Best Time to Visit Musee d’Orsay: Plan Your Perfect Trip

You arrive at the Musée d’Orsay and find that there are too many people there. You went with high hopes to enjoy Paris but came back with disappointment due to the large crowds. How do you feel?

It happened to me during the Orsay museum visit. The lack of proper information and the best time to visit the museum create a problem for me. I somehow managed to explore the museum because I was traveling alone. What if my family were with me?

Don’t worry, I can help you with the best time to visit Musee d’Orsay and how to avoid crowds. In this guide, we will explore the best time to visit. The blog will help you plan the perfect trip to a famous art museum. It covers seasonal highlights and practical tips.

Key Takeaways:

• Musée d’Orsay is a very famous museum. It has an amazing collection of paintings from the 19th and early 20th centuries.
• The museum has famous works, like “The Ballet Class” by Degas, “Starry Night Over the Rhône” by Van Gogh, and “Olympia” by Manet.
• The best time to visit the museum is off-peak season and weekdays. The best time of the day is the museum opening time.
• After completing the visit, you can explore some other attractions near the museum.

Musée d’Orsay: A Short History

The Musée d’Orsay is a museum located on the Left Bank of the Seine River in Paris. It is very famous and one of the most visited museums in the world. In 2023, the total number of visitors was 3.9 million.

Besides its popularity, the museum has an interesting origin story. It was a railway station and then became a museum. Let’s explore the early history of the museum.

From Railway Station to Famous Museum

The building of Musee d orsay Museum is very old, dating from 1898 to 1900. It was a railway station before it became a museum. The purpose was to welcome visitors to the 1900 Universal Exhibition. In the 1930s, the operation of the station was stopped.

The government used the building for various purposes. After some time, the government of France turned the station into a museum. On December 9, 1986, the government allowed people to visit the museum.

Collection Highlights

The Musee d orsay museum has many amazing paintings, photographs, and sculptures. The museum collection is very old. They include paintings from the mid-19th century to the early 20th century. You can find about 3,000 art pieces in the museum.

Read Top Impressionist Museum in Paris to Visit in 2024 for Exploring Other Museums.

Musée d’Orsay in Numbers

• Size: The museum is bigger than a football field. It is 574 feet long and 246 feet wide.
• Collection: The museum has around 18,000 pieces. It also has 45,000 images.
• Visitors: In 2023, the total number of museum visitors was 3.9 million.
• Metal: The museum is a mine of metal. It contains 12,000 tons of metal. The amount is more than that of the Eiffel Tower.
• Floors: There are five floors in the museum. Every floor has something unique.

What is the Best Time to Visit Musee d’Orsay?

A successful trip depends on various factors. The best time to visit is the most important factor. The level of crowds, availability of tickets, and temperature of the area can ruin your tour. Now, I am going to explain to you the best time to visit Orsay Museum.

Monthly Overview of Musee d Orsay

Best Time of Day

Early in the morning or late afternoon is the best time to visit the museum. The time is before 10 am and after 4 pm. Try to reach the museum before the gate opens. The museum opens at 9:30 AM.

Another best time is around 4 p.m. After lunch, the number of people at the museum started to decrease. These two time slots are the best strategies for avoiding crowds.

Expert Tips: To save your time and avoid long lines in front of the ticket counter, buy an advance ticket.

Best Days of the Week

Wednesdays and Fridays: If you compare them with other days, these days offer fewer crowds.

Thursday Evening: The museum stays open until 9:45 PM on Thursdays. It creates a good opportunity to explore quietly.

Best Months and Seasons to Visit

If you want to avoid crowds and have a peaceful visit, go in the off-peak season. Here are details about the best month to visit:

Late Autumn (November): November is one of the best months to visit Musee d Orsay Museum. After the rush of the summer season, the number of visitors is getting low. You can enjoy the museum in peace.

Winter (January–February): Winter is the cold season. At this time, the number of visitors declined. If you love to explore in the cold, this time is perfect for you. Try to go in midweek.

Spring (March–April): The weather during this time is very mild and pleasant. Spring brings a beautiful environment in Paris without big crowds. The museum stays quiet compared to other seasons, especially on weekdays.

Worst Time to Visit Musée d’Orsay

Musee d’Orsay Peak Hours

Midday (10 AM – 2 PM): The museum stays very crowded at this time. The crowd doubles on weekends and public holidays.

Afternoons (2 PM–5 PM): Many school groups and tour groups select this time to visit the museum.

