Jetset Seeker Blog

Our Top Tips for Visiting the d'Orsay Museum in Paris

Written by Lauren | Feb 14, 2025 1:44:32 AM

In addition to the Louvre Museum, the Musée d'Orsay, or d'Orsay Museum as it is more widely known in English, is one of the other most celebrated Paris museums. The d'Orsay Museum is renowned for its extensive collection of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and Art Nouveau masterpieces. Key artists represented in the museum's collection include Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Édouard Manet, Paul Cézanne, Vincent van Gogh, and Georges Seurat.

The building was originally constructed as the Gare d'Orsay, a Beaux-Arts train station, for the 1900 Exposition Universelle (also called the World Expo or World's Fair). It was repurposed as a museum and officially opened to the public in 1986.

The Musée d’Orsay is home to an extraordinary range of 19th- and early 20th-century art, but it is the Impressionist and Post-Impressionist collections that truly steal the show. No other museum in the world offers such a concentration of masterpieces by Monet, Renoir, Degas, Manet, Van Gogh, Cézanne, and so many others who revolutionized the way we see and interpret the world through art. Walking through these galleries feels like stepping into a world of color, light, and movement—whether it is the shimmering reflections in Monet’s Regattas at Argenteuil, the elegant yet intimate social scenes of Renoir, or the raw emotional power of Van Gogh’s swirling brushstrokes. These works broke away from rigid academic traditions, embracing modernity and the fleeting moments of everyday life in a way that still feels fresh and vibrant today. Unlike the grand historical paintings of earlier generations that you see at the Louvre, Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces at the d’Orsay Museum pulse with energy, spontaneity, and experimentation, making them the museum’s undisputed highlights. 

d'Orsay Museum: Masterpieces 

The d’Orsay Museum may not be as large as the Louvre, but it still holds an incredible amount of art that can easily overwhelm a first-time visitor. With its unparalleled collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces, along with beautiful sculptures and Academic paintings, the museum is filled with artistic treasures. Whether you are an art aficionado eager to admire works by Monet, Van Gogh, and Degas, or a traveler simply looking to experience one of Paris’s top cultural sites, I have taken the time to outline some of the must-see pieces on display here in this blog. Of course, there are countless other incredible works beyond this list, so consider this a starting point for your visit. 

The d'Orsay Museum's collection may not have the same star-power as that of the Louvre, but there is still plenty to see! Some of the masterpieces in the museum's collection, which are must-sees on your visit, are listed below.

The Best Sculptures at the d'Orsay Museum 

Polar Bear (François Pompon)

The unofficial mascot of the d'Orsay Museum, François Pompon's Polar Bear is not to be missed! This sleek, minimalist sculpture is a masterpiece of form and abstraction. Pompon, a sculptor who worked under Auguste Rodin, broke away from hyperrealism to create animals reduced to their essential forms. Polar Bear is a perfect example of how he captures movement and essence with smooth, polished surfaces, making it both modern and timeless. Plus, it might just be the cutest sculpture in the d'Orsay Museum's collection! 

Nature Unveiling Herself Before Science (Louis-Ernest Barrias) 

This striking allegorical sculpture presents Nature as a beautiful, partially veiled woman, revealing herself to Science. It is an elegant yet powerful statement about human discovery and enlightenment. Barrias’ exquisite craftsmanship, particularly in the contrast of different marbles, gives the work an ethereal beauty that is captivating in person.

The Four Parts of the World Holding the Celestial Sphere (Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux)

Carpeaux’s dynamic and intricate sculpture symbolizes the unity of the world, with allegorical figures representing the four continents supporting a globe. It is a stunning example of movement captured in plaster, and its mix of realism and allegory makes it one of the most striking sculptures in the museum.

The sculpture on display at the d'Orsay Museum is the initial plaster model for Carpeaux's commissioned bronze fountain located in the Jardin Marco Polo, also known as the Jardin des Grands-Explorateurs, in the 6th Arrondissement of Paris.

