Small Group Musée d’Orsay Tour with Skip-the-Line Tickets

Stand before Van Gogh’s swirling Starry Night Over the Rhône ponder Manet’s controversial Olympia, and imagine what 19th-century Parisian social life was like as you take in the finer details of Renoir’s Bal du moulin de la Galette. Plus, with a small group atmosphere and a passionate guide leading the way, you can look forward to having all your questions answered.

Small Group Musée d’Orsay Tour with Skip-the-Line Tickets Description

Your 1.5-hour tour includes:

• Skip-the-line entrance ticket

• Insightful introduction to Impressionist pieces

• Admire works by Monet, Van Gogh, Manet, Cézanne, Renoir, Degas, and more

• Maximum group size of 25

• Expert, English-speaking tour guide

• Time to explore independently post-tour

Welcome to Musée d’Orsay

Your 1.5-hour tour begins at the striking entrance to the Musée d'Orsay, where your guide awaits to bring you and up to 24 other art enthusiasts on a fascinating journey through the evolution of modern art. Even before stepping inside, you’ll be captivated by the architectural grandeur that defines Paris’ artistic heritage, given that the museum is housed in a stunning Beaux-Arts railway completed in 1900. It wasn’t until 1986 that the station was converted into a museum, and since then, it has become the home of a world-class collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces.

Admire Iconic Works by Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh, and more

With skip-the-line tickets, bypass the queue and head straight inside for a guided discovery of the museum’s most impressive pieces. You’re bound to recognize the fascinating techniques by Claude Monet, a founding figure of the Impressionist movement, who magically depicts light and shadow. His works, such as Impression, Sunrise and Blue Water Lilies, beautifully portray his fascination with nature.

Pierre-Auguste Renoir is another artist featured prominently throughout the museum, with his scenes of lively social gatherings and storied portraits encouraging you to look closer. His paintings like Dance at Le Moulin de la Galette or Bal du moulin de la Galette celebrate the joy and beauty of everyday life and offer a glimpse into 19th century Parisian society.

Additionally, follow your guide’s lead to Vincent Van Gogh’s iconic works full of bold colors and dramatic brushwork. Starry Night Over the Rhône and Portrait of Dr. Gachet reflect his unique ability to infuse landscapes and portraits with energy and emotion, while also drawing viewers into his world.

Discover lesser-known pieces

As you continue your journey through the Musée d'Orsay, your guide will introduce you to some of the lesser known yet equally captivating works housed within its walls. You may find yourself standing before the bold and often controversial works of Édouard Manet, whose approach to modern-life subjects paved the way for future avant-garde artists. Equally compelling are the pieces by Paul Cézanne, whose distinctive brushstrokes broke the mold of traditional form, influencing the rise of abstract art.

Throughout, your guide will also share fascinating stories behind the pieces and the lives of the artists who created them. Discover the intense passions, innovative visions, and sometimes tragic stories that fueled their creativity. Feel free to ask questions and dig into the meaning behind each piece. After all, it’s not every day you get to appreciate such impressive art in the company of fellow art lovers and a knowledgeable guide.

Continue exploring at your leisure

After an hour and a half of guided exploration, you are free to continue discovering the treasures of the Musée d'Orsay on your own. Delve deeper into the collections of decorative arts, photography, and graphic arts that span the 19th and early 20th centuries. Wander through the stunning exhibition rooms and perhaps pause at the museum's café before continuing on with your Parisian adventure.

For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change