Musee d’Orsay Peak Days

Weekends (Saturday and Sunday): Everyone wants to visit on weekends. The museum sees big crowds during the weekends. Both local and international tourists visit at this time.

Public Holidays and School Breaks: Public holidays are always crowded days for tourist attractions. Musee d’Orsay is no different. Try to avoid public holidays if you hate crowds.

Peak Seasons

Summer (June–August): Summer is the most crowded time in Paris. People from around the world come to explore. Avoid these months for a better experience.

Pro Tips: Book a guided tour ticket for priority access if you need to go in the summer. It also helps you understand the history and culture.

Why Timing Matters for Visit?

• Crowds: The crowds depend on the time. During peak times, the museum faces huge crowds. The off-peak seasons offer fewer crowds.
• Weather: Spring or summer offers good weather. If you love cold, fall and winter can be best for your visit.
• Events: The museum always hosts various events or exhibitions.

Musée d’Orsay Opening Hours and Busy Times

Musee d Orsay Opening Hours and Days

The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday. The time is 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. every day except Tuesday. Tuesday offers some extra time from 9:30 a.m. to 9:45 p.m.

The late opening rate is only for Thursdays. It closes at 9:45 pm. You need to enter before 9 pm.

Days When the Museum is Closed

The museum’s off day is Monday. It is also closed on May 1 and December 25.

Times to Visit for a Quieter Experience

Early morning during gate opening or late afternoon are the best times for visiting the museum.

Things not to Miss: Entrance is free for all visitors on the first Sunday of each month.

More Tips for Visiting Musée d’Orsay

If you have already decided to visit the d Orsay Museum Paris France, here are some tips to make your visit smoother. It covers choosing between guided tours and solo exploration. It also has tips on ticketing and time management.

Choosing Between Guided Tours and Solo Visits

A guided tour is always a good option if you want to learn. A guide will explain to you the history and context. But a guided tour also has problems. You may not have extra time to enjoy something that catches your interest.

Solo visits mean exploring alone. You can enjoy the museum however you want. Without a guide, you may miss something interesting.

Tip: A small group or private guided tour is the best solution for a better experience. Book orsay museum private tour.

Best Ticket Options and How to Purchase

Musee d Orsay Tickets Price (Official Website)

Skip-the-Line Tickets

This type of ticket allows you to skip the long lines at the ticket counter. Buy a guided tour or a Paris museum pass. These will help you avoid long waiting times.

How to Buy Ticket: You can buy online tickets from the museum’s website. The museum also has an offline counter in front of the main gate.

Various online platforms sell last-minute musee d orsay tickets. You can buy tickets instantly from these websites:

1. Tourstravelfinder: Buy last-minute tickets with an audio guide from this website. You can trust it.
2. GetYourGuide: Another popular online platform for last-minute tickets.

How Much Time to Allocate for a Visit?

For a quick visit, you can allocate 2 to 3 hours. For an in-depth visit, 4 to 5 hours are required.

How to Get to the Musée d’Orsay

By Metro

Take line 12 to Solférino station. It is the nearest metro station.

By Train

You need to take line C to reach Musée d’Orsay station.

By Bus

Take any of these buses to get to Musée d’Orsay 63, 68, 69, 73, 83, 84, 87, 94.

Walking from Nearby Attractions

The museum is a 10- to 12-minute walking distance from the Louvre Museum.

The museum is a 15-minute walk from Place de la Concorde.

What to See in Musee d Orsay

You will find many famous paintings at Musee d Orsay. The collection of the museum includes old and modern works.

Musee d Orsay Museum Must-See Masterpieces

“Self-Portrait” by Vincent van Gogh: Vincent van Gogh painted his face.

“The Luncheon on the Grass” by Édouard Manet: A painting of a picnic with a nude woman.

“Little Dancer Aged Fourteen” by Edgar Degas: a sculpture of a young student from Paris.

“A Burial in Ornans” by Gustave Courbet: It is a painting of a funeral scene.

“Card Players” by Paul Cézanne: It is a series of five paintings. The main theme is a battle between the two players.

Orsay’s Giant Clock: There are three giant clocks in the museum. These are perfect for taking pictures.

Special Exhibits and Rotating Collections

The museum hosts various exhibitions throughout the year. It rotates the collection of the museum.

The Cafés and Dining Options Inside

There is a restaurant inside the museum. You can enjoy a traditional French meal during or after your visit. The museum also has a café called Café Campana.

If you are Visiting Orsay Museum, Don’t forget to Explore Orangerie Museum.

