The D’Orsay, a gem of an art museum, was a few years ago voted on Trip Advisor to be the #1 museum in the world! Here is a glimpse into the beauty you can find at the D’Orsay. Here are reasons you will want to visit this elegant museum.
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One excellent way to explore Paris is with a walking tour. I highly recommend Take Walks Paris!
The building of the D’Orsay
The building is a former railroad station. The glass ceilings let in light and the whole effect is charming. 
The D’Orsay is known for its clocks Here’s a close up of the clock that hangs above the main floor. 
Look for clocks
Here’s one of the clocks that doubles as a window to the Seine and the city.
The Impressionist Collection in the D’Orsay
We usually plan to spend a certain amount of time in a museum to prevent burnout. The Impressionist art is my favorite, so we headed directly to the top floor through the back of the building. The crowd enters and mills around the ground floor, but if you move through the throngs and then climb the stairs, you’ll be in a quieter area where it’s easier to enjoy the art. 
Here are a few of the paintings in the Impressionist section. A special exhibition of Auguste Renoir had some of my favorites.
Moulin de la Galette — Renoir
Dance in the City — Renoir
Two Young Girls at the Piano — Renoir
Of course, the museum features works of Claude Monet.
Poppies — Monet
And I love the art of Edgar Degas, with his theme of graceful dancers. 
The views of Paris from the museum
You can venture onto the balcony of the D’Orsay and take in the views of Paris. That’s Sacre Coeur in the distance. 
The balcony is also decorated with sculptures. 
The cafe has a theme of “gold” as well as its own giant clock. 
Pop back outside for one more look at Paris. 
A visit to the D’Orsay allows you to look closely and see the brush strokes, appreciate the bright colors and muted neutrals. You glimpse life in another era, another culture, but yet not that different from today. Who does not love to sit in a cafe and enjoy life with friends?
If you’re in Paris, plan a morning at the D’Orsay. You will not be disappointed.
Consider a side trip to the D-Day Beaches and Normandy
History comes alive when you visit the D-Day Beaches in Normandy. Just a two-hour train ride or drive from Paris, the Normandy beaches offer battle sites and museums. Pay respects at the many somber cemeteries. Stay in charming Bayeux. Normandy makes a great side trip if you are going to Paris.
Book the elegant Hotel Churchill in Bayeux, the perfect base for exploring the D-Day Beaches.
Places to visit include Omaha Beach, Utah Beach, and Gold, Juno, and Sword Beaches. If you have time, include all 5 D-Day Beaches in your itinerary for an amazing overview of June 6, 1944 and Operation Overlord.
Book your train tickets with Rail Europe for easy and reliable service.
Rail Europe partners with more than 230 train services such as SCNF, DB, and Swiss train lines. So, you can always find the transportation you need for your trip.
Renting a car in Europe?I can recommend renting with Auto Europe.
Where to stay in Paris
Paris offers hundreds of hotels. It’s sometimes overwhelming to start looking for a place to stay. Here are a few suggestions for lovely hotels near some of the sites mentioned. With the excellent Paris Metro system, you will be able to arrive wherever you like with just a little planning.
Near the Invalides: The Hotel de Varenne is exquisitely decorated and includes an inviting patio. You can walk from here to the Invalides as well as the Rodin Museum. (7th arrondissement)
Book your stay at the elegant Hotel de Varenne around the corner from the Rodin Museum.
Near the Pantheon: Hotel des Grand Hommes and (right next door) the Hotel les Dames du Pantheon. Both of these elegant hotels are across the street from the Pantheon. From my balcony room at the Grand Hommes I watched the sun rise on the iconic Pantheon. (5th arrondissement)
Book your stay at the Hotel des Grand Hommes and enjoy a view of the stately Pantheon out your window.
A gem in the Latin Quarter: Hotel Serotel Lutece is in the Latin Quarter. You can walk from here to the Pantheon, Notre Dame, and Sainte-Chapelle. Not only is this a comfortable, attractive hotel, but I also found the staff here to be extra helpful with directions and information. (5th arrondissement)
Book your stay at the cozy Hotel Serotel Lutece in a walkable neighborhood near metro stations, shops, and restaurants.
