The City of Love is an excellent place to walk around, eat baguettes, and drink wine. Every corner brings new discoveries. If you have never visited Paris before, your first day there can be quite overwhelming. However, as a travel advisor, I can prevent all the overwhelm as I plan and personalize your family vacation in Paris. During our planning session, I will ask you what types of things your family wants to see and do while on this amazing adventure. I will then use that information to carefully create an itinerary everyone will love.

I can’t go into full detail on a trip to Paris today. However, I am going to share the best museums in Paris with you. This will ensure you know which museums are worthy of a visit if you have a museum-lover in your family. Or you simply want to ensure you include a little culture during this family adventure.  

Best Museums in Paris 

Musée du Louvre 

Okay, so almost anyone will tell you that hands down, the Louvre is the best museum in Paris. This museum had 7.8 million visitors in 2022 alone, so I guess no one can really argue about its popularity!  

Some of the most famous pieces of art in the world are on display at the Louvre. During your visit, you can see approximately thirty-five thousand works of art. Well, if you plan your time wisely. And spend more than one day at the museum.  

The most popular, and famous, work of art on display here is the Mona Lisa. This piece of art by Leonardo da Vinci is on display in the Salle des États, which is the largest room in the museum. The Mona Lisa is in a protective glass case right in the center of the room.  

That glass ensures the proper temperature and humidity is used to keep the painting in pristine condition.  

It is best to arrive at the Louvre early and see the Mona Lisa first. That will ensure the line is not really long. However, if you truly want to skip the long lines, consider a skip the line guided tour. Your guide will take you to this painting first. And you won’t need to wait for anyone else in line.  

I can arrange for that tour, as I am planning your personalized family vacation itinerary in Paris. Simply let me know that the Mona Lisa is at the top of your list of things to experience while on vacation.  

Musée des Arts Décoratifs 

This decorative arts and design museum can be found inside the west wing of the Louvre. However, it is important to note it is a separate museum and not part of the Louvre at all.  

If anyone in your family loves fashion and design, this museum is a must-see. I understand it won’t be at the top of everyone’s list. But if you have the time, you may want to stop in to see the second oldest museum in Paris.  

Musée d’Orsay 

Okay, now that we have talked about the Louvre, we can continue with the other best museums in Paris. Over at the Musée d’Orsay, you can spend time admiring a collection of Impressionist art. During your visit, you will see pieces that were created by artists like Renoir, Monet, and Degas.  

Musée de l’Orangerie 

This intimate museum in Paris can be found near the Tuileries Gardens. The building was a greenhouse before being turned into a well-known museum. You will find many popular works of art inside. One of the best though is Nymphéas by Monet. He donated these beautiful water lily paintings in 1918.  

Musée Rodin 

The Hôtel Biron was originally constructed for a financier. However, Auguste Rodin lived in this luxurious home prior to his death. In 1919, his home was opened as a museum. Now, everyone can visit to see Rodin’s drawings and sculptures.  

Out in the gardens, many of his infamous bronze sculptures are on display. Make sure you take the time to see The Thinker and The Gates of Hell. Those are his two most popular sculptures.  

The Carnavalet-History of Paris Museum 

If your family is interested in learning the history of Paris, while seeing exhibits filled with art and artifacts, head to The Carnavalet-History of Paris Museum. Inside, you can see signage, storefronts, furnishings, and stained glass. There is even a six-thousand-year-old canoe that was discovered in the Seine.  

This museum can now be found within two 17th century buildings. A lengthy renovation made this possible and resulted in more objects being displayed at a single time. Prior to the renovation, half of the exhibits had to be rotated in and out of storage.  

The Bourse de Commerce-Pinault Collection 

The Bourse de Commerce-Pinault Collection is a museum that is inside the old Bourse de Commerce building. This building was once a grain and commodities exchange. It is not too far from the Louvre. Although, you probably won’t have time to see both museums in one day.  

The Pinault Collection consists of five thousand works of art. A winding staircase will take you to more gallery spaces when you are finished on the first floor.  

If you plan ahead, and make a reservation, you can climb the final winding staircase to the Halle Aux Grains restaurant on the third floor. I can book your reservation for you, as I am planning your family vacation in Paris.  

Musée Picasso Paris 

Musée Picasso Paris is located within the Hôtel Salé, which is within bustling Marais. This may not be the main Picasso Museum in the world. However, it is an excellent place to see some of his fascinating artwork.  

You must reserve timed tickets if you want to explore this museum in Paris. I will do that for you, as I am creating your personalized family vacation itinerary in Paris.  

Centre Pompidou 

Centre Pompidou opened back in 1977 to lots of controversy. After all, there were no other museums filled with visible industrial pipes and more glass windows than walls. Nowadays, this museum is simply known for all its contemporary art on display.  

There are one hundred thousand pieces on display at the Centre Pompidou. It is best to book your visit in advance. Tickets to this museum sell out quickly.  

Foundation Louis Vuitton 

The main draw of many museums in Paris is the artwork inside. However, be prepared to be swept away by this actual museum before you walk through the doors. Architect Frank Gehry designed this building to look like an afloat sailboat.  

Yes, the Foundation Louis Vuitton is located in the 16th Arrondissement. Yes, that is quite far from many of the other attractions and best museums in Paris. But it is still worthy of a visit if you have the time.  

These are the best museums in Paris. I am sure at least one of them will make your list of things to do. Simply let me know and I will make sure the museum of your choice is included on your personalized itinerary. Of course, I will include many other things that will interest your family and allow you all to have a fabulous time in Paris while making memories that matter.  

So, are you ready to have me create a personalized family vacation itinerary in Paris or another destination for your next trip?  

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to click here to schedule a personalized family vacation planning session with me. When you click on the link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.  

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