 

Impressionist & Post Impressionist Masterpieces at the d'Orsay Museum

Self-Portrait (Vincent van Gogh) 

Vincent van Gogh's Self-Portrait at the d'Orsay Museum, painted in 1889, is one of the many self-portraits he created during his career. (In fact, van Gogh actually painted some 36 self-portraits during his lifetime.) The work is notable for its intense, expressive brushwork and vivid color palette, reflecting van Gogh's emotional turmoil and mental state. The artist portrays himself with a piercing gaze, capturing his inner struggles and complex personality. This self-portrait is celebrated for its raw honesty and the powerful insight it provides into van Gogh's psyche. 

While it may not draw the same frenzy as the Mona Lisa at the Louvre, this van Gogh painting can still attract crowds at the d’Orsay Museum, so be prepared.

The Church at Auvers (Vincent van Gogh) 

Van Gogh's The Church at Auvers depicts the church in the village of Auvers-sur-Oise, France, with its distinctive Gothic architecture rendered in bold, swirling lines and vibrant colors. The church is rendered with a slightly distorted perspective, enhancing the painting's dynamic and somewhat unsettling quality. This artwork reflects van Gogh's emotional intensity and unique style, capturing the structure in a dynamic, almost restless manner that mirrors his own turbulent state of mind during the final two months of his life. 

The Fife Player (Édouard Manet)

This deceptively simple yet striking portrait of a young fife player is a bold statement on color, form, and flatness, inspired by Spanish portraiture. This painting, in particular, was likely influenced by Manet's travels to Spain and the Prado Museum in the 1865, the year before he painted this masterpiece. Manet’s radical departure from traditional shading and his focus on a single figure against a plain background was shocking at the time, making this painting a milestone in the transition toward modern art.

Luncheon on the Grass (Édouard Manet)

This scandalous masterpiece was rejected by the official Salon in 1863, yet it remains one of the most influential works in art history. The juxtaposition of a nude woman calmly gazing at the viewer while sitting among fully clothed men in contemporary dress was both revolutionary and provocative. Manet’s brushwork and bold rejection of traditional perspective laid the groundwork for Impressionism.

Luncheon on the Grass (Claude Monet)

Claude Monet's Luncheon on the Grass (Le Déjeuner sur l'herbe) at the Musée d'Orsay consists of two large surviving fragments of what was originally an ambitious, monumental painting. Monet began the work in 1865-1866 as a response to Édouard Manet's controversial painting of the same name, Luncheon on the Grass (1863), which had shocked Parisian audiences with its modern reinterpretation of a classical theme. Unfortunately, Monet had to use the painting as collateral for rent with his landlord and when he got the painting back, it was damaged and covered in mold. Monet then salvaged what he could from the remains of the painting, leaving the two canvases you see on display here. 

Hotel des Roches Noires in Trouville (Claude Monet)

Hotel des Roches Noires in Trouville is a stunning example of Monet’s ability to capture atmosphere. This painting of a seaside hotel in Normandy exudes freshness and light. His loose brushstrokes and luminous colors create a sense of movement in the sky and water, making the viewer feel the breezy, sunlit charm of the coastal setting.

Rouen Cathedrals (Claude Monet)

Part of Monet’s famous Cathedral Series, these paintings capture the same façade of Rouen Cathedral at different times of the day, under various lighting conditions. Monet’s near-obsessive study of how light transforms architecture is mesmerizing, and seeing these canvases in person reveals the sheer complexity of his brushwork and layering of color.

Narrative & Symbolic Masterpieces on Display at the d'Orsay Museum 

The Painter's Studio (Gustave Courbet) 

Courbet’s The Painter’s Studio is a vast and complex allegory of the artist’s life, featuring figures that represent different aspects of society—rich and poor, powerful and downtrodden, critics and admirers. The sheer ambition of this painting, combined with Courbet’s defiant realism, makes it a landmark in the evolution of modern art.

The Romans of the Decadence (Thomas Couture) 

The Romans of the Decadence, also called Romans during the Decadence, is a grand, theatrical painting illustrates a scene of moral decline in ancient Rome, drawing a parallel to 19th-century France. The richness of the details, the sensuality of the figures, and the moralistic message make it a fascinating glimpse into historical painting at its peak.

