Last updated on August 31st, 2023
Paris is known for being one of the most Romantic cities in the world. It is also home to famous landmarks, delicious food, and artwork.
When most people think of Paris art, the Louvre is the first thing that comes to mind. It is undoubtedly one of the most impressive art museums in the world.
The impressionist movement began in Paris, so it’s no surprise that several places are dedicated to displaying these collections.
Some other excellent Impressionist museums in Paris have some equally marvelous works of art on display. However, I will focus on some of the top museums in Paris for you to visit, including some hidden gems.
The Impressionist Style
What is Impressionist Art?
This painting style was for artists to show how they felt, in contrast to the more realistic paintings of the time. Artists use short brushstrokes and lighter colors to depict a scene rather than crisp lines and detailed subjects. You will find most of the paintings depict outdoor scenes.
History of Impressionist Art
The Impressionist movement starts in the late 19th century in France. At the time, the art form was frowned upon by many. People felt they did not fit with the traditional artwork of that time.
Impressionist artists were interested in playing with light and color instead of depicting dark scenes, which was still popular then. As a result, they began painting landscapes and scenes with everyday people without focusing too much on the details.
During the time, people were shocked at these drastic works of art and refused to exhibit them in the Paris Salon. However, during the 19th century, the Paris Salon was a highly respected art exhibition.
Despite the pushback, artists like Claude Monet and Pierre-August Renoir continued to create colorful paintings and transformed the art world. Today, impressionism is one of the most cherished styles of art.
The Paris Pass
Gain access to over 80 attractions and museums for a set price. Pick between a 2-6 day pass that allows entrance to the top Paris attractions.
The 4 and 6 day Paris Pass also includes the Paris Museum Pass, which includes over 50 museums.
Get your Paris Pass now!
Best Impressionist Museums in Paris
The Musée d’Orsay
My personal favorite Paris museum and the home to impressionist paintings is the Musée d’Orsay. The museum is a former railroad station with some of the best artwork in Paris.
The building is also a work of art and the perfect setting for some of the world’s most loved paintings.
The museum specializes in artwork from 1848 to 1914 and has the largest impressionist collections in the world. You can find some famous works of art by Renoir, Monet, Degas, and Cézanne here.
You can also find post-impressionist artwork here from painters such as Van Gogh. His famous “Self Portrait” is just one of his masterpieces displayed here.
One nice thing about Musée d’Orsay is that it is much smaller than the Louvre, so you can easily manage to peruse all levels inside in just a couple of hours.
My favorite level is the 5th floor, where you will find the most famous impressionist paintings. Here you can find some well-known works of art and the famous museum clock.
The large clock looks over the Seine River and is one of the many hidden gems in Paris. The top level is very cozy and the perfect place to stroll with a café and enjoy the art.
Address: 1 Rue de la Légion d’Honneur, 75007 Paris, France
Hours of Operation:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 9:30am – 6:00pm
- Wednesday: 9:30am – 6:00pm
- Thursday: 9:30am – 9:45pm
- Friday: 9:30am – 6:00pm
- Saturday: 9:30am – 6:00pm
- Sunday: 9:30am – 6:00pm
Tickets: Buy tickets to the Musée d’Orsay
Website: https://www.musee-orsay.fr/en
The Musée de l’Orangerie
Love Monet? Then this is the place for you. Once a greenhouse, it was transformed into an art museum to display the famous Water Lilies of Claude Monet. Two large rooms show the series of eight large paintings.
The rooms were purposely made to display the paintings, which are uniquely curved around the room. As a result, it is not uncommon to see visitors sitting there for long periods of time, taking in the magnificent and calming works of art.
Of course, there is other famous painter’s work here. You can find Manet, Matisse, and Renoir’s artwork inside.
Like Musée d’Orsay, the collection of work displayed is between the 19th century and early 20th century. Once you are done here, it is just a few minute’s walk across the Seine to the Musée d’Orsay.
