Paris is a city of art, history, and breathtaking architecture, where every corner has a story to tell. Knowing I wanted to immerse myself in everything this enchanting city has to offer, I decided to splurge on the Paris Museum Pass. And let me tell you—it was worth every cent! Here’s a rundown of all the places I visited using the pass, each one leaving a lasting impression.
The Paris Museum Pass: A Great Investment
I opted for the 4-day Paris Museum Pass, which is valid for 96 hours from your first visit and allows one entry per site. At €73.15, it becomes a savings after your fifth visit. To ensure I made the most of it, I packed my days with visits to eight incredible sites. Note that some of these require a reservation, which I highly recommend to avoid long lines.
Musée du Louvre*
The Louvre is a masterpiece in itself—vast, intricate, and full of treasures. I had read that visiting an hour before closing would be less crowded, but unfortunately, that wasn’t the case. The museum was still bustling, and with only a little over an hour to explore, I had to prioritize.
I made a beeline for the Mona Lisa, navigating through the labyrinthine halls, only to find the most crowded room in the entire museum. The experience of seeing her up close was exhilarating, albeit brief, as the crowd was relentless. However, I’m glad I got to witness this iconic painting, even if just for a few seconds.
Next, I hurried to the Venus de Milo, where the atmosphere was much calmer, allowing me to truly appreciate the sculpture’s grace and beauty.
I ended my visit in the sculpture garden, a peaceful retreat from the bustling galleries, and a perfect way to close my Louvre adventure.
Arc de Triomphe
This was an unexpected highlight! I hadn’t initially planned to climb the Arc de Triomphe, but since it was included in the pass, I couldn’t resist. The climb is steep, but the panoramic views of Paris from the top are absolutely worth it. Standing there, with the city sprawled out in every direction, was nothing short of magical.
La Cinémathèque Française Musée Méliès
As a movie and theater enthusiast, this museum was a personal favorite. It’s a bit off the beaten path, which meant fewer crowds and a chance to soak in the air conditioning while delving into the history of cinema. The museum beautifully traces the evolution of film, from still images to Georges Méliès’ groundbreaking 1902 film, A Trip to the Moon (Le Voyage dans la Lune). With interactive displays, storyboards from classics like Star Wars, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into the world of cinema, this museum is a hidden gem for film lovers.
Musée d’Orsay
My brother had always raved about the Musée d’Orsay, so it was a must-visit for me. Housed in a stunning former railway station, this museum is home to an incredible collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts. As someone who adores trains, I was equally captivated by the architecture as I was by the art. I even took a break at the charming clock café, enjoying a cappuccino and an Orangina, soaking in the unique ambiance.
Musée de l’Orangerie*
This museum houses one of my all-time favorite works of art—Monet’s Water Lilies. The serene oval rooms, bathed in natural light, were designed specifically for this masterpiece, creating a meditative space to fully appreciate the beauty of these paintings. I spent most of my time here, lost in the tranquil scenes. The museum also features works by other great artists like Renoir and Picasso, making it a well-rounded cultural experience.
Sainte-Chapelle*
Located near the iconic Notre Dame (which was closed during my visit), Sainte-Chapelle is a gothic marvel. The lower chapel is quaint, but the real spectacle is upstairs, where you’re surrounded by breathtaking stained glass windows that depict biblical scenes. The vibrant colors and intricate details are mesmerizing. There are information cards around the chapel, which offer deeper insights into each panel—a must-read for history buffs.
Conciergerie
Just around the corner from Sainte-Chapelle, I stumbled upon the Conciergerie—a former courthouse and prison. When I visited in July 2023, it featured a fascinating pop-up exhibition on the history of food in Paris. As someone working in the hospitality and events industry, this was an incredible find! The exhibition included details about a culinary event in France around 1900, where a plated dinner was served to 20,000 people in just an hour—astonishing! Even if this exhibit is no longer there when you visit, the history and architecture of the Conciergerie make it well worth a stop.
Château de Versailles et de Trianon*
Visiting the Palace of Versailles was a dream come true. After a slight hiccup with my train ticket, which was quickly resolved by a kind ticket agent, I made my way to the palace. The grandeur of Versailles is evident from the moment you approach the gilded gates. Inside, the opulence is breathtaking. I highly recommend downloading the Palace of Versailles app and bringing headphones for the guided tour—it adds so much to the experience.
The rooms, adorned with Greek mythology and stunning frescoes, are a feast for the eyes, though often crowded. The Hall of Mirrors, however, offers more space to admire the intricate details and snap some fantastic photos.
While the gardens are not included in the Museum Pass and require a separate €12 ticket, they are expansive and beautiful, with several restaurants and fresh orange juice carts scattered throughout. Though with this ticket you won’t have access to the back area with the rowboats, the gardens themselves are worth the cost, especially with the charming water displays that perform shows throughout the day.
Final Tips
- Reservations: Sites marked with an asterisk (*) require a reservation. I recommend making one for every site you visit to avoid long waits.
- Plan Ahead: With so much to see, planning your visits is key to maximizing the value of your pass.
- Train ticket to the Palace of Versailles – it is located in a further district than I paid for. The gentleman at the train station was very polite and just asked me to pay the difference. This was wonderful since this stop was the only one this far out on my journey. If you are purchasing a train pass you might want to purchase a separate day pass to visit the Palace.
The Paris Museum Pass was an excellent investment, allowing me to explore some of the city’s most iconic and hidden gems. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this pass offers a convenient and cost-effective way to dive deep into the culture and history of Paris.