City Dance & Country Dance (Pierre Auguste Renoir) 

These two joyous paintings capture Renoir’s gift for depicting movement and light. The contrast between the sophisticated, polished atmosphere of City Dance and the relaxed, rustic charm of Country Dance showcases Renoir’s ability to evoke mood and place. The way he renders fabric, skin, and flickering light in these works makes them masterpieces of Impressionist storytelling.

Historical, Mythological, & Academic Masterpieces 

The Death of Francesca da Rimini and Paolo Malatesta (Alexandre Cabanel)

This emotionally charged painting depicts the tragic fate of the famous ill-fated lovers from Dante’s The Divine Comedy, doomed to wander in eternal torment. Cabanel’s masterful use of light and shadow, along with the haunting expressions of the lovers as they are swept away by infernal winds, makes this a gripping and poignant piece.

Dante and Virgil (William Bouguereau) 

A rare departure from Bouguereau’s typically soft and idealized figures, this dramatic scene from Dante’s Inferno showcases his technical mastery. The painting, filled with raw emotion and muscular dynamism, portrays a horrifying moment of supernatural punishment, making it a standout work of Romanticism and the grotesque.

The Birth of Venus (Alexandre Cabanel) 

One of the most celebrated Academic paintings of the 19th century, Cabanel’s Birth of Venus epitomizes the idealized beauty and sensuality of the period. The soft, luminous skin tones, the dreamlike quality of the sea foam, and Venus’ reclining pose make this a masterpiece of the beaux-arts tradition. The painting was adored by Napoleon III, and its delicate eroticism and technical perfection continue to enchant viewers today.

Fun Fact! A second, smaller version of this painting was commissioned later from Cabanel by New Yorker John Wolfe and it is on display at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.

d'Orsay Museum: Other Favorites 

In addition to the masterpieces listed in the section above, I wanted to additionally share some of my personal favorites in the museum's vast collection! Each of these pieces tells a unique story, whether through light and movement (Regattas at Argenteuil), emotional depth (Berthe Morisot à l’éventail), historical grandeur (Semiramis Construisant Babylone), or societal observation (Le Bal de l'Opéra). The d'Orsay Museum allows you to get up close to these works, appreciating details that are impossible to fully grasp in photographs, like Monet’s rapid, luminous brushstrokes and Tissot’s astonishing precision.

No matter your preferred art genre, the d'Orsay Museum offers a diverse array of works, making it a must-visit during your stay in Paris. I highly recommend taking your time to explore the museum's collection at a relaxed pace, so you can truly enjoy each piece.

Other Sculptures Worth Seeing at the d'Orsay Museum

Little Dancer Aged Fourteen (Edgar Degas)

One of the most iconic sculptures of the 19th century, Degas broke artistic conventions with Little Dancer Aged Fourteen by combining materials—wax, real fabric, and even human hair—to create a startlingly lifelike presence (also called hyperrealism in the art world). Modeled after a young ballet student, the sculpture was controversial when first exhibited due to its unidealized realism and the social realities it hinted at (many young ballet dancers came from working-class backgrounds and were vulnerable to exploitation). Today, it is celebrated as a masterpiece of psychological depth, capturing both ambition and vulnerability in its subject. The sculpture on view at the d'Orsay Museum is obviously bronze, not wax, but still contains elements true to Degas's vision. This bronze version was made after Degas's death to preserve the characteristics of the original wax statue.

 

Hercules Killing the Birds of Lake Stymphalus (Antoine Bourdelle) 

Antoine Bourdelle’s Hercules Killing the Birds of Lake Stymphalus is a striking bronze sculpture that embodies both strength and movement, capturing a dramatic moment from the Twelve Labors of Hercules. The mythological scene depicts the hero mid-action, pulling back his bow to slay the monstrous, man-eating birds that had plagued the region. Unlike many sculptures that focus on static poses, Bourdelle infuses this piece with an incredible sense of movement. Hercules’ body is twisted, muscles straining as he prepares to release his arrow. The positioning of his legs and the arc of his back give the impression that he is balancing immense power.