Address: Jardin des Tuileries Place de la Concorde (côté Seine) 75001, Paris
Hours of Operation:
- Monday: 9:00am – 6:00pm
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: 9:00am – 6:00pm
- Thursday: 9:00am – 6:00pm
- Friday: 9:00am – 6:00pm
- Saturday: 9:00am – 6:00pm
- Sunday: 9:00am – 6:00pm
Tickets: Buy tickets to the Musée de l’Orangerie
Website: www.musee-orangerie.fr/en
The Musée de Montmartre
One of the lesser-known museums is the Musée de Montmartre. It is a small museum featuring artwork from the impressionist movement as well as the history of Montmartre. You can find it in a 17th-century house, the oldest in Montmartre, to be exact.
What makes this particular museum unique is that it does not just focus on the art but the artists. Most people know about the writers who flocked to Paris looking for inspiration and frequented the Montmartre area.
Many painters called the neighborhood home. One of the most well-known is Picasso. Others include Bernard, Valadon, and Renoir.
After exploring the museum’s interior, relax in its gardens, named after the painter Renoir who lived in Montmartre for some time. The gardens are a wonderful place to relax and grab a coffee before exploring the rest of the historic arrondissement.
Address: 12, rue Cortot – 75018 Paris
Hours of Operation: Open every day between 10:00am – 7:00pm.
Tickets: Buy tickets to the Musée de Montmartre
Website: www.museedemontmartre.fr/en
Musée Marmottan Monet
Another place you must visit if you are a Monet fan is the Musée Marmottan Monet. Since it is not in central Paris, many don’t know about it. The trip to the 16th arrondissement in western Paris is well worth seeing the intimate Monet museum.
The cozy exhibit is much more intimate and less likely to be a tourist hotspot like the Louvre or Musée d’Orsay in central Paris.
Here you will find the most extensive collection of his work in the world. You can also find paintings from other artists here. One of the most well-known paintings of his displayed here is his “Impression, Sunrise” from 1872.
The museum is adorned with chandeliers, gold accents, and fireplaces. Though the entire collection is worth exploring, the lower level draws people in. The collection here has over 300 pieces by Monet and other impressionist artists.
In addition, numerous temporary exhibits are displayed throughout the year. Check the Musée Marmottan Monet website for a list of upcoming exhibits.
Address: 2, rue Louis Boilly, Paris
Hours of Operation:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 10:00am – 6:00pm
- Wednesday: 10:00am – 6:00pm
- Thursday: 10:00am – 9:00pm
- Friday: 10:00am – 6:00pm
- Saturday: 10:00am – 6:00pm
- Sunday: 10:00am – 6:00pm
Tickets: Buy tickets to the Musée Marmottan Monet
Website: www.marmottan.fr/en
Le Petit Palais
One of Paris’s hidden gems is Le Petit Palais. It was built in 1900 for the Universal Exhibition and was soon after converted into a permanent museum. Designed by Charles Girault, the building has four wings encircling a charming garden in the center.
Decorated with murals, beautiful staircases, stained glass windows, and extensive mosaics, le Petit Palais is a work of art in itself.
There is a collection of impressionist artwork here, including some of Monet’s. You can also find terrific art from Cezanne and Courbet.
In addition to paintings, the museum has several sculptures and other items on display. Surprisingly, many visitors do not know about this place even though its permanent exhibits are free to visit.
Address: Avenue Winston-Churchill 75008 Paris
Hours of Operation: Open Tuesday to Sunday between 10:00am – 7:00pm.
Tickets: Buy tickets to the temporary exhibits.
Website: www.petitpalais.paris.fr/en
Day Trip to Giverny
Although Giverny is technically not in Paris, it is one of the best places for impressionist art and home to Monet for many years.
The small city is just 50 miles northwest of Paris and can easily be accessed by train. Monet’s house and gardens remain here and can be visited.
There isn’t an actual museum full of artwork here, but it is where Monet lived and where he created his most famous paintings.
The gardens were the inspiration for many of Monet’s most famous paintings and something he spent much of his time creating. You can literally talk a walk through his paintings.
They are spectacular and make for the perfect afternoon stroll and quiet escape from the city. While in Giverny, you can also visit the Musée de Vernon, which has a small collection of his work.
Getting to Giverny: The easiest way to get there is by joining a full-day tour from Paris, which includes transportation to and from Paris, entry tickets with a tour to several locations, and free time to explore Giverny on your own.
You can also get there by train from Saint Lazare station in Paris to Vernon-Giverny. From there, jump on a shuttle to Giverny.