Central to wherever you want to go: Hotel Moliere, themed on the French poet, is a delightful hotel near the Louvre. It is surprisingly affordable for this pricey area. You can walk or take the Metro to any sites you would like to visit. (1st arrondissement)
Book your stay at Hotel Moliere near the Louvre and the lovely Tuileries Garden.
FOR MORE OF PARIS, HEAD TO THESE POSTS!
Paris WWII Sites for History Lovers
A Few Hours in Paris
The Invalides – Where Paris History Comes Alive
Reasons to Visit the Eiffel Tower
The Conciergerie – Marie Antoinette’s Prison
Tips for Your First Trip to Paris
Reasons to Visit the Eiffel Tower
Climbing Up Into the Eiffel Tower
Exploring the Rodin Museum
5 Reasons to Visit Luxembourg Gardens
Paris Gardens to Enjoy
A Walk in the Latin Quarter
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44 Comments
The D’Orsay Museum was my favourite when I visited Paris! OK the Louvre is spectacular, but I was a huge Monet and Impressionist lover “back in the day” when I went to Paris, so naturally the D’Orsay Museum had to be visited. So many beautiful paintings by Monet, I was happy. Are the two huge Toulouse-Lautrec paintings still there? They may have moved but they were outside the Monet room and from floor to ceiling? #feetdotravel
I have to be honest, I’m not a big museum goer, and really the only reason why I’d visit this one is for the beautiful clock cafe and views! #FeetDoTravel
I love Paris so much but have yet to visit the D’Orsay, although I sent a friend of mine there last month. It was his first time in Paris and I’d heard great things, your post reinforces my directive and now I just need to go there myself!
I love museums and I love Paris. I am so gutted after reading this, as I did not get a chance to visit on my recent visit to Paris. I am hoping to take another trip one day, and visit all those places I have missed. I have been to Notre Dame and Musee Du Louvre for instance but I haven’t gone inside, therefore, I have a lot to do on my next visit.
Thanks for sharing, the photos are lovely. #feetdotravel
Awesome pics
I visited quite a lot of museums in Paris but D’Orsay was unfortunately not one of them, not really sure why?! Looks like a must visit museum on my next trip to Paris.
Hi,
Beautiful shots, thanks for sharing your trip to the museum.
Have a great day!
Great post with wonderful photos – thank you Sharon!
This is one of my favourite museums. Always make a beeline for it when I’m in Paris.
Wow, I’ve read about the museum but it was great seeing your photos. I could get into that place.
I love museums. We have two really good ones in Tulsa, Philbrook which is a more conventional art museum, and Gilcrease which specializes in western art. I also love Crystal Bridges in Bentonville, Arkansas which specializes in American Art. The Kimbell Museum in Fort Worth is good also. There are lots of museums I have not been attended..
Great post.
It’s a fabulous museum!
I’ve only been to Paris once, and although this was on my list of museums to visit – we didn’t make it there! Hoping for next time! #Citytripping
Lovely – inside and out!
Thanks for sharing at https://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2018/10/master-potter.html
Sharon, this is gorgeous! Love your photos! 🙂
You have the most wonderful trips and you captured the memories wonderfully.
Musee D’Orsay is my fave as well! I can spend hours here and taking tons of pictures here and there. Love the giant clock!
I love Paris. Lovely! Thank you for sharing!
Greatings from Augsburg… and a happy WednesdayAroundTheWorld
Heidrun xxx
It’s wonderful.
Oh yes, an amazing museum. I have promised myself that, the next time I am in Paris, I allow myself to stay in this museum as long as I want, maybe even all day.
#WanderfulWednesday
I love that museum, the building is incredible and the art is always a treat to stroll around. You did a great job photographing the artwork – could have a potential future selling reproductions! #farawayfiles
It’s been many years since I’ve been to Paris and sadly I’ve never made it to this museum. I guess I will have to rectify that and get there someday. I love your photos!
