Private Carnavalet Museum Tour

Uncover Marie Antoinette’s artifacts, Napoleonic treasures, and Paris' revolutionary history

Travel Flexibly

5 / 5 See All 5 Reviews

· 2.00h · Paris, France

The Carnavalet Museum has reopened its doors after a 5 year renovation, offering an immersive journey through the history of Paris. With your own personal guide, explore at your own pace and uncover the French Revolution, Napoleon’s impact, and the charm of 18th-century Paris. From medieval treasures to Marie Antoinette’s artifacts, experience the stories that shaped the City of Light.

The courtyard to Musee Carnavalet in Paris

The Prise du Louvre painting in the Musee Carnavalet.

Exhibit room in the Musee Carnavalet in Paris.

Compagnia dei Gelosi painting in the Musee Carnavalet in Paris.

A hallway of the Musee Carnavalet in Paris.

An exhibit room in the Musee Carnavalet in Paris.

A stairwell with a wall mural in the Musee Carnavalet in Paris.

Meet your guide at the entrance to Musee Carnavalet
French Revolution
Marie Antoninette's personal effects
End your tour inside the museum

Meet your private guide outside of the entrance to the Carnavalet Museum in the Marais district to begin your tour. This tailored itinerary will bring the city’s story to life, starting with Paris’s medieval roots and leading you through revolutionary fervor, Napoleon’s grand vision, and the elegance of 18th-century interiors. Dive into immersive exhibits showcasing Marie Antoinette’s personal artifacts and portraits of old Paris, all within the beautifully renovated museum. After the guided portion, say goodbye to your guide inside of the museum and enjoy free time to explore at your own pace.

Private Carnavalet Museum Description

Your 2-hour tour includes:

• Private guided tour of the Carnavalet Museum at your own pace

• Explore immersive exhibits on the history of Paris

• Dive into the French Revolution and Napoleonic eras

• Detailed look at Parisian interiors and historic art

Discover Paris Through the Ages

Your journey begins with an overview of Parisian history, tracing its transformation from medieval roots to a thriving metropolis. Learn how Paris became a cultural and political hub through captivating stories and artifacts. Step into the French Revolution in an evocative gallery, uncovering the storming of the Bastille and the revolutionary fervor that reshaped France.

Uncover Royal and Everyday Life

Gain insight into Marie Antoinette’s life by exploring artifacts and portraits that highlight her legacy during turbulent times. Immerse yourself in the charm of 18th-century Paris with meticulously recreated interiors of homes and salons. These spaces bring to life the elegance and culture of an era when art and society flourished.

Art and Architecture of Paris

Marvel at the Hôtel Carnavalet, a historic mansion that is as much a masterpiece as the exhibits it houses. Explore paintings of old Paris, capturing its streets and hidden corners in stunning detail. Dive into the Napoleonic Exhibit, where artifacts and portraits reveal Napoleon’s transformative impact on Paris, including his ambitious urban planning.

Revolutionary and Medieval Treasures

Delve deeper into the French Revolution, exploring key moments and figures that shaped modern France. Discover Paris’s medieval roots through artifacts and art showcasing the city’s foundation and growth. Conclude with the Paris Commune, a dramatic chapter of rebellion and reform, offering profound insights into the city’s resilience and evolution.

History of the Museum

The Carnavalet Museum is the oldest museum in Paris, dedicated to the city’s history. Located in the Marais district, it spans two historic mansions: the Hôtel Carnavalet and the Hôtel Le Peletier de Saint-Fargeau.

The museum showcases Parisian history from prehistory to today through a vast collection of over 640,000 works, including paintings, sculptures, artifacts, photographs, and architectural elements. Highlights include Napoleon’s campaign kit, Marcel Proust’s personal room, and items from the French Revolution.

After a major renovation, the museum now offers an immersive and accessible experience, preserving the rich heritage and memory of Paris.

show full description

What you get with this tour

Friendly English-speaking guide
Skip the line Carnavalet Musem tickets
Napolean's revolutionary artifacts
Marie Antoinette's personal effects
Proust's personal room
Private tour
Hotel pick up
Meals
Guide gratuity

See what people are saying

5 total reviews

Leave a review

5.0/5 (based on 5 reviews)

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 stars

Love this tour!

17 January 2025

Reviewed by
Karen William

Loved this tour! The guide was so friendly and informative. We had so much fun!

Private Paris History Tour

08 January 2025

Reviewed by
Madison Torres

Loved having a private guide for the Carnavalet. Veronica was awesome, and seeing some of Marie Antoinette's personal items was special!

Great tour with Adam!

03 January 2025

Reviewed by
Amanda Young

Well worth the two hours with our private guide! Thanks Adam! We learned a lot about the history of Marie Antoinette, Napoleon, and the French Revolution. My husband is a huge history buff and Adam was able to answer all his questions.

show more reviews