The Five Best Museums and Galleries in Paris

3 January 2018

Experience the French Capital's Legendary Culture

Renowned as a city full of world-class culture, Paris is home to some of the greatest art museums and galleries anywhere on the planet... and right now we're offering a package that includes free admission to the famous Louvre.

That's not to say you should only visit the Louvre when in Paris though, so here's our pick of five of the best. Make sure you try and see them all:

1. Musée d'Orsay

When you visit many of the famous galleries and museums in Paris, there's occasionally a feeling that the architectural splendour of the building will eclipse the displays inside. Musée d'Orsay, however, perfectly blends a magnificent interior and exterior with excellent pieces of art. Housed in a former railway station, the sweeping arched roof and huge skylights make this a particularly memorable experience.

2. Notre Dame de Paris

Considered to be one of the finest examples of Gothic Architecture on the planet, the Notre Dame was completed in 1345 (with multiple renovations across the centuries) and is the seat of the Archbishop of Paris. Found in the 4th arrondissement, it makes for a fascinating tour, with guidebooks provided as part of your visit.

3. Centre Pompidou

While Paris is known for its Classic Architecture, the Centre Pompidou is one of the most ostentatiously modern buildings you are likely to find. The Pompidou, a maze of exposed pipes in a number of primary colours, split opinion when it first opened in the seventies, but it has since become a much loved part of the Parisian skyline. Plus, it's packed full of modern art by some of the world's greatest artists.

4. Musée de Quai Branly

One of the few buildings in Paris that can compete with the Centre Pompidou as a modern wonder in a classical city, Musée de Quai Branly is instantly recognisable for its deep-red façade. However, the exhibits housed within it walls are unlike anything elsewhere in the city. It's home to a range of African, Central American, Asian and Oceanic art and artefacts, and provides a unique day out in the French Capital.

5. The Louvre

Obviously, we couldn't create this list without including the iconic Louvre gallery. With 9.7million visitors in 2012, it is recognised as the world's most popular art museum. It's most famous piece (and perhaps the most famous piece of art in history) is da Vinci's Mona Lisa, but the gallery is home to an absolute plethora of must see art, from the likes of Diego Velazquez and Michelangelo. There are also pieces dating back to 3000 BC and beyond.