PARIS
PARIS
There’s no shortage of art to see in Paris.
From the most famous art museums in the world to boutique art galleries and annual art fairs, here are my top recommendation of art to see in Paris.
*Please note that I am only recommending places I have actually been, and would go again. New places and recommendations will be added as I see more of the city!
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Art to See in Paris
The Louvre Museum
The most visited museum in the world. And for a reason— this museum is a must while in Paris.
The Louvre was previously a fortress and royal residence, but has functioned as a museum since 1793.
The Louvre Museum is home to some of the most famous artworks in the world including the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, The Winged Victory of Samothrace, and Liberty Leading the People.
Tips for visiting:
Book your tickets ahead! Make sure to review discounted ticket options to see if any apply.
Even with pre-booked tickets, you will likely have to wait in a queue. Speak to staff when you arrive to make sure you wait in the correct line.
Review opening hours. The Louvre is closed on Tuesdays and open late on Wednesday & Fridays.
Make note of any key pieces you have to see, and map out your route. The Louvre is MASSIVE and it’s easy to spend the whole day exploring, so if you have time limits you will want to prioritise.
Be prepared for the crowds. The Louvre can be quite busy, especially during tourist seasons. It can be particularly noticeable near famous pieces, but if you explore the lesser-known galleries you will find you have the whole space to yourself.
Musée d’Orsay
If Impressionist art is your favourite, then the Musée d’Orsay is a requirement for your visit to Paris. The former train station was transformed into an art museum in 1986 and houses art from roughly 1848-1914.
Some of the most important paintings from the French Impressionist era are housed here, such as Manet’s Olympia & Le Déjeuner sur l’herbe, Van Gogh’s Starry Night Over the Rhône & Self-Portrait, and countless paintings by Claude Monet. It has quickly become a popular destination for tourists and art lovers in Paris, and you might want to add it to your itinerary, too.
Tips for visiting:
Book your tickets ahead! Make sure to review discounted ticket options to see if any apply.
Even with pre-booked tickets, you will likely have to wait in a queue. Speak to staff when you arrive to make sure you wait in the correct line.
Review their temporary exhibits. These usually change every few months, but you gain entry to the museum as well with your exhibition ticket (which is sometimes not much more expensive than just buying a general entry ticket). You will also get priority entry to the museum and probably have to queue for less time.
Know the opening hours. The Musée d’Orsay is closed on Mondays and open late on Thursdays.
Explore audio guide options if you want a guided experience of the museum. This can be a good way to learn more about the collection on your own timeframe. Their permanent collection guide describes over 300 works.
As with the Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay can get quite busy. Book your ticket for times close to opening to avoid most of the crowds. I recommend heading straight to the top floor via elevators & working your way down. The top floors hold the majority of key Impressionist pieces, and these spaces will get the busiest later in the day.
Musée Marmottan Monet
The world’s largest collection of paintings by Impressionist painter Claude Monet.
In the 16th arrondissement, it’s a bit further out than some of the other art museums in Paris. However, the collection is housed in the former home of the Marmottan family and throughout you can see their beautiful collection of Napoleonic furniture alongside masterpieces.
It’s also situated between the Jardin du Ranelagh and the Bois de Boulogne, which make the perfect spot for a post-museum walk or picnic.
Tips for visiting:
Book tickets online or at the door. Unless the exhibit is particularly busy, you shouldn’t have any trouble buying at the door.
Review their temporary exhibits. These usually change every few months, but you gain entry to the museum as well with your exhibition ticket. It is the same price for an exhibition ticket (which includes the general collection) or just a general collection ticket. So it’s a good deal to check out the temporary exhibit too!
Know the opening hours. The Musée Marmottan Monet is closed on Mondays and open late on Thursdays.
Check out their partner MYSE, which lets you create a custom museum catalogue by scanning your favourite artworks in the museum. More info on this is available when you’re at the museum.
Bourse de Commerce - Pinault Collection
A building with a rich history that houses temporary exhibits of artworks from the Pinault Collection.
The museum was originally the site of Catherine de Medici’s palace in the 16th century before being converted to be the site of grain and commodities exchange. In the 20th century it became the headquarters for the Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and in 2021 it was redesigned by Japanese architect Tadao Ando to be opened as a museum.
