Do not miss
The Musée d’Orsay and the Musée Rodin. Both museums are compact and easily visited in a single afternoon.
#1
The Musée Rodin in the 7th Arrondissement was established by Rodin’s will:
I bequeath to the state all my works in plaster, marble, bronze and stone, together with my drawings and the collection of antiquities that I had such pleasure in assembling for the education and training of artists and workers. And I ask the state to keep all these collections in the Hôtel Biron, which will be the Musée Rodin, reserving the right to reside there for the rest of my life.” – Auguste Rodin, 1909.
Outside, you’ll enjoy a lovely sculpture garden with many of Rodin’s most famous works, including The Thinker, the Burghers of Calais, The Gates of Hell and Monument to Balzac. Inside, the galleries show the evolution of his work. There is also a gallery devoted to the works of Camille Claudel. Fun fact: the museum is the only national museum in France that is fully self-funding thanks to Rodin’s donation of his original molds and models. The museum can make and sell original bronzes from these molds, which contributes about 30% of its annual budget.
#2
Les Invalides and the Musée de l’Armée
Right next door to the Musée Rodin is Les Invalides. There’s a lot to see within this complex of buildings including the Musée de l’Armée, the national cathedral of the French military, and the golden Dome des Invalides and tomb of Napoleon. Métro : Varenne (ligne 13) ou Invalides (ligne 13, ligne 8)
#3
The Musée d’Orsay
On the Left Bank / Rive Gauche, the Musée d’Orsay is one of the best collections of Impressionism in the world, with a regular rotation of special exhibits that help you connect with works you have seen a dozen times in brand new ways. On our last visit, we enjoyed an exhibit that delved into Degas à l’Opéra. Currently, the museum is celebrating the 150th anniversary of the first Impressionist exhibition in Paris.
The museum is housed in the former Gare d’Orsay. The retrofit of the train station to a museum was nothing less than inspired. Lines to get in can be long, so plan accordingly. I’d recommend a weekday over a weekend if you can manage it, and go early. Closed Mondays
. Metro: Solférino (12) or the Musée d’Orsay station on RER Line C.
#4
The Louvre
On the Rive Droite, the Louvre. If your time is limited, you may choose to skip it. If you do decide to go, pick a few areas that you really want to see. Don’t try to see “everything.” It’s simply not possible. My favorite exhibit is the Napoleon III Apartments, which sadly is currently closed for renovation. The Mona Lisa is always very crowded. Take the time to view the other paintings in the same hall. Don’t miss the the Winged Victory of Samothrace.
Even if you don’t go inside, there is plenty to see outside, including the I.M. Pei Pyramid, the impressive courtyard, the Jardin des Tuileries and the Arc du Carrousel.
Palais-Royal / Musée du Louvre (lines 1 and 7)
Pyramides (line 14)
#5
Centre Pompidou
If you like modern art, a visit to the Centre Pompidou (known colloquially as le Beauborg) is a must. An impressive building, the architecture outside is as modern as the art housed inside.