More Impressionist & Post-Impressionist Works at the d'Orsay Museum 

Starry Night Over the Rhône (Vincent van Gogh)

While not as famous as The Starry Night at the The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York CityStarry Night Over the Rhône is another beautiful example of Vincent van Gogh's vibrant use of color and dynamic brushwork, which convey both the beauty and the emotional intensity of the nocturnal landscape. I have always been a fan of van Gogh's work, which is why you will see a few of his pieces listed in this blog post about the d'Orsay Museum in Paris and the highlights of its collection.

While my absolute favorite piece by van Gogh is his Sunflowers, on display at the Vincent van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, Starry Night Over the Rhône is my favorite piece in the d'Orsay Museum's collection for a rather sentimental reason. When I was in elementary school, I created a piece of art which I aptly titled "Spooky Scary Starry Night" which was my Halloween-themed take on this beloved masterpiece. 

Sadly, during my most recent visit to the d'Orsay Museum in Paris, Starry Night Over the Rhône was not on display as it was on loan for an exhibition at the Van Gogh Foundation in Arles. 😞 However, it should be back up on view soon, if not already! 

Regattas at Argenteuil (Claude Monet)

This stunning painting perfectly encapsulates Monet’s fascination with water, light, and movement. The shimmering reflections of the boats in the River Seine, the bright blue sky, and the lively yet peaceful atmosphere of Argenteuil—a favorite retreat for Impressionist painters—make this work an outstanding example of Monet’s ability to capture a fleeting moment. His rapid, loose brushstrokes evoke a sense of spontaneity, inviting the viewer into this idyllic riverside scene.

Meditation/Madame Monet on the Sofa (Claude Monet)

Claude Monet was a prolific painter and while his landscapes, particularly those of his garden in Giverny, are among his most notable works, he also produced a number of other paintings, including those of people. Meditation/Madame Monet on the Sofa depicts his wife, Camille Monet. This work diverges from Monet's typical landscapes, offering a glimpse into his personal life through a domestic and introspective scene. This piece demonstrates Monet's skill in portraiture and his innovative approach to capturing light and mood, even in indoor settings.

Berthe Morisot à l'éventail (Édouard Manet)

This intimate portrait of Berthe Morisot, one of the leading female Impressionists and Manet’s sister-in-law, is striking for its unfinished quality and psychological intensity. The dark palette, punctuated by the delicate highlights on her face and fan, draws attention to her gaze. Morisot’s relationship with Manet was complex—she was both his muse and a fellow artist—and this painting captures an air of quiet sophistication mixed with introspection.

Olympia (Édouard Manet) 

Taking inspiration from Titian's famous Venus of Urbino hanging in The Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy, Manet's Olympia is a more modern reinterpretation, emphasizing realism and directness over classical beauty and mythological context. In contrast to the soft, inviting demeanor of Titian's Venus, Olympia's gaze is direct and assertive, challenging the viewer. The setting and details, such as the presence of a black cat (as opposed to Titian’s sleeping dog), add to the painting’s provocative nature. Olympia is a key work in the development of modern art, marking a departure from idealized representations of the female nude and embracing a more realistic and contemporary approach.

Dahlias dans un grand vase de Delft (Paul Cézanne)

Cézanne’s still lifes are always mesmerizing, and this one is no exception. The bold, thick brushstrokes, the interplay of warm and cool colors, and the slightly distorted perspective all contribute to a sense of energy and movement. The Delft vase, with its intricate blue patterns, provides a striking contrast to the soft petals of the dahlias. Cézanne’s work here foreshadows his later explorations of form that would inspire Cubism.

The Card Players (Paul Cézanne)

The Card Players is one in a series of five paintings by Paul Cézanne which depict Provençal peasants playing cards in a simple, rustic setting. The compositions are notable for their balanced and harmonious arrangement. Cézanne focuses on the stillness and concentration of the card players, emphasizing their absorbed and contemplative state. The table, cards, and figures are arranged in a manner that creates a sense of stability and calm. Cézanne's exploration of form, color, and perspective laid the groundwork for the Cubist movement and significantly inspired artists such as Pablo Picasso. 

