The Orsay Museum is another must-see in Paris, much like the Louvre.
Located on the Left Bank with a commanding view of the Seine River, the Orsay Museum is home to the masterful impressionist work of Cézanne, Monet, Van Gogh, and Renoir among countless others.
Here are some useful tips and hints on how to get there, the ideal section to start your visit, a nice place to have lunch, and a great place to take some souvenir snapshots.
1) The Basics
Location: 62, rue de Lille, 7th arrondissement
Hours: 9:30 AM to 6 PM everyday, except Mondays when the museum is closed. Open until 9:45 PM on Thursdays.
Tickets: 8 euros per ticket, under 18 years of age enjoy free admission (*New for 2008: Buy a 12 Euro ticket for entrance into both the Orsay Museum and the Rodin Museum in one day!)
Metro: Solférino or Assemblée Nationale, Line 12.
You will have to walk about 2 blocks from either station to reach the museum. It can be disorienting once you exit the stations, therefore it is wise to have a map with you. The public signs that lead you to the Museum are not overly obvious.
If you are staying in a tourist area anywhere near the Louvre, you might prefer to cross the Seine on foot to walk to the museum.
2) When to go
This may seem obvious, but arriving at the museum before opening is ideal. The lineups build quickly, and are located outside. On a summer day, it can get extremely hot while standing outside on the pavement.
3) Where to Start Your Tour
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All sections of the Orsay Museum are beautiful. If you are doing a self-guided tour, you might feel tempted to start your visit in the overwhelming foyer (see right photo).
Instead, consider heading directly to the back to the escalators, and making your way to the 5th floor as quickly as you can. This is the floor with the renowned impressionist paintings.
If you've followed tip #2, you'll be one of the first on the floor and will be able to view the works without any crowds.
Beyond the time at opening, you'll be almost shoulder to shoulder - especially on the 5th floor.
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4) Where to Have Lunch
The Orsay Museum has a very pleasant café located on the 5th floor. If you are instead looking for something very simple like a baguette sandwich, venture onto the patio on the same floor and purchase directly from a vendor. The views from the patio face the Seine River and the city. It is a marvelous view!
There is also a full-service restaurant located at the museum.
5) A Nice Photo Opportunity
In addition to, of course, the art and sculpture, be sure to check out the large clock facing the Seine - from the inside though - again on the top floor.
By Margaret Li on Tuesday, April 22, 2008 @ 5:57 PM
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Travel,
Museums