Paris: 2-Hour Orsay Museum Masterpieces Guided Tour

Paris , France

Paris: 2-Hour Orsay Museum Masterpieces Guided Tour

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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Enjoy a semi-private fully-guided tour of Paris's most beloved museums, the Musée d'Orsay. Together with your guide and small group of fellow tour participants, you'll enter a world of colour and light, taking in all of the museum's most iconic works. See masterpieces by the likes of Van Gogh, Monet, and Renoir, and perhaps find a few unexpected favorites. Your guide will provide details about each work as well as the artist who created it, bringing each piece to life through expert commentary.

Available options

Orsay Group Tour

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes<br/>Orsay Group Tour [25 people]: This tour is in a group of 25 people maximum

Orsay Semi Private Tour

This tour is limited to 6 people maximum<br/>Duration: 2 hours

What's included

Entrance ticket & reservations fee for the Musée d'Orsay

Expert, English-speaking art historian guide

Headsets [when necessary] so you can hear your guide at all times

Tour in a group of 25 people or fewer [if option selected]

Tour in a group of 6 people or fewer [if option selected]

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Our Musée d’Orsay Masterpieces guided tour brings all the world renowned artwork to life as our expert guide introduces you not only to the masterpieces but also to the masters who created them. Get to really know and understand the life and works of the masters and make the most of your time by being shown the true highlights of this vast collection.

Learn about the Impressionist period through the world's largest collection of Impressionist paintings. Get up close and see the individual brushstrokes on some of the most famous paintings, a painting technique that was fervently criticized at the time. See works by many French painters such as Renoir, Degas and Monet. Although Van Gogh was Dutch, his famous Starry Night is a representation of the French city of Arles, overlooking the Rhône. View Renoir’s Impressionist masterpiece Dance at Le Moulin de la Galette, a depiction of a typical Sunday afternoon in the Parisian district of Montmartre.

What's not included

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Food and drinks

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.3

58 reviews

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Tripadvisor 4.4

37 reviews

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Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Meet in the courtyard in front of the main entrance to the Musée d'Orsay. Your guide will be waiting for you at the foot of a large statue of an elephant.
The nearest public transport is the RER on line C, stop Musée d'Orsay.

Important notes

• It is the responsibility of all visitors to be at the meeting point 15 minutes before departure. Guests arriving after departure cannot be accommodated, & missed tours or tickets cannot be refunded.
• Our City Wonders representative will be holding a sign at the meeting point for easy recognition.
• We regret that we are unable to accommodate guests with wheelchairs or any impairments requiring special assistance. We are also unable to accommodate strollers or baby carriages on our group tours.
• Large bags or backpacks are not permitted in the museum.
• This service ends at the Musée d'Orsay 2 hours after departure time.
• This tour involves a fair amount of walking; comfortable shoes are recommended.
• Please note that many sections of the museum are not air-conditioned (as A/C is not standard practice in France).
• Gratuities for your guide/driver that provided excellent service are appreciated!

About Paris

Paris, the capital of France, is a city steeped in history, art, and romance. Known for its iconic landmarks, world-class museums, and charming neighborhoods, Paris offers a unique blend of timeless elegance and modern vibrancy. From the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre, the city is a treasure trove of cultural and historical gems.

Top Attractions

Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is Paris's most iconic landmark and a symbol of France. Built in 1889 for the World's Fair, it offers breathtaking views of the city.

Architecture 2-3 hours €17.10-€26.80 (depending on the level)

Louvre Museum

The Louvre is the world's largest art museum and a historic monument in Paris. It houses thousands of works of art, including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo.

Museum 3-4 hours €17 (full price), free for under 18s and EU residents under 26

Notre-Dame Cathedral

Notre-Dame is a masterpiece of French Gothic architecture and one of the most famous cathedrals in the world. It has been undergoing restoration since the 2019 fire.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours Free (towers and crypts may have reopening fees in the future)

Montmartre

Montmartre is a historic and artistic district known for its bohemian past, charming streets, and the stunning Sacré-Cœur Basilica.

Cultural Half-day Free to explore (Sacré-Cœur dome visit €6)

Palace of Versailles

The Palace of Versailles is a grand royal château and garden located just outside of Paris. It was the principal royal residence of France from 1682 to 1790.

Historical Full day €18-€28 (depending on the pass)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Croissant

A buttery, flaky pastry made from laminated dough. Best enjoyed fresh from a local bakery.

Breakfast Contains gluten and dairy

Baguette

A long, thin loaf of French bread with a crispy crust and soft interior. Often served with cheese or ham.

Breakfast/Lunch Contains gluten

Steak Frites

A classic French dish consisting of steak and French fries, usually served with a side of salad and béarnaise sauce.

Lunch/Dinner Contains gluten (if served with fries) and meat

Crêpes

Thin pancakes that can be filled with a variety of sweet or savory ingredients, such as Nutella, cheese, or ham.

Snack/Dessert Can be made gluten-free and vegetarian/vegan options available

Popular Activities

Hot air balloon rides Rock climbing in Fontainebleau forest Kayaking on the Seine Picnicking in the Luxembourg Garden Boat tours on the Seine Spa day at a luxury hotel Visiting museums and galleries Attending a cabaret show

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season in Paris, with warm weather and long daylight hours. This is the best time to enjoy outdoor activities and festivals. However, it's also the busiest and most expensive time to visit.

15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: French
Widely spoken: English, Spanish, Arabic, Portuguese
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Central European Time, CET), GMT+2 (Central European Summer Time, CEST) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Paris is generally safe for travelers, but pickpocketing and petty theft can be a problem in tourist areas. Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas and on public transport
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services

Getting there

By air

Charles de Gaulle Airport • 25 km (15.5 miles) from city center
Orly Airport • 14 km (8.7 miles) from city center

By train

Gare du Nord, Gare de Lyon

By bus

Bercy Seine, Porte Maillot

Getting around

Public transport

The Paris Metro is one of the most efficient and extensive subway systems in the world, covering all major attractions and neighborhoods.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, G7

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Le Marais Montmartre Latin Quarter Saint-Germain-des-Prés Champs-Élysées

Day trips

Versailles

17 km (10.5 miles) from Paris • Full day

The Palace of Versailles is a grand royal château and garden located just outside of Paris. It was the principal royal residence of France from 1682 to 1790 and is famous for its opulent interiors and vast gardens.

Giverny

75 km (47 miles) from Paris • Half day to full day

Giverny is a charming village known as the home of the famous impressionist painter Claude Monet. The village is home to Monet's House and Gardens, which inspired many of his most famous works.

Château de Fontainebleau

55 km (34 miles) from Paris • Full day

The Château de Fontainebleau is a grand royal château and park located just outside of Paris. It was a residence of the French monarchs from Louis VII to Napoleon III and is known for its beautiful architecture and vast forests.

Festivals

Fête de la Musique • June 21st (annual) Paris Fashion Week • February and September (annual) Nuit Blanche • First Saturday in October (annual)

Pro tips

Learn a few basic French phrases to enhance your experience and show respect for the local culture
Use public transport, walk, or bike to get around the city and avoid traffic and parking issues
Consider purchasing a Paris Museum Pass or a multi-day public transport pass to save money on attractions and transport
Explore the city's many neighborhoods and hidden gems, not just the major tourist attractions
Try local specialties and enjoy the dining experience slowly and leisurely