Getting Around Paris
Walk
The easiest way to get around Paris is to walk. It is also the most picturesque as you tend to get lost in Paris’s beautiful streets when you do. However, if you get tired of walking or need to travel further, these other types of transportation are great alternatives.
Take the Métro
Paris has a vast and inexpensive transportation system. The métro is a popular way to get around, with 16 different lines and over 300 stations.
The métro runs from 5:30 am to 12:40 am (1 am on Friday and Saturday).
Also, you can use your métro tickets on city buses, trams, and the RER.
Just a heads-up, the métro can be a bit confusing at first! To check out timetables, routes, and maps, visit the RATP website.
Ride on the RER
The RER is Paris’ train system. It is an excellent option if you are coming to and from the airport or want to take a trip to Disney Paris or Versailles.
It works just like the métro but runs less often.
If you decide to take this mode of transport, hold on to your ticket. You will need it to get out of the station.
Hop on a Bus
Buses are a great way to see Paris. They begin running around 6 am and stop around 9:30 pm (some even run later). You can buy your ticket from the driver or use your métro ticket. Visit the RATP Website for bus schedules.
Get a Taxi
Taxis are another popular way to get around. They are a great option if you are carrying around luggage or prefer convenience.
There are taxi stands all over the city and at every train station. Paris also does have Uber! The one downfall of Taxis is that they can be costly.
Paris Travel Tips
LANGUAGE: The majority of Parisians speak French. However, many do also speak English. Once you get further out of the city, you will find it less common. I recommend learning a few basic French phrases before you go.
CURRENCY: The standard currency in France is the Euro. You can quickly stop by the many ATMs to withdraw cash. Another option is to withdraw money before your trip. Make sure to keep a maximum of a couple of hundred dollars on you at a time, just in case!
Also, many credit cards, such as American Express, automatically convert your money into Euros when you use it. Before using any credit or debit card overseas, contact them about their exchange rates and policies. Some companies charge high fees for this service.
WHEN TO VISIT: The best time to plan a trip to Paris is in May and early June. The weather is beginning to get warm but not too hot during this time, and it is less crowded. Late August through October are also great times to visit.
WEATHER: The warmest months of the year are July and August when the temperature can go up to 80ºs. At night expect it to be on the chillier side, as low as the 50ºs. Spring and Fall are cooler seasons, with temperatures as low as 40º during the day.
The winter time is very cold, with temperatures in the mid 40ºs and below freezing at night. This time of the year is especially pretty as the entire city sparkles with Christmas lights. No matter what time of year you go, take some warm clothing options.
Conclusion
Home to the impressionist movement, Paris is the perfect place to immerse yourself in history, literature, and of course, art.
These impressionist museums in Paris are the top places to visit for art lovers and great alternatives to the famous Louvre. Found some other impressive museums in Paris? I would love to hear about them!
Enjoyed this post? Here are some other French destinations!
South Of France
- 10 Must-See Towns on the French Riviera
- 10 Best Towns in Provence, France
- How to Spend 3 Days in Provence, France
Paris
- Ultimate 5 Days in Paris Itinerary & Day Trip Ideas
- Travel Guide: How to Plan a Trip to Paris
- Top 20 Best Things to Do in Paris
- Visiting the Palace of Versailles: First Timer’s Guide
- The Most Charming Cities Near Paris
- 20 of the Prettiest Streets in Paris
Loire Valley
Travel Planning Resources
BOOK YOUR FLIGHT | Skyscanner is the top search engine for finding and booking flights. They price check over 1,200 travel sites to help you find the best prices.
VIEW ACCOMMODATIONS | For booking hotels and vacation rentals Booking.com is a top resource . They offer some of the cheapest rates and different payment options.
PLAN TRANSPORTATION | Discover Cars is my go-to site when booking rentals. They work with hundreds of companies worldwide to help you find the best car for your needs and budget.
SCHEDULE YOUR TOURS | There are many top companies available in Europe. Get Your Guide is one of the best sites for tours, excursions, and activities. Viator is another terrific website for all types of experiences.
GET TRAVEL INSURANCE | Having travel insurance is always a good idea. World Nomads is one of the top travel insurance companies. It will cover you if you must cancel your trip or if something unexpected happens.
Check out the resource page for additional travel planning resources.
Pin it for Later