Tips for visiting:
Review their temporary exhibits. These usually change every few months, but since there isn’t a permanent collection, you’ll want to review the current exhibitions to see if anything interests you.
Book ahead or at the door.
Know the opening hours. The Bourse de Commerce is closed on Tuesdays and open late on Fridays.
Art Galleries
Besides the world-class museums, there are also tons of art to see for FREE in Paris. Just visit one of the many commercial art galleries that put on temporary exhibitions of their art.
Most of the galleries can be found in Le Marais or Saint-Germain, and often you can visit several in the same afternoon since they are so close together. For collectors, these galleries are great places to see new and established artists & have the opportunity to buy pieces.
Recommended Galleries:
59 Rivoli — artist studio spaces with temporary exhibits and events
Perrotin, Almine Rech, Thaddeus Ropac, and Marian Goodman Gallery are all well-established commercial art galleries with locations across the globe.
Mennour & A2Z Art Gallery are both Paris-based galleries with rotating exhibitions of contemporary art.
Of course, there are TONS more. See Paris-based content creators or browse the CUR8 app to see what’s currently on view.
Art Fairs
Two of the biggest art fairs in the world also occur each year in Paris. Art Paris in early April and Art Basel Paris at the end of October.
In 2025, both fairs are held in the recently renovated Grand Palais and draw art collectors and art lovers from across the globe. These fairs can be great places to see tons of different galleries and artists represented, all in one place. Even if you aren’t planning to buy any art, fairs like this are a great way to see what is currently trending in the art market and discover some emerging contemporary artists.
Entry can be a bit pricey, with entry usually starting around €20-30. But you have to remember that inside the fairs you will see far more art than you would in a museum exhibition.
Other Recommendations
Grand Mosque of Paris. Admire the art and architecture of the largest mosque in France, stop for a tea in the garden, or treat yourself to a spa experience in the hammam.
Admire the ceiling mural painted by Marc Chagall at the Palais Garnier. I found tickets to the ballet on the upper level for less than 15, or you can buy tickets at the door on the day of performances. An iconic building filled with art and history… why not see a performance while you are there as well?
Where to Stay in Paris
For your artsy stay in Paris, I highly recommend Hotel Les Deux Gares. The interior design is impeccable, and prices are quite reasonable (for Paris). They even offer cheaper rates for single occupancy rooms, so it’s the perfect hotel for solo travellers.
It’s located right between Gare du Nord and Gare l’Est (hence the name) so it’s also quite convenient if you are arriving via Eurostar from London or taking day trips from Paris that leave from either station. This also means it’s close to major transport links to get you to all the art destinations across the city.
Tip: If you’re in the mood for fresh sushi during your stay, check out Sushi Bar located in the nearby Marché couvert Saint-Quentin.
Art Day Trips from Paris
If you’re ready to venture out of Paris, here are some art-focused day trips from the city.
NORMANDY
Most major cities in the Normandy region are day trip options from Paris, and offer lots of art to see. See my Normandy Art Travel Guide for more tips.
METZ
Just 1.5 hours from Gare l’Est, you can also reach the historic town of Metz. Home to it’s famous cathedral and the Centre-Pompidou’s second location. The Centre Pompidou-Metz is a stunning museum built in 2006 and houses temporary exhibits of modern and contemporary art, often drawing on the Centre Pompidou’s rich collection.
Since the Pompidou’s Paris location will be closed for the next few years for renovation, hundreds of famous pieces from the collection will be hanging here, instead. In May, an exhibit of the Centre’s works will open in dialogue with Maurizio Cattelan (the artist behind the $6 million banana).
Paris Art Content
Posts I’ve Made in Paris:
Looking for more inspiration? Here’s some content I’ve shared on trips to Paris.
Spend the day with me in Paris (featuring lots of art!)
Paris-Based Creators to Follow:
Here are some of my favourite Paris-based content creators that share lots of content about art & exhibitions to see. Since they are living in the city they have real-time updates on the top things to see in the city!
Marie-Christine (@lavieestuneoeuvredart) on Instagram & Tiktok
Art De Coded on Tiktok & Instagram
Doria as (@artcontemporainetculture) on Instagram
Pierre (@pierreptt) on Instagram
Claudine Colin, an art PR company in France that posts tons of exhibits and things happening in Paris and nearby cities.
Did I miss something?
Is your favourite site not listed? Let me know so I can make sure I visit & add it to the guide.
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