Musée d’Orsay is positioned by the river Seine, close by to some of the most beautiful bridges of Paris and couple of unusual museums.
The Orsay museum is known for its magnificent collection of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist paintings and also home to a fabulous collection of decorative arts and lavish furnishing from the Third Republic (early 1900).
Don't miss the views from the top floor balcony (open during nice weather from the western end of the Impressionist galleries).
62 rue de Lille, 7e
Metro: Assemblée Nationale or RER Musée d’Orsay
More information on www.musee-orsay.fr/en/
Opening hours 9.30am-6pm Tue, Wed & Fri-Sun, to 9.45pm Thu
TIP: When visting the Musee d' Orsay book online so you can get in more quickly.
Just opposite the Orsay Museum is the Legion of Honor museum, where you can see all kinds of honorary decorations from Burgundian Fleeces to Garter Stars. FREE
Or if you still have the energy visit one of these museum:
Musée des Egouts de Paris
Pont de l'Alma, in front of 93 quai d'Orsay, 7th, RER Pont de l'Alma Website www.egouts.
Paris's first sewer system was built in the 1200's: it consisted of open troughs that ran down the center of each cobblestone road and contributed to the spread of diseases such as the Black Death. The first underground sewer was built in 1370 beneath the Rue Montmartre and were expanded slowly throughout the next 400 years. It was during the reign of Napoleon Bonaparte that they were finally brought up to speed. In 1805 a man called Bruneseau was commissioned to undertake the building of 182 new miles of sewer. Today, the Sewers extend for 1,300 miles.
With over two kilometers of galleries, this museum presents an exhibition about the city water system. A display of machines and models illustrate the techniques used through the ages to deal with the water cycle.
Musée du Quai Branly
Musée du Quai Branly
37, quai Branly, 7th, M° Iéna or Alma-Marceau, RER Pont de l’Alma
This new museum brings have a great collection of primitive arts from civilizations in Africa, the Americas, Asia and Oceania in a building designed by Jean Nouvel.
Le Café Branly is a nice place to have a break. Open Tuesday, Wed and Sun from 9:30 to 18. Thursday through Sat from 9:30 to 20h.
You can finish your day with a dinner in the restaurant Les Ombres on the roof of Musée du Quai Branly. Open Monday to Sunday from 12h to 14h30 and 19h to 23h30.
The restaurant offers an excellent view of the Seine and the Eiffel Tower. Website www.lesombres-restaurant.com
Copyright © 2010-3010 ToParisToday.com · All Rights Reserved Contact Us on: mail@ToParisToday.com
Around Musée d’Orsay
Area guide
River Cruises
There are many cruise companies that offer day and night trips along the river. Some of them include the dinner or a show. It is very romantic and to the surprise of everyone who does a dinner cruise, the food is usually very good.
Departs from Pont de L’Alma and is a great way to rest your feet after many museums walks in this area.
Other Cruise companies
Once you’ve enjoyed all the art at the Orsay Museum, have a nice walk along the rivers Seine toward the Eiffel Tower and take great photos on Concorde bridge as well as the Pont Alexandre III.
This bridge is also great to enjoy the view of Les Invalides complex as well as Grand and Petit Palais on the other side of the river.
You can also stop for lunch or a drink in one of many restaurants and bars situated on the river bank.
To rest your feet cross the bridge and take a boat trip with Bateau Mouches.
The boat ride down the Seine is a nautical thrill during the day and magical experience at night when the city lit up. Pick up the boats on the right bank, east of the Pont de l'Alma. www.bateauxmouches.com
Paris bridges from Bateaux Mouches