Campervan Holiday Paris France

Campervan Holiday Paris France

Paris is a paradise for art lovers. From the iconic works of the great masters to the latest trends in contemporary art, Museums and Galleries. Seven days in Paris with so many things to do, and so many things to see. It’s a walker’s delight, make sure that you have broken those new holiday shoes in. We don’t need any blisters here. We first went to Paris in the 90’s, staying in the Montmartre area near the Sacré-Cœur. I remember trying out my limited French while trying to find some food. I came back to the hotel room with a whole Rotisserie chicken, a French stick, a pat of butter plus coleslaw. No plates or knives and forks though.

I was working at a French restaurant in Southsea named L’escargot. It was based on a restaurant in Paris. Le Munich on Rue de Buci in the Saint-Germain area or the Left bank as it is also known. We managed to book a table at the restaurant.I wanted to see how they cooked and served their food. I also wanted to pick up some hints and tips to make our restaurant more French-authentic. Today it is another restaurant, just like the place in Southsea, it has another name and another use.

Second and Third visits to Paris

Our second and third visit to Paris was in the late 90’s and early 2000’s. We stayed in an Apart Hotel named Citadines. It was very near Les Halles Station. This is an amazing location as you are near the Louvre and the Pompidou Center. There is a food market outside the hotel in a square most evenings. Just a few minutes walk away are grocers bakeries and butchers if you want to self-cater. You can book the Citadines hotel below.

Our fourth visit to Paris was in September 2022. This time we stayed out of the city at a campsite in our campervan. You can see the details at this link Maisons Laffitte. It has information about the campsite and how to buy a cheap 7-day train pass to visit Paris. It’s only a twenty-six-minute train journey. Below you will find a little info about the Paris museums that we visited.

The Paris Pass: Save money and skip the line

To save a little money and get into the museums faster you really need to buy a Paris Pass. The Paris Pass is a tourist pass for Paris, France. It provides access to multiple tourist attractions, museums, and transportation services. We bought a 6-day pass which lasts 6 days or 144 hours and the cost is 85.00€ per person.  Savings start on average from the 6th visit of a museum. We bought one from one of the local Tourist Information centre’s

By purchasing a Paris Pass, visitors can save time and money compared to buying separate tickets for each attraction. The pass includes skip-the-line access to popular attractions such as the Louvre Museum, the Musée d’Orsay, and the Sainte-Chapelle. Additionally, the Paris Pass may also offer discounts on other cultural and leisure activities in the city. The pass is available for purchase for different lengths of time, such as 2, 4, or 6 consecutive days. This suits the needs of different travellers. The PARIS MUSEUM PASS opens the doors to over 50 museums and monuments in Paris and the Paris region.

Paris museums and art galleries

Introduction to Art Galleries & Museums in Paris

Paris is known for its world-class museums and galleries, which showcase an incredible array of art from around the world. The city is home to some of the most iconic museums and galleries in the world, such as the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay. But there are also many lesser-known galleries and museums that are worth exploring, such as the Centre Pompidou, the Musée de l’Orangerie, and the Musée Rodin.

No matter what your interest is, there is sure to be something for you in Paris. From the iconic works of the great masters to the latest trends in contemporary art, Paris has something for everyone.

The best way to visit the museums is to look at the map that is included with your Paris Pass. After day one and while sitting in your accommodation you can plan your museum visits by an area of Paris. This saves on long walks between museums.

The Louvre: Paris’s Most Iconic Museum

No art lover’s guide to Paris would be complete without mentioning the Louvre. This iconic museum is home to some of the world’s most famous works of art, including the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. The Louvre also houses an impressive collection of ancient and modern art. It also has an impressive selection of sculptures and artefacts.

The Louvre is one of the busiest museums in the world and is visited by millions each year. The museum is divided into eight sections, each dedicated to a particular period or style of art. The museum also offers a variety of temporary exhibitions and special events. It’s always worth checking out what’s on offer.

If you’re looking to explore the Louvre, it’s best to plan ahead as the museum can get extremely crowded. I recommend purchasing the Paris Pass in advance from a quiet Tourist Information Centre to avoid the long queues.

Musée d’Orsay: A Must-Visit for Impressionists and Post-Impressionists

The Musée d’Orsay is a must-visit for any Impressionist or Post-Impressionist lover. It is housed in the former Gare d’Orsay, a Beaux-Arts railway station built between 1898 and 1900. This stunning museum is home to an incredible collection of works by Monet, Renoir, Cezanne, Van Gogh, and many more. The museum also houses a selection of sculptures and artefacts from the same period. Its collection is widely regarded as one of the finest in the world.

The Musée d’Orsay also offers a variety of temporary exhibitions and special events. That’s why it’s always worth checking out what’s on offer. I recommend purchasing the Paris Pass in advance to avoid the long queues.