Unique Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit

• Start at the Top: If you want to enjoy the museum differently, start from the top. You will find Impressionist and Post-Impressionist collections. It offers a wonderful view of the Seine River.
• Take a Guided Tour: Book a guide for your visit. You can learn history and context. Another option is an audio guide. If you like to visit alone, the entry ticket with an audio guide is best for you.
• Look Beyond the Paintings: The building of the museum is an attraction in itself. It is a huge and amazingly old structure.
• Try Combined Ticket: If you have a plan to visit more museums, you can buy a combo ticket for the Musée d’Orsay and l’Orangerie Museum.

Best Photography Spots Inside the Museum

The Grand Nave and Central Clock: There is a big clock inside the museum. Capture a picture of your memorable moments.

The Impressionist Gallery: It is unique and beautiful. It is another perfect location for photography.

Sculpture Gallery: The museum has a beautiful sculpture section. It is located on the lower level.

Places to Eat Inside and Nearby Musée d’Orsay

No tour is complete without trying traditional cuisine. When you are in Paris, try their local foods. After visiting the museum, go outside and enjoy your food. I can suggest some good restaurants to you.

Inside Dining Options

Le Café Campana: It is on the top floor of the museum. You can enjoy stunning views of the Seine and the Musée d’Orsay’s architecture during your meal.

Le Restaurant du Musée d’Orsay: Visit the 1st floor for this restaurant. It offers formal dining options. The environment is perfect for taking a break.

Top Cafés and Restaurants Around Musée d’Orsay

Les Deux Magots

Location: 6 Place Saint-Germain des Prés, 75006 Paris

A classic Parisian café offers you some French brasserie-style dishes. It has a library and a rich history.

Le Bistro de la Gare

Location: 19 Rue de la Gare, 75006 Paris

Enjoy a variety of classic French dishes, like escargots, foie gras, and steak frites.

Café de Flore

Location: 172 Boulevard Saint-Germain, 75006 Paris

This iconic café serves a mix of French pastries, omelets, salads, and light sandwiches.

Le Comptoir du Relais

Location: 9 Carrefour de l’Odéon, 75006 Paris

La Palette

Location: 43 Rue de Seine, 75006 Paris

This café has old-school décor and a calm atmosphere. You can consider it the best spot after your visit.

Things to Do Near Musee d Orsay

Louvre Museum

The most famous museum in the world is the Louvre. You can reach the museum within a 15–20 minute walk across the Seine River. Book your Louvre Museum and Seine River Cruise Ticket.

Tuileries Gardens

Some visitors love the garden for resting. This garden is the best option for resting. The distance is a 5–10 minute walk.

Seine River cruise

After visiting Musée d’Orsay, take a Seine River cruise. Paris is more beautiful from the water. There is an option for the Louvre museum and a Seine river Cruise Combo Ticket.

Place de la Concorde

One of the most famous squares in Paris has a beautiful view. It is the largest public square in France.

Other Must-Visit Museums in Paris

• Orangerie Museum: A small museum with a vast collection. Know What to See in Louvre Museum?
• Musée Rodin: This museum is based on Auguste Rodin. He is considered the father of modern sculpture.
• Musée des Arts Décoratifs: It has one of the world’s largest collections of decorative arts and design.
• Musée Picasso: It has 5,000+ works by Picasso, including sketches, sculptures, and paintings.

Musee d’Orsay Visit Tips

• Buy your tickets in advance: Try to book your tickets in advance. It can save you time and ensure fast entry. If you miss your ticket, buy last-minute musee d orsay tickets.
• Clothing and Shoes: Try to walk during your visit; it can help you to explore more things. It is better to wear comfortable clothes and shoes for a better experience.
• Right Time to Visit: If you visit in peak season or peak times, you could face big crowds. Choosing the right time to visit can help you avoid crowds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best month to visit Musée d’Orsay?

November, December, and January are the best months to visit Musee d Orsay museum. If you want to avoid crowds and have a peaceful visit, go in the off-peak season.

Are there guided tours available?

Yes, there are various options available. Book a guide for your visit. You can learn history and context. Another option is an audio guide. If you like to visit alone, the audio guide is best for you.

Is there a free entry day for Musee d’Orsay?

Yes, Entrance is free for all visitors on the first Sunday of each month.

Conclusion

The best time to visit the Musée d’Orsay is during off-peak seasons. You will find a small crowd at these times. Planning your trip around these times can improve your visit experience. Its collection is stunning.