Paris is one of the most visited tourist destinations worldwide, which is not surprising given that it is a bustling metropolis renowned for its breath-taking architecture, mouth-watering cuisine, and unique experiences. There’s never a shortage of things to do in Paris, where you can easily lose track of time browsing the bustling boulevards lined with souvenir shops, stopping at boulangeries and patisseries for freshly baked treats, or just meandering around looking for iconic sights fit for a postcard!
While touring the Eiffel Tower in Paris is a must-do, the city also boasts a wealth of unique and amazing museums to explore. Nearly one hundred museums in Paris provide artwork spanning a wide variety of disciplines, including science, photography, sculpture, contemporary art, and paintings. Here is a summary of the top museum tours in Paris to assist you in making your selection and ensure you don’t miss any.
Museum Tours in Paris You Would Love
The Louvre
The Louvre Museum opened in 1793 and houses the art collection of the French monarch as well as artefacts from the looting that occurred during Napoleon’s reign. The museum was revolutionary for its time and has been open to the public for free a few days a week since its opening. It is something you can’t choose to miss during Paris family tours.
The world’s largest museum is located at the Louvre Palace. Over the ages, the stronghold from the twelfth century saw multiple renovations and extensions. King Charles V and Queen Philippe II elected to live in this palace before it was opened as a museum, furnishing it with their ever-expanding art collections.
Musée d’Orsay
On the Left Bank of the Seine is the Musée d’Orsay, one of the biggest museums in Europe. It is housed in the former Gare d’Orsay, a railroad station designed by three architects, Victor Laloux, Émile Bénard, and Lucien Magne, and constructed between 1898 and 1900. Up until 1939, its trains connected Paris to the southwest of France; after that, they only served the suburbs.
The majority of the artwork at the museum dates from 1848 to 1914 and is primarily French. It has the world’s largest collection of masterworks by Impressionists and Post-Impressionists, including works by famous artists including Vincent Van Gogh, Claude Monet, Édouard Manet, Edgar Degas, Paul Cézanne, and Berthe Morisot.
Invalides muséum
Napoleon I’s tomb is located within the Hôtel National des Invalides, a famous structure on the Left Bank of the Seine that dominates the Paris skyline.
Once constructed by Louis XIV as a haven for military veterans, this remarkable landmark was once home to 6,000 troops. With a permanent collection of more than 500,000 military artifacts and objects, it is currently one of the largest art and military history museums in the world.
Musée de quai branly
The Musée du Quai Branly is the magnificent, ivy-coated edifice located near the Eiffel Tower on the Left Bank of the Seine. French architect Jean Nouvel created this architectural marvel made of glass and wood to house the collections of the Musée de l’Homme (Museum of Mankind) and the Musée National des Arts d’Afrique et d’Océanie.
It opened its doors in 2006. It is one of the wealthiest public institutions in Europe devoted to the study, preservation, and promotion of non-European arts and civilizations, with over 200,000 reference books, 700,000 iconographical pieces, and 360,000 objects spanning the Neolithic period (roughly 10,000 BC) to the twenty-first century. The Quai Branly is jointly managed by the French Ministries of Higher Education and Research and Culture and Communication.
Consiergerie
One of the oldest remnants of the Palais de la Cité, the medieval house and seat of government of the French kings, is the Conciergerie, which is situated in the center of Paris on the banks of the Seine and is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
Once the Revolutionary Court was established there, the Conciergerie—which had been converted into a jail for the Paris Parliament before the end of the 14th century—continued to be a significant location of incarceration during the French Revolution. Marie-Antoinette was perhaps its most well-known captive. Part of the tour includes a commemorative chapel that was constructed on the site of her cell during the 19th-century Restoration period.
Versailles
The magnificent palace built by the Sun King during his reign is open for tours all year round and has around 2,300 rooms total, including the King’s state apartments, bedrooms, and the Hall of Mirrors. In addition, visitors can explore the Royal Stables, Trianon Estate, and parks and gardens; the palace was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site thirty years ago.
The expansive gardens house the artwork of well-known modern artists, including Jeff Koons, Anish Kapoor, and Olafur Eliasson, whose pieces are included in yearly summer shows. Its seamless integration of the old and new pays homage to its founding goal of promoting artistic endeavors. Because queues can be hours lengthy, it is best to purchase tickets online in advance (prices vary depending on how much you want to view)
The Conclusion
Want to take a look at the rich history and rich culture of France by visiting museums? Contact The Expat Tours, a leading travel agency in Paris that provides exceptional travel experiences to people. Whether you are searching for Day tours from Rome, family-friendly tours in Paris, or museum tours in Paris, Expat Tours delivers tailor-made itineraries ensuring the ultimate adventure.
Disclaimer- The information provided in this content is just for educational purposes and is written by a professional writer. Consult us to learn more about various museum tours in Paris.
