"Impressionism is the newspaper of the soul."
– henri matisse
There is no doubt that Paris is a sanctuary for the art lover. With its museums standing as timeless icons, they are just as inseparable from the city’s charm as the Seine itself. I dare say we all know the Louvre, an icon in and of itself housing masterpieces ranging from the Mona Lisa to Venus de Milo to the Winged Victory of Samothrace, while nearby, the Musee d’Orsay unfolds the splendor of Impressionism within its grand setting of a former railway station. Across town, the Centre Pompidou dazzles with its avant-garde vision and contemporary vibrancy, while the Musee de l’Orangerie offers a serene escape, inviting visitors to lose themselves in Monet’s Water Lilies. With an art scene as enduring as its cafes and Haussmann architecture, Paris takes the cake as the unrivaled gallery of the world.
Currently ranking number one as my favorite place on earth. The clocks, the florals, the flow, the pieces. When someone tells me to go to my happy place, it’s here, in this absolute treasure trove of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art. Housed in a former Beaux-Arts railway station – truly stunning – its grand architecture provides a dramatic backdrop for masterpieces by Monet, Van Gogh, Degas, Renoir, and more. The museum’s blend of history, art, and atmosphere makes it a must-visit for anyone seeking to experience the heart of French artistic innovation or simply wants a truly beautiful day. This one tends to stay busy no matter the time, so be sure to plan ahead and book your time slot well in advance.
Housed in the stunning Bourse de Commerce, a beautifully restored 18th-century building, this collection is as much about the space as it is the art. The Pinault Collection is a captivating showcase of contemporary art, offering an intriguing glimpse into the cutting edge of modern creativity with works from leading contemporary artists like Jeff Koons, Cindy Sherman, and Damien Hirst. The building’s striking architecture, coupled with its dynamic exhibitions, makes the Pinault Collection a unique and immersive art experience in the heart of Paris. Grab your ticket online, but this one doesn’t require as much planning or time and can be booked day of if needed. It makes for a great stop in your morning or afternoon.
If you’re an Impressionist appreciative, this one is a must, famous for its stunning display of Claude Monet’s Water Lilies, shown in two specially designed oval rooms made for immersive lingering. The museum also houses a significant collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist works by artists like Renoir, Cézanne, and Modigliani. Whether you’re an art aficionado or just looking for a relaxing way to spend your day, its serene atmosphere and carefully curated pieces make for a truly memorable experience. Make sure to get tickets for a time slot in advance. I would suggest a morning slot for a slower crowd.
Housed in a breathtaking glass-and-steel building on the edge of Bois de Boulogne, Fondation Louis Vuitton is a captivating fusion of art, architecture, and nature. Inside, you’ll find a dynamic mix of contemporary art as well as pieces from the Louis Vuitton collection. With its stunning design, exciting exhibits, and serene views, the museum offers an unforgettable experience that is worth the stop. It’s a bit of a longer walk to the Fondation, not a bad walk, but you do go through a more dusty, secluded area of the park that I prefer not to walk through, so I suggest a taxi for this outing. Grab tickets online ahead of time and to see what’s currently showing, but there’s really no bad time to go to this one.
We all know her, the iconic Louvre. Walking into the Louvre truly is like walking into a dreamlike celebration of art and history with every corner revealing a new masterpiece. Once a royal palace, its grandeur sets the stage for iconic works like the Mona Lisa and the Winged Victory of Samothrace, alongside treasures from ancient Egypt to the Renaissance. Its beauty and timeless allure make it an unforgettable journey through the heart of human creativity. The sheer magnitude of the space can be overwhelming, especially when trying to navigate your way through the crowds. My advice? Don’t worry so much about the museum map or trying to find one specific piece. Go in with no plan and no timeline, just start walking and take it all in. Eventually you’ll walk across larger crowds or signs leading to the bigger draws within the museum, but there is so much to be seen that you don’t want to have your head stuck in your map the whole way. Be sure to plan ahead for this visit as tickets can go quickly and ticketed time slots are checked as you enter. We prefer waiting downstairs in the Carrousel entrance, but just know you’re not going to avoid a line no matter the time or the entrance. Just take it as part of the experience! P.S. Make time to see the pyramids at night. You’ll never forget them.
A hidden gem, blending history, architecture, and art in a remarkably beautiful way. Originally built in the 18th century as a royal admin building, Hotel de la Marine has been beautifully restored to showcase its grandeur offering visitors a glimpse into the opulence of French aristocracy and the fascinating history of the French monarchy. The building’s elegant design, along with its exquisite collection of period furnishings and artworks, provides a captivating journey through time. This is a guided tour with headsets walking you through each room with fascinating facts and stories. It takes only an hour or two to tackle this one and can be booked on a whim if desired.
