offers timed entry tickets that guarantee very little wait time. Go to https://www.louvre.fr/en/hours-admission-directions/admission for more information on hours and admission prices. The cost of advance tickets is actually €2 more than the usual admission fee of €15 but the cost is small compared to the convenience. The entry fee is also included in the Paris Museum Pass if you have purchased that for your visit.
We went on a Friday evening when the museum was open late and although it was still busy it was not crowded. Early mornings are also a good choice. Also of note the museum is closed on Tuesdays.
The Louvre is massive. It was formerly the palace of French monarchy before they moved to Versailles. Be sure to take the time to admire the architecture of the building itself. The museum is divided into three wings all radiating from the Grand Pyramid main entrance; The Richelieu, the Sully and the Denom. The Denom wing houses the Mona Lisa and other masterpieces so is the most popular.
The map provided is an essential guide to help you get around. If you have certain works you plan to see and know where to find them you can do the condensed tour in about 2 hours. If you plan to wander you can easily spend a day. Plan for lots of walking and lots of stairs.
For lovers of modern art, from Impressionism to contemporary, see the paintings, statues and furnishings at the Musee D’Orsay. Offering the most complete collections from all the Impressionist and Post Impressionist painters this is a must see site for art lovers.
We did buy tickets in advance from https://musee-orsay.fnactickets.com/place-spectacle/ticket-evenement/search-lt.htm?q=MUSEEORSAY2018. The D’Orsay is only €12.40 but you can add admission to the Rodin Museum for only €22.40 or combine it with a visit to the Orangerie for €19.40. This museum is closed on Mondays so be sure to plan in advance to make sure you do not miss your opportunity.
There are three main floors to wander through, the top floor housing the Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art, most of which you will recognize whether your follow art or not. The main floor displays statues and furnishings as well as special exhibits. Allow yourself at least 1.5 to 2 hours to visit this museum, more if you are a fan of Impressionism.
We took advantage of the combination offer to visit the Rodin Museum as well. Located near the Eiffel Tower this former home of Auguste Rodin offers a personal insight into his works. Rodin is best know for his sculpture The Thinker which is beautifully displayed in the manicured gardens and my personal favourite, The Kiss, presented in one of the main floor rooms. The home also contains Rodin’s collection of paintings from his Impressionist contemporaries such as Monet and Van Gogh.
The real draw with this site was the gardens, a peaceful oasis from the hustle and bustle of Paris, and a welcome change from the crowds at the Louvre and the Musee D’Orsay. We spent the better part of an hour on one of the shaded benches, watching other tourists enjoy their day.
Paris is a mecca for lovers of art. Whether you prefer the old masters or have developed an appreciation for the modern, you will find your favourite work of art in one of the beautiful museums in the City of Lights.