Beyond the Louvre: Off-the-Beaten-Path Museums in Paris
In my previous post, I shared some of the most iconic Paris museums for first-time visitors. However, Paris has so many amazing museums! If you’re looking for a quieter museum or have more time to explore the city, these are my favorite off-the-beaten-path museums.
This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
If youβre planning a trip, check out myΒ hotel recommendationsΒ for best neighborhoods to stay in the City of Light!
MusΓ©e Marmottan Monet
Closest Metro: La Muette (Line 9)
If you’ve read my other posts, it’s pretty obvious that I’m a big Claude Monet fan! I had not heard of this museum during my first study abroad program, but I read about this “off the beaten path” museum while staying longer as an exchange student and I was so excited to visit. MusΓ©e Marmottan Monet has the world’s largest Monet collection!
Though viewing the large water lilies at Orangerie is an incredible experience, this museum has an intimate feel with so many works to see. In addition to the famous Monet works – Impression, Sunrise – the collection also features works by other artists including Renoir, Degas, and Manet.
Fellow Monet fans, make sure to check out my recent post about an easy day trip from Paris: Monet’s Gardens in Giverny.
Nearby attractions: Pair a visit to MusΓ©e Marmotten Monet with an afternoon visiting Bois de Boulogne.
MusΓ©e Jacquemart-AndrΓ©
Closest metro: Miromesnil (Lines 9 & 13) or Saint-Philippe du Roule (Line 9)
This private museum gives a unique feel of walking through a Parisian mansion. MusΓ©e Jacquemart-AndrΓ© was created from the private home of Γdouard AndrΓ© and NΓ©lie Jacquemart to feature their extensive art collection. Experience this lavish home from the Belle Γpoque with ornate interiors and pieces including Rembrandt, Botticelli, and more.
Nearby attractions: You can easily pop by Parc Monceau if visiting MusΓ©e Jacquemart-AndrΓ©.
MusΓ©e Gustave Moreau
Closest metro: Saint-Georges (Line 12) or TrinitΓ©-d’Estienne d’Orves (Line 12)
Housed in the former home and studio of Symbolist painter Gustave Moreau, this museum feels like stepping into a hidden world of dramatic paintings, ornate interiors, and towering studio walls covered floor to ceiling in art. The first floor is the artist’s apartment, and then the next two floors are filled with his paintings. The highlight is the stunning upper-level atelier connected by an elegant spiral staircase.
It’s a small museum, so it doesn’t require a lot of time to visit. However, I found it super interesting to take my time and look at each piece.Β
Nearby attractions: Continue north of Gustave Moreau to visit Montmartre or Pigalle.
MusΓ©e de Cluny
Closest metro: Cluny-La Sorbonne (Line 10) or Saint-Michel Notre-Dame (RER B/C)
Take a step into medieval Paris by visiting MusΓ©e de Cluny. The museum is set inside a former medieval abbey featuring ruins of Roman baths and religious art from the Middle Ages.Β The most famous work here is The Lady and the Unicorn tapestry series.
Nearby attractions: This museum is situated in Latin Quarter close to Ile-de-la-citΓ©, so there is plenty to visit nearby!Β
MusΓ©e Carnavalet
Closest metro: Saint-Paul (Line 1) or Chemin Vert (Line 8)
Muséé Carnavalet tells the story of Paris, from early origins to the French Revolution and more. The museum is located in two mansions with a stunning courtyard, featuring historic rooms, artifacts, paintings and more. This is a fun way to learn more about the city, and compared to most of the paid museums in Paris – this one is free!Β
Nearby attractions: Make sure to visit Place des Vosges if visiting this museum, and wander Le Marais.Β
MusΓ©e du Quai Branly β Jacques Chirac
Closest metro: Jacques-Chirac-Alma-Marceau (Line 9) or Pont de l’Alma (RER C)
MusΓ©e du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac showcases indigenous art and cultural artifacts from many regions, located along the riverside near the Eiffel Tower. The outside of the museum is covered with a lush vertical garden. The inside is dimly lit, making the displays of the artifacts theatrical.Β
Nearby attractions: This museum is quite close to the Eiffel Tower, so you may as well continue down to Champ-de-Mars for a picnic!
Bonus: Espace DalΓ
Closest metro: Abbesses (Line 12) or Anvers (Line 2)
For a more surreal experience, visit this museum tucked away in Montmartre dedicated to Salvador DalΓ. The collection features sculptures, engravings, and melting forms capturing his dreamlike style.Β
Nearby attractions: This is an easy stop if visiting Montmartre.
Parisβs smaller museums often feel more personal and relaxed than the cityβs biggest attractions. While the Louvre and MusΓ©e dβOrsay are iconic for a reason, these hidden gem museums offer a chance to experience a quieter side of Parisian culture β often without the long lines and crowds.
10 Comments
Jess Benoit
Such a great list of museums! I would absolutely love to visit Paris one of these days and museum tours would be perfect while there.
Amber Myers
The next time we’re in Paris, we are going to go to these spots. I love going to the little known spots. They are usually the coolest.
LisaLisa
I wouldn’t mind taking a trip to Paris period, I know I would visit every musem there is, I love checking out the history behind these musems.
Christy G
I haven’t been to a museum in so long. I think it’s neat to look at things other people created. I wish that I could visit these places soon.
Jen
Visiting Paris is on my bucket list! Naturally I’d love to visit the Louvre; however, I’d like to tour other Parisian museums and see see different parts of the city.
Haridas s
Paris is truly an awesome city to visit in my opinion and thank you so much for sharing this list of less explored museums by tourists. So helpful to plan my trip.
Ann J
I love learning about new places and experiences like this, especially the hidden gems people do not always talk about. We visited the Louvre too and it was unbelievably crowded, so I really appreciate recommendations for quieter museums and spots that still let you enjoy the beauty and history of Paris without feeling overwhelmed. Thanks for sharing this because it gives travelers even more ways to experience the city.
Clarice
I love Monetβs works, and MusΓ©e Marmottan Monet was actually recommended to me by a friend too, so Iβm really looking forward to visiting someday. Itβs also nice to know that the museum features works from other artists as well.
Iβd also love to check out the smaller museums you mentioned and enjoy them without the long lines and huge crowds. Thank you for sharing your experience.
Mary Ann
France has alot of history. This sounds like the makings of a wonderful trip. I need to think about planning one. Thanks.
Kimberly A
A great list of museums to check out! Definitely pinning for later! I’d love to get to Paris one day!