Best Musee d Orsay Tour: Guide, Tickets & Tips

The Orsay museum is a very famous and amazing tourist place for art lovers. It offers a huge collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art. But you cannot enjoy the Musee d Orsay Tour perfectly without a proper plan.

I remember my tour. It was a bad experience for me. First, I struggled to buy a ticket; then the museum was very crowded. Somehow, I managed to visit the museum with last-minute tickets and enjoy the paintings.

However, if you want to make the most of a visit, proper planning and understanding are essential. In this guide, I will help you get ready for your very own Musée d’Orsay adventure. This guide covers the best Musée d’Orsay tours, how to get tickets, and tips for your visit.

Key Takeaways:

• Buy your tickets online in advance. The museum’s instant ticket is very hard to find.
• If you miss your ticket, try Tourstravelfinder or GetYourGuide for last-minute options.
• Try to be an early bird to avoid long lines. The best time to visit the museum is early in the morning.
• The top floor of the museum is a must-visit. It houses the most famous masterpieces.
• After your visit, walk around the museum and enjoy the Seine River. Enjoy traditional French food.

Musée d’Orsay: House of Masterpieces

The Musée d’Orsay is a museum located on the Left Bank of the Seine River in Paris. The museum has its transformation history. It was a railway station, then became a museum. Around 3.9 million people visited the museum in 2023.

History of the Musée d’Orsay

The museum building is very old. It was a railway station before it became a museum. Between 1898 and 1900, France built the building. The purpose was to welcome visitors to the 1900 Universal Exhibition. In the 1930s, the operation of the station was stopped.

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. Around 3.9 million people visited the museum in 2023.

Musee d Orsay Collection Highlights

The Musee d orsay Museum has many amazing paintings, photographs, and sculptures. The museum’s collection includes paintings from the mid-19th century to the early 20th century. You can find about 3,000 art pieces in the museum.

Hidden Gems Tips: Besides famous paintings in the musee d orsay, there are many hidden gems. Explore The Snake Charmer, The Artist’s Mother.

Did you know that the Louvre Museum has around 500,000 works? Explore the Best 10 Louvre Masterpieces Not to Miss.

Why Visit Musee d Orsay Museum?

If you love paintings and history, the Paris Musée d’Orsay is a must-visit for you. The museum has a fantastic collection from the 19th and early 20th centuries. You will feel like you are traveling through history.

There are many masterpieces by famous artists. Some of them are Berthe Morisot, Claude Monet, Édouard Manet, Degas, Renoir, Cézanne, Seurat, Sisley, Gauguin, and Van Gogh. It also has the largest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art.

Where to Buy Musee d Orsay Ticket

1. Museum Website

The museum authority sells tickets. You can buy tickets directly from its website. If you hate long lines, buy your ticket in advance. The website also has various ticket options.

2. Ticketing Platforms

These sites work as last-minute solutions. Many ticketing platforms sell museum entry tickets. They also offer various types of combo and audio guide ticket options. Here are two trusted websites:

• GetYourGuide: This company offers entry tickets with a guide. You can buy tickets from them safely.
• Tourstravelfinder: Another trusted platform for Musée d’Orsay tickets. You can book tickets for Musee d Orsay with an audio guide.

3. Offline Ticket

If you are already in Paris, there is an option for an offline ticket. There is a ticket counter in front of the museum gate. However, the chance of getting a ticket at the museum counter is very low.

4. Paris Museum Pass

Many people plan to visit various museums during the tour. The Paris Pass is the best solution for them. One pass for all museum entries.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget to check the opening hours and any special restrictions before your Musee d orsay Tour.

Musee d’Orsay Tickets and Tours type

Tickets and tour type are the most important factors for visiting. If you miss your ticket or select the wrong tour option, it can hamper your experience.

Musee d Orsay Tickets Price (Official Website)

Things you must know: 

• * The late opening rate is only for Thursdays. The visits start at 6 pm. The museum closes at 9:45 pm. You need to enter before 9 pm. It is the last time to enter.
• **”Child & Co. Rate” offers a discount rate for a maximum of 2 adults, EU residents, accompanying a person under 18.

Purchasing tickets: If you want to avoid long lines, Buy Musee d Orsay Tickets in advance. Especially during peak seasons, the ticket line can be very long.