The Dance Class (Edgar Degas) 

While my favorite painting by Edgar Degas is hanging in the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum in Madrid, Spain, The Dance Class comes in as a close second. The Dance Class is one of the artist's most famous works depicting the world of ballet. The painting shows a group of young ballerinas rehearsing under the watchful eye of their instructor in a spacious dance studio. Degas captures the elegance and discipline of the dancers, highlighting their varied poses and expressions. The composition is characterized by its dynamic use of space, with the dancers arranged in a seemingly casual yet carefully orchestrated manner. The artist's attention to detail, use of light, and delicate brushwork create a sense of realism.

Additional Historical, Narrative, & Academic Works on Display at d'Orsay Museum

Portrait of the Marquis and Marchioness of Miramon and their Children (James Tissot)

Tissot was a master of elegant society portraits, and this one is a stunning example of his ability to capture wealth and status while also maintaining a sense of warmth and intimacy. The luxurious fabrics, the beautifully landscaped garden setting, and the relaxed yet composed postures of the family members all contribute to an atmosphere of refined leisure. Tissot’s skill in rendering textures—especially the intricate lace and embroidery—is breathtaking in person. At the time, this painting was unusual for French high society, as it portrayed the family in a more casual, outdoor settinga style much more commonly found in neighboring England.

Sémiramis construisant Babylone (Edgar Degas)

Though better known for his ballet dancers, Degas’ early historical paintings reveal his fascination with dramatic storytelling. This ambitious work depicts Semiramis, the legendary Assyrian queen, overseeing the construction of Babylon. The composition’s dynamism, color palette, and careful attention to architectural details showcase Degas’ academic training. It is a rare opportunity to see a different side of Degas—one rooted in historical grandeur rather than intimate modern life.

The Eiffel Tower from the Trocadéro (Louis Welden Hawkins) 

Painted the same year as the Exposition Universelle, this dreamy, atmospheric depiction of the Eiffel Tower is a far cry from the detailed realism often associated with architectural paintings. Hawkins, influenced by Symbolism, imbues the scene with a poetic quality, softening the tower’s rigid structure with a delicate, almost mystical haze. It is a beautiful and unique interpretation of Paris’ most famous landmark, celebrating both its modernity and its romance.

An Evening Soirée (Jean Béraud) 

Béraud’s keen eye for Parisian society is on full display in this painting, which captures an elegant evening gathering. His works often blur the line between social commentary and admiration for the city’s elite, and here he masterfully conveys the refinement and performative nature of such soirées. The careful rendering of facial expressions and body language makes it feel almost like a snapshot of real life—a moment frozen in time. However, my favorite part about the painting is the train of the woman's evening gown. It gives spectacular detail and texture. 😍

Le Bal de l’Opéra (Henri Gervex) 

This dazzling scene of a masked ball at the Paris Opéra captures the lively and decadent atmosphere of 19th-century nightlife. The composition is filled with beautifully dressed figures, their faces half-hidden by masks, engaged in flirtation and conversation. Gervex’s handling of light and texture—especially in the shimmering gowns and glowing lanterns—makes this a captivating piece. It is a wonderful snapshot of the social scene that so fascinated artists of the Belle Époque.

The Architect (Henri Marcel Magne)

This portrait, while less well-known than other works at the d’Orsay, stands out for its detailed realism and dignified portrayal of an architect deep in thought. It is a testament to the importance of architecture in the 19th century and the respect granted to those who shaped the world through design.

Visiting the d'Orsay Museum: What to Know

Opening Hours & Tickets

The d'Orsay Museum is closed on Mondays, like most Paris museums. The d'Orsay Museum is otherwise open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM. The last admission is at 5:00 PM and the museum rooms begin closing at 5:30 PM. The museum is closed on May 1 and December 25, annually.

