10 Things an Art Lover Should Do in Paris

Paris is a European capital that has been at the center of the global art world for centuries. Within its cafes and galleries, some of the world’s most celebrated artists created their masterpieces. Paris can be overwhelming because of the sheer volume of exciting destinations. However, with a little preparation, the city’s art history will come alive, giving any art lover the experience of a lifetime. Below are ten of Paris’ most iconic destinations for art history. From antiquity to influential modern artworks, there’s something for everyone.

The Louvre stands on the former site of Philip Augustus’ 12th-century fortress. This 16th-century building was a royal palace for French nobility for centuries. In the 17th century, King Louis moved his royal residence to Versailles, and in the 18th century, the Louvre Palace was converted into a museum. During the 18th and 19th centuries, the museum expanded into the main gallery and two large wings, with its world-famous central courtyard in the center. For decades, the museum acquired one of the world’s largest collections of art.

Inside, you can see world-famous works such as the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci, the Seated Scribe from Ancient Egypt, and Michelangelo’s The Slaves. In addition to the artistic masterpieces, you’ll find some of Paris’ most stunning architecture, such as Louis XIV’s architect, Louis Le Vau’s Salon Carré room. Few museums can top the Louvre’s grandiosity, history, and prestige. For anyone into art and art history, it’s recommended that they spend an entire day there.

2. See the Musée d’Orsay

You can see French and European masterpieces, including some of the world’s most famous impressionist paintings. Highlights include Vincent Van Gogh’s timeless self-portrait and Claude Monet’s painting of London’s Parliament. Many of the paintings reflect the golden age of Parisian artistic expression. After your visit, don’t miss the chance to grab a coffee or a meal at the Musée d’Orsay Restaurant.

The eastern neighborhoods of Paris feature art from some of the world’s most celebrated street artists. Starting in the neighborhood of Belleville, you’ll see timeless pieces that reflect the city’s famous hip-hop culture and artistry. Don’t miss the murals around the Belleville metro station before walking through the neighborhood’s streets. You’ll see street art on buildings, streets, and even passing vehicles.

Oberkampf is another major neighborhood that’s known for its urban art. Starting on the corner of Rue Oberkampf and Rue Saint-Maur, you’ll experience one of the city’s most exciting art destinations. Known for murals and street art, walking both these streets will take you through a revolving array of murals and graffiti by artists such as Kashink. Don’t miss Le MUR at the corner of Rue Oberkampf and Rue Saint-Maur. This revolving mural features work by a new artist weekly.

In the northeastern neighborhood of La Villette, don’t miss walking along Rue de l’Ourcq. Along the walls lining the street, you’ll see fantastic murals painted by some of the city’s most highly regarded street artists. Near the canal, you’ll find street art galleries and performers, which make this neighborhood one of the most lively art centers in the city.

4. Check out the Museums of Le Marais

The neighborhood of Le Marais is the city’s top destination for art lovers and museum fanatics. Within this beautiful neighborhood are some of the city’s best museums. It’s also full of art galleries and studios, which make it a lively place to explore on foot.

First, head to the world-famous Pablo Picasso Museum. Here, you’ll see one of the world’s largest collections of works done by Picasso. You’ll get to see masterpieces such as the Portrait of Dora Maar and The Kiss. Afterwards, head to the opulent Musée Carnavalet. Within these two mansions is an extensive collection of around 600,000 pieces by some of Europe’s most famous artists. In addition to Parisian art, you’ll also find prehistoric and medieval art spanning French and Parisian history.

After visiting the museums, walk throughout the neighborhood to visit its iconic art galleries. Don’t miss La Galerie de L’Instant, a beautiful space dedicated to photography. You should also not miss the breathtaking Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac. This space was designed by Thaddaeus Ropac and it features artwork by some of the city’s most inspiring new artists.

Paris is a city teeming with beautiful architecture. You’ll see stunning buildings throughout the city with ornate facades, intricate spires, and mesmerizing interiors that have inspired the architectural design of cities such as Shanghai, Buenos Aires, New York, and many more.