Free Entry Days and Discounts

Entrance is free for all visitors on the first Sunday of each month. Visitors under 18 can also visit the museum for free. Entry is free for disabled individuals.

Before Buying a Ticket, Read Best Time to Visit Musée d’Orsay for a better experience.

Orsay Museum Tour Options

If you’re planning a visit, there are several tour options that can help you:

Self-Guided Tour

If you love to explore alone, it’s best for you. There is a guidebook for the museum with a map. Try it for your own peace.

Best for: Independent travelers who want to explore at their own pace.

Audio Guided Tour

Many visitors use audio guides. They provide a better understanding of the paintings and sculptures. Both the museum and third-party platforms sell entry tickets with audio guides. Did you miss your ticket? Buy Musee d’Orsay Museum Audio Guided Ticket.

Guided Tours

A professional guide will assist you in the museum. They will explain the history behind various paintings to you. Musee d orsay Tour with guide is best for history lovers.

Best for: It is best for first-time visitors or those who are interested in history.

Private Tours

Private tours have the option to be customized according to your interests. A private Musee d’Orsay tour is a good option for you if you have no problem with the budget. Book Your Musee d’Orsay Private Tour With an Expert Guide.

Family-Friendly Tours

If you are traveling with your family and kids, book family-friendly tours. These tours sometimes include games and extra activities.

Museum & Seine River Cruise Combo

Some tourists want to enjoy a combo tour. There is also an option for the Musée d’Orsay and a Seine River cruise combo tour.

Musee d’Orsay: Know Before You Go

There is some important information that you must know before entering the museum. Sometimes, a lack of specific information can create problems for you.

Musee d Orsay Opening Hours

• The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday.
• The museum is closed on Mondays.
• 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.
• Last entry time to the museum is 5 p.m. and last time to access exhibitions is at 5:15 p.m.

Facilities and Services

Café and Restaurant: The museum has several restaurants. You can try Café Campana and Le Restaurant.

Gift Shop: The museum has a gift shop. Buy books, art prints, and unique souvenirs related to the collections.

Accessibility: There is a wheelchair for disabled people.

Free Wi-Fi: The Wi-Fi is free and open to all.

Why Musee d’Orsay Tickets Sold Out?

High Demand

The Musee d’Orsay is a world-famous museum. I welcome millions of visitors each year. Due to huge demand, the tickets for the museum sell out as soon as they are released. So, don’t miss your ticket; book now!

Limited Ticket

The authority allows only a limited number of visitors every day. A high number of visitors and a low number of tickets create sold-out ticket problems.

Reservation

Another reason for the ticket sold-out problem is special reservations.

Last Minute Musee d’Orsay Tickets: How to Book?

If you are already in Paris and looking for last-minute tickets, here are some ways to buy them:

Use Online Booking Platform

Various online platforms sell last-minute tickets for Musée d’Orsay. 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.
3. Official Museum Website: Try the museum’s official website. However, the official website may not always have last-minute tickets.

Best Times to Check for Tickets

The best time to check for the ticket is at the time of ticket release. Due to high demand, the ticket can be sold out within a few minutes or hours.

Offline Ticket from Museum Counter

If you are lucky enough, you can buy an entry ticket from the counter at the last minute. Some people cancel their tickets at the last minute. But remember, the chances are very low, and there can be a large crowd.

Must-See Paintings in the Musee d’Orsay

Musee d Orsay has a big collection of paintings, photographs, sculptures, and decorative arts. Many of these collections are from the mid-19th century to the early 20th century. Some paintings are a must-see during your visit.

What to See in Musee d Orsay

• “Self-Portrait” by Vincent van Gogh: Vincent van Gogh painted his own face. He wore a suit. A swirling, disorienting backdrop surrounded him.
• “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.
• “Starry Night” by Van Gogh: The first in a series of paintings in which Van Gogh tried to capture the color of light at night. The time was 1888.
• Orsay’s Giant Clock: There are three giant clocks in the museum. These are from the time of the railway station.
• Photography Gallery: It is the first professional photographic gallery in France. It has over 45,000 images.

