Best Time to Visit Orangerie Museum in Paris: Guide & Tips

Imagine you are in Paris and you go to the Musee de l’Orangerie. When you arrive at the museum to enjoy Monet’s Water Lilies, a crowd of tourists hits you. The entrance line is long, and the galleries are full of people.

This type of situation can ruin anyone’s visit. Timing is everything for a tour. Visiting at the right time can transform your experience from rushed to magical. The right time not only avoids the crowds but also lets you connect with the art in a deeply personal way.

Today, I am going to help you discover the best time to visit Orangerie museum. This guide shows you When to visit Orangerie Museum, how to prepare, and what to expect for a perfect Orangerie Museum experience.

Ready to plan your serene art escape? Let’s begin.

Key Takeaways:

• Early mornings or late afternoons on weekdays are best for small crowds.
• Visit during the winter months (November to February) for fewer tourists.
• Free admission for all visitors on the first Sunday of each month.
• Open daily except on Mondays and holidays, from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Overview of Orangerie Museum

The Musée de l’Orangerie is one of the oldest museums in the world with a transformative history. Historically, it was a greenhouse for the royal family in 1852. The purpose was to save the orange trees from the cold waves of winter.

After the downfall of the emperor in 1870 and the fire at the Tuileries Garden in 1871, the Orangerie became public property. In 1959 and 1963, the state acquired the collections of Jean Walter and Paul Guillaume and exhibited them at the Orangerie. That is how the grounds of the Orangerie Museum were created.

In 1927, the museum became public. Claude Monet was the first painter to donate his world-famousMonet’s Water Lilies painting. Within a few years, the Orangery Museum became one of the most famous art museums in the world.

Musée de l’Orangerie Collections

In my opinion, the Orangerie Museum is one of the best Paris Impressionist museums. By exploring the museum, you can witness modern masterpieces.

Major Collections

Orangerie Museum Monet Water Lilies is the most famous painting in the museum. It is a series of large-scale paintings. You will love it, and it will amaze you.

Jean Walter and Paul Guillaume collection

Jean Walter and Paul Guillaume were prominent art collectors. In 1959 and 1963, they donated their art collection to the museum authority.

Works by Other Artists

There are many famous artists’ works featured in the museum collections. Some famous artists include Renior, Matisse, Cézanne, and Pablo Picasso. The collection of the museum includes portraits, landscapes, and still lifes.

Attraction Tips: Musée d’Orsay is another famous museum located near Orangerie Museum. Learn about Best Time to Visit Musée d’Orsay and explore it.

What are the Best Times to Visit the Orangerie Museum?

Best Seasonal Recommendations

The Orangerie museum is world-famous and is located in Paris. When planning to visit the museum, you need to choose the right time. The weather, crowd levels, and overall environment depend on the time. Here is a detailed pros and cons list for each season:

Spring (March-May)

• Average Temperature: 10°C to 16°C (50°F to 61°F)
• Weather: Mild, with occasional rain showers
• Crowd Level: Moderate (rises toward May)

Pros: The weather in Paris in spring is wonderful. If you are visiting during this time, you will find a moderate level of crowds. The surroundings of the museum become more beautiful at this time. Try to visit in springtime to enjoy peacefully.

Cons: There is a chance of rain in the spring season. If you don’t carry an umbrella, you will be in trouble. At the end of spring, the crowd level can be high.

Summer (June-August)

• Average Temperature: 17°C to 25°C (63°F to 77°F), with occasional heat waves reaching 30°C (86°F).
• Weather: Warm and sunny, with occasional rain.
• Crowd Level: High

Pros: Summer weather is ideal for those tourists who love warm weather. The Tuileries Gardens offer walking options for visitors. Paris is buzzing in summer with lots of outdoor activities and festivals. Due to the long daytime, you will have the opportunity to explore more.

Cons: The crowd’s level in summer is very high. It is the peak tourist season in Paris. The price of everything will be high. There is also a chance of a heatwave in Paris in the summer season. If you hate crowds and want to save money, don’t visit during the summer.

Autumn (September-November)

• Average Temperature: 11°C to 19°C (52°F to 66°F)
• Weather: Cool and crisp, with occasional rain.
• Crowd Level: Moderate to low (except during school holidays)

Pros: Autumn is one of the best times to visit Paris. It gives a good combo package of weather and crowds. The Tuileries Gardens provide tourists with amazing views and wonderful colors. You can enjoy a bunch of cultural events at this time.

Cons: There is a problem with the autumn season. It is raining. The chance is low, but be prepared for it. Another problem this season is the short daytime. You need to pack for your visit early.

Winter (December-February)

• Average Temperature: 4°C to 7°C (39°F to 45°F)
• Weather: Cold and occasionally rainy, with some frost.
• Crowd Level: Very low

Pros: The best time to visit Musée de l’Orangerie is the winter season. You will find the lowest crowds and short lines. Winter is holiday time in Paris. The city is decorated for the holidays. The prices of flights and hotels are low.

