Tips for Visiting the Musée d’Orsay

The banks of the Seine are full of treasures waiting to be discovered—from the Eiffel Tower to Notre-Dame Cathedral, and including this stunning museum, one of the most famous in the world for its beauty and the quality of the artworks it houses. Today, we’ll show you how to visit the Musée d’Orsay so you can enjoy it to the fullest.

How to Visit the Musée d’Orsay in the Most Comfortable Way:

Book Tickets in Advance

Although the museum sells tickets at the entrance, it receives a high number of visitors. To avoid long lines—or even missing out on tickets—it’s best to purchase them in advance.

This way, you’ll avoid the stress of possibly being denied entry, waiting in line outdoors, and you’ll be able to organize your day more smoothly based on your preferred schedule. You can book your tickets through our platform, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

Combine Your Visit with Other Landmarks

Paris offers an incredible cultural wealth, and optimizing your time is key to enjoying it as much as possible. A great strategy is to combine your visit to the Musée d’Orsay with other iconic sites like the Louvre Museum or the Eiffel Tower.

There are combo ticket options that save you time and, in many cases, money compared to buying separate tickets. Planning your itinerary this way allows you to experience multiple attractions in a single day, enriching your visit.

Best Days to Visit the Musée d’Orsay

The day you choose can greatly affect your experience. Although the museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, some days are less crowded. Wednesdays and Fridays are usually quieter, providing a more peaceful environment to appreciate the art. On Thursdays, the museum stays open until 9:45 PM, offering a unique opportunity for a more relaxed evening visit.

Tuesdays tend to be busier since the Louvre is closed that day, and weekends see more tourists and local visitors, increasing foot traffic at the museum.

Recommended Visiting Hours

Beyond the day, the time you visit the Musée d’Orsay is also key to avoiding crowds. It’s recommended to arrive right when the museum opens at 9:30 AM or around midday when many people are having lunch. These time slots tend to be less crowded, allowing you to enjoy the exhibitions more peacefully.

Duration of the Visit to the Musée d’Orsay

The Musée d’Orsay houses an impressive collection ranging from paintings and sculptures to photography and decorative arts. For a full and detailed visit, plan to spend between 3 and 4 hours.

However, if you're mainly interested in specific areas, such as the Impressionist wing, you can enjoy a shorter visit of around 2 hours. You can tailor your experience to your interests by checking the museum map.

Services Available at the Museum

When visiting the Musée d’Orsay, be aware that eating is not allowed in the exhibition halls. However, the museum offers dining options ranging from cafés for a quick break to restaurants serving French cuisine in an elegant setting.

Additionally, the museum has a cloakroom where you can store coats, bags, and backpacks free of charge. Hand luggage can also be stored at no cost. You’ll also find a gift shop where you can purchase souvenirs, books, and reproductions of the museum’s most iconic pieces.

Accessibility

If you want to visit the Musée d’Orsay and have a disability, you should know that the museum is committed to universal accessibility. Facilities are adapted for people with reduced mobility, ensuring a comfortable experience for all visitors, including those who are blind or visually impaired. If you require access with a guide dog or therapy animal, you must notify in advance and present the proper documentation.

Visiting the Musée d’Orsay is a must, as it houses some of the most iconic works of art. Planning your visit with these tips will ensure an unforgettable experience. We invite you to book your Musée d’Orsay visit with us and enjoy a well-organized and personalized experience.