How to Get Musee d’Orsay Museum

The Orsay Museum is located on the left bank of the Seine River. Tuileries Gardens is in the opposite direction. The easiest way to reach the museum is via the Paris Metro. Take Line 12 from the Solférino station to the Musée d’Orsay station. Buses 24, 63, 68, 69, 73, 83, 84, and 94 have stoppages near the museum.

What is the Best Time to Visit Musee d orsay?

Early morning or late afternoon are the best times for visiting the museum. There is small crowd during the opening time of the museum. Try to visit on weekdays for fewer crowds. In terms of season, go in the low season like November to March.

If you want to know more details about Best Time, Visit Best Time to Visit Musée d’Orsay: A Detailed Guide.

Worst Times to Visit Musee d’Orsay

Don’t go on Tuesdays and Sundays. There are huge crowds on these days. In terms of seasons, the summer season is the peak tourist season. On holidays like Christmas, New Year’s, Easter, and Bastille Day (on July 14), the museum fills with visitors.

Things to Do Near Orsay Museum

The Musée d’Orsay is the center of Paris. It has many other famous attractions around it. Here are some great things to do in the surrounding area:

Tuileries Gardens (Jardin des Tuileries)

Distance: 10 to 15 minutes on foot.

The park has something for everyone. If you are with family, arrange a picnic. Solo travelers can take some rest between tours. This garden is the best option for resting.

Louvre Museum

Distance: About 15 minutes on foot.

The Louvre is the world’s most famous museum. It has the Mona Lisa, which is the most famous painting in the world. There are thousands of other works from different periods and artists. Get your ticket for Louvre and enjoy the amazing collections.

Seine River Cruise

Distance: The river is right next to Musée d’Orsay.

If you love water rides, Paris has Seine River cruises for you. You can enjoy stunning views of Paris’s famous landmarks from the water. Buy Seine River Cruise With the Eiffel Tower Combo Ticket and enjoy the different views.

Place de la Concorde

Distance: About 15 minutes on foot.

One of the most famous squares in Paris has a beautiful view. It is the largest public square in France. From history, this was the place of execution during the French Revolution.

Pont des Arts (Love Lock Bridge)

Distance: A 10-minute walk from the museum.

It is a must-visit location for couples. People around the world come here and attach “love locks” to the bridge rails. The authorities do not officially allow locks. You can do it somehow.

Planning to Visit Paris? Read Paris Itinerary 3 Days: Fast Lane With an Easy-Going Plan.

Practical Tips for Visiting Musee d’Orsay

Buy tickets in Advance

If you don’t book your tickets in advance, you could miss your chance to visit the museum. It can save you time and ensure fast entry. If you miss your ticket, buy last-minute Musee d orsay tickets.

Guided or Audio Guided Tours

A guided tour could help you in various ways. Sometimes, it offers Skip the line Musee d’Orsay tour. You can also explore the museum’s history with a guide. The guide will explain the history of artworks and places.

Clothing and Shoes

Normally, this type of tour requires a long walk. It is best to wear comfortable clothes and shoes for a better experience.

Right Time to Visit

If you visit in peak season or peak time, you could face big crowds. Choosing the right time to visit can help you avoid crowds. During your booking, you need to choose a time slot.

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. The combo ticket gives you some discounts and hassle-free access to both museums.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the most famous painting in musee d orsay?

There are many famous paintings in the museum. Some of them are The Artist’s Studio, Olympia, Orpheus, Young Girls at the Piano, etc.

Can I use an audio guide with skip-the-line tickets?

Yes, you can use the audio guide with a skip-the-line ticket. Many platforms sell skip-the-line tickets.

Is the Musee d’Orsay suitable for kids?

Yes, the museum is suitable for kids. The museum has elevators, ramps, and a baby-changing area. You can visit with your kids.

Is D’Orsay better than the Louvre?

Both museums are famous. The Louvre is the most popular in Paris, where the Orsay museum has unique collections. Orsay has small collections compared to the Louvre museum. It is up to you which one you prefer.

Conclusion

If you are planning to visit Paris, add Musée d’Orsay to your list. The museum has a mixed collection of paintings and sculptures. A good tour plan is important for a successful visit. Read our blog for a better experience. Enjoy this journey through art, and don’t forget to share your experience with others.