The d'Orsay Museum offers extended hours on Thursdays, remaining open until 9:45 PM. If you are planning to visit the d'Orsay Museum during their extended evening hours, discounted tickets are available. To be eligible, your visit to the museum cannot start before 6:00 PM on Thursdays. The last entrance is at 9:00 PM.

Admission to the d'Orsay Museum is free to those under 18 years of age. On the first Sunday of each month, the d'Orsay Museum also offers free admission to all visitors, but advance booking online is required.

To save time waiting at the ticket office in-person, tickets for the museum can be purchased online. I highly recommend booking your tickets in advance, particularly if you want to see a special exhibit, as tickets are known to sell out. Audio guides and museum tours can also be booked online. Tickets can be purchased online at the d'Orsay Museum Ticket Office website.

Planning Your Visit

Upon your arrival to the d'Orsay Museum, you will be directed into a line that either corresponds with your pre-purchased ticket admission time or into a line for the box office to purchase tickets on site. In the event that you purchased a ticket for the d'Orsay Museum that does not have an assigned time slot (i.e., Paris Museum Pass, Combined d'Orsay/Orangerie Tickets, etc.), you will be directed to a third line outside of the entrance to the museum. If you have questions, bilingual staff are on site to help you direct you to the right waiting area.

I recommend arriving at least 15 minutes ahead of your scheduled admission time slot to get in line. Be prepared to go through security upon entering the museum. Please note that bags larger than 22 x 17 x 10 in (56 x 45 x 25 cm) are prohibited. 

A coat room is available on-site with large lockers is free to use. I highly recommend taking advantage of the coat room if you are traveling during the winter months, have an umbrella, or are traveling with a large bag. 

Before you set off on your exploration of the museum, be sure to pick up one of the museum's paper maps. The maps are free at the reception desk. These maps will help you get a feel for the layout of the museum and point you to some of the masterpieces on display. In the event that you miss the paper maps, you can also view them on the d'Orsay Museum website

To see the museum's highlights, plan to spend approximately three hours at the d'Orsay Museum. Generally, the busiest day to visit the museum is on Tuesdays since the Louvre Museum is closed on Tuesdays. Weekends also tend to be busy, especially the first Sunday of the month when there is free admission. To enjoy the museum with the smallest crowds, I recommend visiting on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and/or Fridays with the first admission time slot in the morning. 

To get the most out of your visit, I recommend beginning your visit at the d'Orsay Museum with the Impressionist Gallery on the 5th floor and working your way down to the ground floor's sculpture gallery. The main highlights, in my opinion, are located on the 5th floor, making the Impressionist Gallery a great starting point. 

d'Orsay Museum Tours

As briefly mentioned above, you can book guided tours of the d'Orsay Museum online, ahead of your visit. Tours are available in English, French, and Italian. More information about the available tours can be found on the d'Orsays Museum website.

The museum's audio guide is another option for those looking to learn more about the many works on display. I used the d'Orsay Museum audio guide on my last visit and I found it to just be okay. The audio guide was user-friendly, but it lacked a structured tour, allowing you to explore the museum independently and listen to details about the artworks that captured your interest the most. (Both a pro and a con in my opinion.) Separate audio guides for children are also available in English and French and can be booked online in advance of your visit. 

Jetset Seeker Pro Tip: If you want to see the highlights on a condensed tour of the museum, I HIGHLY recommend Rick Steves' free audio tour of the d'Orsay Museum. If you download the Rick Steves Audio Europe app for iPhone and Android, you can even download the audio tour to listen to it without WiFi or cellular service during your time at the d'Orsay Museum. The audio tour takes about an hour to listen to straight-through, but you will be inclined to pause at different parts as you make your way through the museum. 

Alternatively, GetYourGuide offers highly rated tours of the d'Orsay Museum. Some of their most popular tours of the d'Orsay Museum are listed below. 

If you book a tour or experience through one of our GetYourGuide affiliate links, we may earn a small commission that supports our ability to keep creating this content for you!

