France Museum Tour
3 Most popular museums and art galleries in France
- The Louvre: When asked to think of an art gallery or museum in France, it is hard not to bring up the Louvre. Located in the first administrative district of Paris, this iconic building is known just as much for its glass pyramid shape as it is for the famed artworks within. Visitors flock from around the world to view precious works such as Venus de Milo and Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa.
- The Palace of Versailles: The Palace of Versailles is the king of royal residences. Built for King Louis XIV in the 17th century, it was the home of the French monarchy until they were deposed during the French Revolution. Today, the chateau and its grounds serve as a majestic museum showcasing the works of renowned architects and designers. With over 2,300 rooms there is plenty to discover and marvel at, including the Hall of Mirrors and the Honour Courtyard.
- The Pompidou Center: The Pompidou Center celebrates the very best of modern art. Opened in 1977, the building sticks out among its companions in the fourth administrative district of Paris with its glass panels, colorful tubing details, and external escalators. The works inside are just as impactful and include those by 20th-century greats such as Warhol and Picasso.
Highlights of France museum and art gallery visits tours
- Step back in time to a pivotal moment almost 1000 years back by viewing the Bayeux Tapestry in Normandy. This 70-meter-long artwork was delicately stitched by hand to depict the Battle of Hastings in 1066 that led to Norman William the Conqueror becoming the King of England.
- Head to museums dedicated to some of France’s best artists. Visit the Musée Matisse in Nice, the Musée Marmottan Monet in Paris, and get inspiration at the atelier of Paul Cézanne in Aix-en-Provence.
- Immerse yourself in the works of great artists at Les Bassins des Lumières in Bordeaux. Witness images projected across 12,000 square meters using the power of 90 video projectors in what is known as the largest digital art center in the world.
- Pay a visit to the Musée d’Orsay in Paris to see some of the best impressionist artwork in the world. Once an old train station, the building on the banks of the Seine houses works by Van Gogh, Manet and Renoir, among other master artists.
- Get a taste of the designer lifestyle at the Louis Vuitton Foundation in Paris. This stunning architectural wonder was constructed in 2014 and stands in the pristine park of Bois de Boulogne. The museum features work from 20th- and 21st-century artists, as well as featuring up-and-coming names in the world of art and design.
Travel tips for museum and art gallery visits in France
- Beat the queues by booking your museum and art gallery visits in France in advance. This is especially important if you are looking to obtain a guided tour, as spots fill up quickly.
- Check the websites and information for various museums and art galleries before you visit. Some exhibitions are only on for a limited time, so if there are certain ones you want to see you can be certain you won’t miss out.
- Save on ticket prices if you intend to visit more than one museum or art gallery in Paris by searching for combined tickets or France museum and art gallery visit packages. These give entry to two or more top attractions such as the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay, and usually cost less than if you were to buy the tickets individually.
- Remember the museum etiquette, especially if you are visiting busy French museums and art galleries like the Louvre. Try not to stall or block access to others who are there to see the exhibits. When it comes to photos and videos, follow the guidelines of the Tous Photographes initiative by the Ministry of Culture.