It took me 8 attempts but I finally got there a couple of years ago (The other times it was closed for renovation or worker strikes!) It’s such a beautiful collection made even better by the stunning building. Thanks for sharing your photos and thoughts on the D’Orsay on #farawayfiles
Wow, no 1 museum in the world! It’s gotta be worth a visit then! I’ve only ever visited the Louvre in France, but have to say I loved it. I think the building’s as pretty as the art it holds! #citytripping
I can see what it was voted #1 museum in the world! It looks incredible!! So much to see. #farawayfiles
The best museum in Paris by kilometres!
I’ve never visited D’Orsay, but after reading this post I hope to check it out next year. I think that you did an excellent job capturing the sculptures and the paintings.
I love that museum, still need to go back and take my husband. I don’t remember the balcony (I went years ago) so need to check that out for sure. Looks like a great view. Thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard.
We did The Louvre but ran out of time for this one. Looks awesome. #TheWeeklyPostcard
This is amazingly beautiful. What lovely pictures. This wasn’t on my list, but it is now. I’m going to need to see some of those famous paintings in person. Thanks for sharing.
The Louvre always gets hype and popularity, but I love the D’Orsay more. The collection of impressionist work is impressive. Your photos of Paris through the clock window are beautiful. What a great view! #WeekendWanderlust
Went to Paris during the last year and we skipped over D’Orsay. From seeing this post I kind of regret it. Lol it also looks like it wasn’t that crowded which is always a plus. Thanks for sharing #TheWeeklyPostcard
Great collection of photos Sharon – it’s a firm favourite of ours. Thanks for the re-tour 🙂 #TheWeeklyPostcard
Another museum that I must visit one day! Your photos are beautiful.
#TheWeeklyPostcard
The Musée d’Orsay is one of my favourite museums as well. My son really loved it too when I took him for the first time a couple of years ago. The museum itself is so beautiful as well as the works of art. Thanks for sharing on #FarawayFiles
We just returned from Paris, but didn’t visit the Musée d’Orsay this time. Looking at your beautiful pictures makes me regret we didn’t though. Unfortunately we only had 3 days in Paris this time, but I’m hoping to return there soon. #TheWeeklyPostcard
[…] Musée D’Orsay has been on my list of things to visit in Paris for so long – huge thanks to Exploring our World for the potted […]
I’ve been wanting to visit the d’Orsay for years; the architecture, the view… and oh, those Renoir *swoons*.
It’s one of my favourite places in Paris and an amazing museum! I love your photos and you’ve captured the feel of it perfectly! Making me want to go back!
Aawww, I love the D’Orsay Museum! I went there in 2011 and loved every moment of it. Wish they allowed cameras though at that time, as such I didn’t have photos of the museum inside 🙁 Your photos look great! #FarawayFiles
I love that museum and visited again a couple of years ago after a long gap. I took some of the same shots as you! We went in April and I was surprised that we didn’t have to queue for ages to get in. It wasn’t that crowded either. #AllAboutFrance
I loved the Musee D’Orsay when we visited some years ago. When I was a little girl I had a print of Degas’ The Dance Class on my wall so it was wonderful to see the original. #allaboutfrance
Love, love, love this museum. Great photos! #AllAboutFrance
I haven’t been to the Musée d’Orsay for ages, it’s about time I went again. I love museums and am trying to answer your question about which one is my favourite….very tricky. My boys are very into science so I really enjoy visiting science museums with them. London and Glasgow have excellent ones. I used to love the British Museum but I went recently and it as so crowded I was really put off. I tend towards smaller ones these days. The Guggenheim Bilbao is definitely a favourite. So many to choose from. Thanks for linking up to #AllABOUTFRANCE
We ran out of time on our last trip to Paris and didn’t get to visit the Museum – I reckon I need to make sure it is top of my list on my next visit. #AllAboutFrance