Restaurants Near the d'Orsay Museum 

If time allows, I highly recommend a visit to the museum's Café Campana. The café is accessible with a valid museum ticket and can be accessed just outside of the Impressionist Gallery on the 5th floor. The café offers a unique opportunity to admire the d'Orsay Museum's iconic clock face from the inside - a remnant of the building's past life as a bustling train station. The café does not accept reservations. Additional information can be found on the d'Orsay Museum website.

The d'Orsay Museum is also home to a few other eateries, including: Café de la Gare and the Kiosque du Parvis. Café de la Gare is located within the museum building and offers a quick, casual place to grab a snack, coffee, or a bite to eat. Kiosque du Parvis, on the other hand, is located in the square just outside of the museum and is a great spot to grab a small bite to eat or a drink before your museum admission time.

The d'Orsay Museum is also home to the d'Orsay Museum Restaurant (Restaurant du Musée d'Orsay), however, the restaurant is currently closed for remodeling. The d'Orsay Museum Restaurant is scheduled to reopen on April 1, 2025.  

There are plenty of other eateries within a short walk of the d'Orsay Museum. Two of our favorites include: 

However, if you are looking for other restaurant suggestions, check out this blog post from The Tour Guy for additional restaurant options near the d'Orsay Museum in Paris. 

Getting to the d'Orsay Museum

The d'Orsay Museum is easily accessible by both foot and Metro thanks to its centralized location in the 7th Arrondissement of Paris, directly opposite the River Seine from the Tuileries Garden and the Louvre Museum.

The nearest station to the d'Orsay Museum is a RER station aptly titled Musée d'Orsay. This station services RER Line C. (For context, this is the same RER line that runs to Versailles!) Otherwise, the Metro station Solférino will be your next closest option to the museum. The Solférino station services Metro Line 12.

 

Hotels & the Area Near the d'Orsay Museum

If you are looking to stay in a hotel near the d'Orsay Museum thanks to the museum's central location, there are plenty of options! In fact, one of my favorite hotels in Paris is less than a 10-minute walk away! The Hôtel Bourgogne & Montana is a beautiful 4-star hotel located in the 7th Arrondissement, just steps from the National Assembly. 

If you are looking for other hotel suggestions in Paris, you should also consider the  hotels listed below as they are all within a 10-minute walk of the d'Orsay Museum and many other top sights in Paris for tourists.

If you book a hotel through one of our Expedia affiliate links, we may earn a small commission that supports our ability to keep creating this content for you!

The Left Bank (Rive Gauche) neighborhood, where the d'Orsay Museum is located, is quintessentially Parisian, known for its artistic and literary heritage. It exudes a charming, bohemian atmosphere with its quaint cafés, leafy boulevards, and historic architecture. It is a fantastic area to stay while in Paris because of its central location, making it easy to walk to major attractions like the Louvre, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Eiffel Tower. Plus, it offers a perfect mix of culture, dining, and boutique shopping, all while maintaining a more relaxed and elegant ambiance compared to the busier Right Bank (Rive Droite). 

d'Orsay Museum: In Summary

The d’Orsay Museum is one of my favorite museums in Paris, and it is an absolute must-visit for art lovers. To make the most of your experience, I highly recommend booking tickets for the first admission slot of the day and starting your visit in the Impressionist Gallery on the 5th floor before the crowds grow, particularly in front of the works by van Gogh! Take your time to enjoy the museum’s incredible collection, from its world-renowned paintings to its stunning sculptures and decorative arts.

If you are eager to see more Impressionist masterpieces while in Paris, be sure to visit the Orangerie Museum (Musée de l'Orangerie), home to Monet’s breathtaking Water Lilies.

Beyond the art, do not forget to admire the d’Orsay Museum’s own architecture—a former train station transformed into a spectacular museum—and take a stroll through the surrounding neighborhood, which is full of charm and history. Whether you are a devoted art enthusiast or simply looking to experience one of Paris’s finest cultural treasures, the d’Orsay Museum promises a memorable visit.

Looking for more information about Paris Museums, Louvre highlights, restaurant recommendations, or Paris in general? Be sure to check out our Paris Travel Guide

Are you planning a trip to Paris and to visit the d'Orsay Museum? We would love to hear from you!