Cons: Cold is the main problem of winter. Be prepared for chilly weather. With shorter days, you may feel like you have less time to explore outside the museum.

Orangerie Museum Crowd Tips: Whenever you visit, try to arrive early in the morning. The opening time is 9:00 a.m. You will find the lowest crowds.

Best Days to Visit

Weekdays: These days are a good time to visit the museum. It offers a lower level of crowds than weekends. Don’t make a mistake like I did by choosing weekends. Weekdays allow you to visit the museum peacefully.

Weekend: Lots of people visit the museum on weekends, which creates huge crowds. If you try to avoid crowds, plan to visit on weekends.

Best Times of Day

Morning: The best time of the day is early in the morning at the gate opening time. If you plan to spend a day in the museum, come early in the morning. The museum opens at 9 a.m.

Afternoon: If you want fewer crowds, try to avoid the museum from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. If you arrive 2 to 3 hours before closing time, you can find low-level crowds.

Pro Visitor Tips: If you are already in Paris and struggling to find tickets, try to buy combo tickets. Various platforms sell combo tickets.

Musée de l’Orangerie Visitor Information

The information I am providing you is from the museum’s official website. You should visit the museum’s website for updated information before your visit.

Musee de l’orangerie Opening Hours

The museum is open from 9 AM to 6 PM. The museum stays closed on Tuesdays. It is also closed on May 1, the morning of July 14, and all day on December 25. The last entry time is 5:15 PM. 

l’Orangerie Museum Paris Tickets (Official)

Orangerie Museum requires a valid ticket for entry to the museum. The general ticket price is €12.50. There is a €2.50 discount for children’s tickets. Entrance is free for all visitors on the first Sunday of each month. Visitors under 18 can also visit the museum for free.

Orangerie Museum Skip-the-Line Tickets (Trusted Platforms)

Pro Tips: You can read our guide about Last Minute Orangerie Museum Tickets to ensure your tickets.

Things to Do Near l’Orangerie Museum

Louvre Museum: The distance between the two museums is around 800 meters. It is the most famous art museum in the world. I encourage you to book your ticket in advance.

Musée d’Orsay: Musée d’Orsay is another famous museum located in Paris. Due to its popularity, the museum tickets often sell out. Last-minute tickets for Orsay museum are a good option for your visit.

Seine River cruise: After visiting the museum, take a cruise. Paris is more beautiful from the water. You can book various combo package tickets for the river cruise. I am suggesting some of them below. Just click on the link to book your tickets.

• Louvre Museum And Seine River Cruise Tour
• Eiffel Tower Hosted with seine river cruise
• Seine River Cruise with Panoramic Dinner Tour
• Evening River Cruise with Music

Restaurants Near the Museum

Café des Marronniers: This café is located on the right of Tuileries Gardens. It offers simple French food.

Le Meurice Alain Ducasse: It is located about a 10-minute walk from the museum. This restaurant offers a high-end dining experience.

Les Antiquaires: It is a classic French bistro cuisine restaurant. The restaurant offers outside seating and great traditional food.

Café Mademoiselle: It is a popular restaurant located near the museum. It is known for its modern French cuisine and cozy atmosphere.

Practical Tips for Visiting Orangerie Museum

Buy your tickets in advance: Visitors often make this mistake. Don’t wait to buy the tickets from the museum. Try to book your tickets in advance. It can save you time and ensure fast entry.

Use audio guides or guided tours: If you love to learn about the story, a guided tour will be best for you. The guide will explain the history of artworks and places. You can also book an audio-guided tour for self-visit.

Clothing and Shoes: If you have plans to explore more attractions in Paris, it will be best 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.

Photography: Photography is allowed, but no flash or tripods. Check for any specific rules posted at the time of your visit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best time to visit Orangerie Museum?

As per my experience, autumn and spring are typically the best times to visit. You will find a balance of weather, crowds, and prices. The summer season is the worst time to visit. Try to avoid this season.

How long does it take to tour the Orangerie Museum?

The average time to visit the museum is around 1.5 to 2 hours. If you are a fan of paintings and want to explore more details, you may need some extra time.

Are there guided tours available?

Yes, if you love to learn about the story, a guided tour will be best for you. The guide will explain the history of the paintings and places. You can also book an audio-guided tour for self-visit.

Is the Orangerie Museum kid-friendly?

Yes, the museum is kid-friendly. There is a separate area for the family. You can take a break with your family and enjoy the artwork of the museum. The ticket price for the children is 10 €.

Conclusion

Musée de l’Orangerie is the must-visit museum when you are in Paris. The size of the museum is small but rich in history and collections. Choosing the wrong time can spoil your visit experience. The best time, like the spring or winter season, can improve your tour satisfaction.