Starting on the banks of the Seine River, you’ll find the original heart of the city. Known as Île de la Cité, this island is where you’ll find the origins of the city. When you arrive, start your architectural tour at the Conciergerie, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former royal palace known for its Gothic architecture. Afterward, don’t miss the 13th-century Sainte-Chapelle and the Notre Dame Cathedral.

Following Paris’ extravagant center, head to the Domaine National du Palais-Royal. This royal residence is one of the most photographed architectural wonders in Paris and once housed France’s royalty. From here, walk to Av. Montaigne to see the city’s Art Nouveau and Renaissance Period architectural wonders.

6. Get Lost in the Musée de l’Orangerie

Although small compared to museums such as the Louvre, the Musée de l’Orangerie is one of Paris’ must-see art spaces. It famously houses Claude Monet’s Water Lilies (Les Nymphéas) and other incredible works by some of France’s most revered impressionist painters.

The Walter-Guillaume Collection is another must see permanent exhibition. Here, you’ll take in some of Europe’s best collections of French modern art. Highlights include Paul Cézanne’s Madame Cézanne in Garden and Pierre-Auguste Renoir’s Portrait of a Young Man and a Young Woman. After visiting the museum, head to the bookstore and museum shop for collectibles and souvenirs referencing impressionist art. The museum has a popular cafe as well, where you can relax and enjoy coffee and food inspired by the collection’s exquisite art.

Number 59 of Rue de Rivoli is just a short walk east of the Louvre. It was once an abandoned building that was eventually taken over by squatting artists and street artists who used it as a creative space for their work. In 2006, the city purchased the building, and after renovations, it opened to the public. It kept its spray-painted interior staircase which led you to 30 art galleries and studios. Today, tens of thousands of visitors come to see artists’ work. The building hosts weekly events, including live art shows and exhibitions at some of the galleries and occasional concerts. It’s free to enter, and if you come at the right time, you can expect an evening filled with fun and socialization with local artists.

8. Explore the Centre Pompidou

Few buildings in Paris are as polarizing as the Centre Pompidou. Designed by architects Richard Rogers and Renzo Piano, it caused a huge stir when it opened in 1977 because of its exposed and color-coded piping system and block-like facade.

Regardless of the negative opinions about its building, the Centre Pompidou is still one of the city’s top museums. Inside, it houses a vast array of modern art in the building’s Modern Art Museum. You’ll find pieces by Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, and Marcel Duchamp.

On the fourth level, you’ll find art from the 1960s and onwards, video installations, and art of various mediums on display. In addition to its permanent galleries, the museum often holds rotating exhibitions from French and international contemporary artists. After hours, the museum often holds events. Most famously, in 1992, it hosted the renowned French electronic duo Daft Punk on its roof before the pair’s career took off.

Just next door to the towering Eiffel Tower landmark is the Palais de Tokyo. This unique space is one of Europe’s largest collections of modern and contemporary art. The building dates back to 1937, when it was featured at the International Exposition of Art and Technology in Modern Life.

You’ll see works done in various forms, such as video, painting, street art, and sculpture. The Palais de Tokyo doesn’t show a permanent collection but it rotates its exhibits in well-curated event spaces.

10. Visit the Parks of Paris

Whatever you do, don’t miss visiting Paris’ world-renowned parks. These centuries-old green spaces are full of sculptures and artistic monuments that rival any museum collection.

Start your tour of Paris’ parks at Jardin des Tuileries, next door to the Louvre. Here, don’t miss the famous bronze Maillol statues throughout the grounds. Afterwards, make your way to Parc Monceau. Since 1769, the park has been a haven for artists and it still attracts painters and landscape artists to capture its beautiful outdoor green spaces. Don’t miss the statues featuring famous artists and writers who often worked in and visited the park. Claude Monet most famously created his revered landscape portraits of the park between 1876 and 1878.