An Art Lover’s Guide to Paris

Spend an afternoon, or more, at the most-visited museum in the world—the Louvre—which has enough to keep you occupied for days with its plethora of sketches, paintings, and sculptures. This historic palace is home to masterpieces including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo, and is an excellent place for both art lovers and the typically-art-adverse alike. (You can't visit the Louvre without coming away with a greater appreciation for the subject, after all, so don't worry if you're accompanied by less than enthusiastic companions.) Enhance your experience on a group tour with skip-the-line admission to make every second of your Parisian adventure count.

In Le Marais, galleries, boutiques, and street murals blend seamlessly together to create an artsy neighborhood that combines traditional French art and avant-garde expression. Moreover, this cobblestoned hot spot is home to two of the city’s most popular museums—Centre Pompidou and Musée Picasso—making it a must-visit destination for art fans. Consider a small-group walking tour of the beloved district to see everything from classic art museums to streetside murals and more.

An architectural spectacle and hub for modern and contemporary art in Paris, Centre Pompidou is a testament to Paris' commitment to embracing the avant-garde, showcasing the city's ever-evolving artistic nature. Inside this multi-colored museum, exhibitions and installations include works by Frida Kahlo, Marc Chagall, Wassily Kandinsky, and other influential artists. A private guided tour is a great way to experience the museum’s main exhibits—and don’t forget to take in the panoramic views of the city from the museum’s rooftop terrace.

Immerse yourself in the bohemian spirit of Montmartre, a cornerstone of the Paris art scene. With attractions such as the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Dali Paris Museum, and Montmartre Cemetery, this bustling district invites you to enter a bygone era of narrow streets and charming cafés that inspired Picasso and Van Gogh. Be sure that your artistic adventure includes a stop at Place du Tertre to see local artists at work and explore top-notch Parisian art galleries, or take a Montmartre walking tour for a comprehensive overview of this artistic hot spot.

Don’t miss the enchanting Musée d'Orsay, a former railway station transformed into an art museum for impressionist and post-impressionist masterpieces. Spectacular works by Monet, Degas, and Van Gogh are highlights of the collection here, but as with most Parisian art museums, there’s much more to explore. Choose a guided tour with skip-the-line admission and insights into the artists that defined the impressionist movement.

Belleville is a hilly Parisian neighborhood known for its Chinatown, trendy cafés, and vibrant street art. Here, you can discover the evolution of Parisian graffiti and murals, either independently or on a Belleville walking tour. Led by a local artist, these tours will help you to decode the symbolism and stories behind each piece, and to learn more about the often-overlooked neighborhood. Want even more? Go beyond the walls of Belleville and dig deeper into Paris’s urban art on a street art biking tour.

Delight in the world of digital art at L’Atelier des Lumières. Located just a few minutes from Père-Lachaise Cemetery, this art center transforms classical artwork and historical wonders into dynamic, animated displays with original music, lighting effects, and colorful projections. Popular with travelers of all ages and interests, this is the perfect place to visit if you or your companions aren’t big on traditional art museums. Past featured artists include Van Gogh, Chagall, and Gaudi, but with rotating exhibits, you can experience magic during every visit.

After your walking tour of the bustling Le Marais, head to Galerie Perrotin. Tucked away in one of the neighborhood's often-overlooked passages, the gallery presents dynamic works by French and international artists, including JR, Julio Le Parc, and Leslie Hewitt. This gallery epitomizes Paris' commitment to pushing the artistic envelope, providing a platform for thought-provoking exhibits. Galerie Perrotin also hosts many events, including concerts, talks, and children’s workshops, so there's always something new to enjoy.

While the bustling neighborhood might not hearken back to ideas of oils, canvas, and underfed artists, Paris’ Latin Quarter is an artistic haven. As a beacon of Parisian intellectualism, it provides a distinctive blend of scholarly pursuits and creative exploration for lovers of culture and art. Home to the Sorbonne and historic cafés frequented by Hemingway and Picasso, this is the perfect neighborhood to simply get lost in. Or, explore galleries tucked away in historic buildings and don’t miss the chance to visit the world-famous secondhand bookstore Shakespeare & Company. Since the sheer volume of history here can be overwhelming, an afternoon walking tour is a great way to get a quick overview of the highlights.

Explore the refined beauty of Palais Royal, a historical palace and garden ensemble that blends art with regal elegance. Although the interior isn't open to the public, you can still stroll through the manicured gardens adorned with contemporary art and admire the grandeur of the architecture. Get a comprehensive overview of the palace grounds on a Palais Royal gardens tour, or just head there independently to soak up the atmosphere, well removed from the hustle and bustle of the French capital.

Situated conveniently close to the Eiffel Tower, the Quai Branly Museum showcases Indigenous art and cultures from Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas. The museum periodically cycles artifacts in its permanent exhibits to better share its vast collection, meaning there'll always be something new to see, even during repeat visits. Past topics of temporary exhibits include the global culture of tattoos, the Incas and the conquistador, and Japanese kimonos. If you have an appetite for a global perspective on creativity, Quai Branly is the art museum for you.