BEST MUSEUMS IN PARIS
No visit to Paris is complete without visiting one of its world class museums. Paris has over 100 museums on just about any topic so you are spoilt for choice and don’t have to necessarily follow the herd. We’ve compiled the ones we think are truly unique to Paris across a variety of topics. Science. Art. Warfare. We’ve even thrown in Paris’s amazing zoos for good measure so these are often overlooked and not to be missed.
Paris offers a variety of museums and zoos for visitors to explore, such as the massive Louvre, which was once the official residence of French monarchs, the Musee d’Orsay, known for its extensive Impressionist collection, and the Invalides Military Museum, which showcases historical artifacts from various time periods. For those interested in science and technology, the Arts et Metiers Science Museum features numerous French inventions, while the Jacquemart-Andre Museum provides a glimpse into 19th-century Parisian life. Animal lovers can visit the Paris Zoo, one of the best in the world, or the centrally located La Menagerie, the second oldest zoo in the world.
So here are the top 5 best museums in Paris that we are certain you’ll love.
NB: We link to Tiqets, which offers excellent rates and where you’ll find all the fees, options and tax breakdown information.
1) THE LOUVRE
Yes the Louvre is first – why because it’s the biggest and baddest museum in the world! But hang on a minute, there is a right and wrong way to visit the Louvre. Since it is massive (technically the largest museum in the world), we don’t just recommend showing up without a plan and killing yourself by trying to see everything in one go. Instead pick a few topics like Ancient Egypt, Ancient Rome or 19th century art and leave some time to explore. It’s important to note that the Louvre was once the official residence of the French monarchs (a royal palace) and so besides art, you can learn about the history of the Louvre as a former royal residence. The only remaining vestiges of its former raison d’etre are the private residences of Napoleon III who was the last French monarch to live in the Louvre ( late 19th century). You can buy tickets to the Louvre and explore yourself, or we recommend.
2) MUSEE D’ORSAY
While the Musee d’Orsay is also well known, we consider it a gem because it’s housed in a former train station which makes for a fun space to explore works of art. We also love the fact it has one of the biggest collections of Impressionist paintings in the world, including many famous pieces such Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” and Manet’s “Luncheon on the grass”. While we recommend exploring the museum on your own and stopping by the upstairs cafe for lunch or snack, you can also take a guided tour if you’re interested in learning more about the art on display. For around 200 euros you can even have your own
3) INVALIDES MILITARY MUSEUM
The Invalides is home to one of the largest and best military museums in the world. Even if you don’t love military things you will be impressed by this impressive museum. Everything is presented in both French and English and organised by time period such as WW2 and WW1, Middle Ages (with an incredible presentation of knights in armor) and the Napoleonic wars. Napoleon himself is buried at the Les Invalides underneath the large golden dome of the massive Invalides building. You also have an impressive samurai collection and if you’re lucky you may just catch a live ceremony since the museum is still used by the French Armed Forces for ceremonial occasions.
Buy Invalides/Military Museum Tickets
4) ARTS ET METIERS SCIENCE MUSEUM
Arts et Metiers is very obscure museum that is famous for one thing: scientific inventions! You may not know it but the French actually invented a ton of things. From the first car (by Cugnot and powered by steam), to the first bicycle by Ernest Michaux, to the first calculator by Blaise Pascal (the mathematician who made your life a living hell!), first camera by Louis Daguerre, and some bigger and more complex inventions like airplanes. Arts et Metiers is housed in a former convent next to the eponymous university, a top engineering school that is now part of ParisTech. If you love history, technology or science then this museum is definitely for you. NB: It’s a bit out dated in terms of presentation and not enough details in English but it’s quirky and interesting.
5) JACQUEMART-ANDRE MUSEUM
What we love most about Jacquemart-Andre is that it’s a perfectly preserved a 19th century town home (mansion) previously owned by several wealthy Parisians. Besides a glimpse into the Parisian past, the prior owners were also avid art collectors and so there are over one hundred works of art on display. For instance, one room is devoted to Italian Renaissance art.
The museum is excellent at curating special exhibits year round so there is always a good reason to visit. And if you get hungry there is an excellent cafe below, which is excellent for lunch or even an afternoon tea (they are famous for their delicious cakes).
Buy Musee Jacquemart Andre Tickets
ZOOS
THE PARIS ZOO + LA MENAGERIE
The Paris Zoo (Parc Zoologique de Paris) is one of the best in the world. Located in the southwest of Paris within the Vincennes park and accessible by metro (Porte Doree stop), it’s the biggest zoo in Paris. Like any world class zoo, they have all the animals you would expect to find such as lions, giraffes, elephants and zebras. The best thing about visiting a zoo is that you are outdoors most of the time and burn calories as a result of walking around and exploring all the habitats.
La Menagerie is an oasis within Paris and is the second oldest zoo in the world. It is more centrally located than the Paris Zoo and therefore more convenient if you have a busy schedule. You could also visit the botanical gardens as well as the Natural History Museum since they are located next door. While the Menagerie is considered a micro zoo, it is surprisingly big, home to hundreds of animals including playful orangutans and gibbons. It’s clearly not as big as the Paris Zoo but you could spend half a day walking around learning about the 600 animals living here. The best part of this zoo is the original 19th century structures.
There are of course tons of sightseeing opportunities in Paris like taking a boat cruise on the river or climbing the Eiffel Tower so be sure to check out our shortlist of the top places to visit in Paris.
Finally, if you’re looking for a good deal, you can purchase the Paris City Card which includes a cruise along the seine via Bateaux Parisiens, Louvre museum access plus access to the Eiffel Tower and an audio guide (app). And if you have a kids or just looking for something a bit more relaxed, the Paris Family Fun Pass, which includes access to the Paris Zoo (world class and not to be missed!), Gallerie D’Evolution at the Natural History Museum (skip the line) and the Grevin Wax museum. Click below for more details!