Musée National Picasso-Paris: Exploring the Creative Mind of the Master

The Musée National Picasso-Paris is a museum dedicated to the works of the famous Spanish artist Pablo Picasso. It is located in the Marais neighbourhood of Paris, France and contains a Large collection of the artist’s work. The collection of the Picasso Museum in Paris has more than 5,000 works, and more than two hundred thousand archival pieces.  By its quality, its breadth and the diversity of the artistic fields represented. It is the only public collection in the world which allows both a crossing of all the painted, sculpted, engraved and drawn works of Picasso, as well as the precise evocation of the artist’s creative process. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions and cultural events related to Picasso and his contemporaries

After visiting the Museum I was so impressed with the paintings. I decided I would paint a copy of Maya Ruiz-Picasso, Daughter of Pablo. We have seen Picasso’s before in many museums, and this collection from his daughter was magnificent. We did the tour as part of our Paris Pass ticket. I painted this painting with Acrylic paint on a thick piece of marine plywood.

After posting my painting on Twitter my Sister in law called. She told me that she had just finished editing the museum book for this museum. Myriam owns and runs MBediting. Myriam translated the book from French to English, You can buy a copy at the museum.

Centre Pompidou: A Modern Art Lover’s Paradise

The Centre Pompidou is a modern art lover’s paradise. It’s one of my favourites in Paris. Purchase the Paris Pass and you can jump all the lines and get in fast-tracked. We walked past hundreds of people waiting to buy a ticket when we visited. To the right and at the front of the museum they have a Paris pass entrance.

The Centre Pompidou is located in the heart of Paris, France. It is a cultural centre and museum that is known for its modern and contemporary art exhibitions. Here are a few reasons why you should visit the Centre Pompidou.

Unique Architecture. The Centre Pompidou is famous for its innovative and futuristic architectural design. This includes a distinctive colourful external skeleton that houses the elevators, pipes, and ducts. The photo at the top is a modern version of the building front. You can see this image being used at a photo booth just inside the gallery.

Extensive Art Collection. The museum has an extensive collection of modern and contemporary art. These include works by famous artists such as Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, Joan Miro, and many others.

Innovative Exhibitions. The Centre Pompidou is known for its innovative exhibitions and installations. They showcase the latest developments in modern and contemporary art.

Multimedia Library. The Centre Pompidou also has a multimedia library that is open to the public. Providing access to a vast collection of books, films, music, and other resources related to modern and contemporary art.

Cultural Activities. In addition to its art exhibitions, the Centre Pompidou also offers a range of cultural activities. It includes such things as concerts, workshops, film screenings, and more.

Visiting the Centre Pompidou is a must for anyone who is interested in modern and contemporary art, architecture, and culture.

The Eiffel Tower

We have been up this 3 times now, Once in the evening when it was dark. Once during the day, both visits were by elevator. The final visit was just by myself, I wanted to walk up. I walked from the bottom to the second tier, the furthest they allow you to walk.

The Eiffel Tower is a wrought iron lattice tower located on the Champ de Mars in Paris, France. It was built in 1889 as the entrance arch to the 1889 World’s Fair. It has since become an iconic symbol of France and one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world. The Eiffel Tower is approximately 324 meters tall, including its antenna. It offers stunning views of the city of Paris from its observation decks.

Visitors can take an elevator or climb the stairs to reach the top. This is where they can enjoy a meal at one of its restaurants or simply admire the view. The Eiffel Tower is a popular tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors each year. It is considered one of the greatest engineering feats of the 19th century. This tour is NOT included in the Paris Pass ticket. You can either pre-book on the website or buy a ticket on the day.

A view from halfway up the Eiffel Tower

Click 2, 3 or 3.5 for the different levels.

Arc de Triomphe

This one is right in the middle of a massive car roundabout. It takes a few minutes to decide how to get there. There is no chance of crossing the road. You have to find an underground entrance that takes you to the middle. The Arc de Triomphe is a famous monument located in Paris, France. It was commissioned in 1806 by Napoleon Bonaparte to commemorate the victories of the French army and to honour the fallen soldiers.

The Arc de Triomphe is located at the centre of the Place Charles de Gaulle. It is at the end of the Champs-Élysées and stands 50 meters high. The triumphal arch features intricate sculptures and reliefs depicting key moments and individuals in French history. Visitors can climb to the top of the Arc de Triomphe for panoramic views of the city. The Arc de Triomphe is also the site of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This is a memorial to the unidentified soldiers who died in the First World War.

Sainte-Chapelle

This was a very nice Chapell, it took us a while to get in. Most people had a Paris Pass in the line, so we had about a thirty-minute wait. Mainly because you are entering an area of high security. They need to x-ray all baggage and search every tourist.

The Sainte-Chapelle is a Gothic-style chapel located in the Île de la Cité in Paris, France. Builders constructed it in the mid-13th century to house the Crown of Thorns, a relic believed to have been worn by Jesus during his crucifixion. The Sainte-Chapelle is famed for its breathtaking stained-glass windows, which cover nearly the entire upper walls and create a stunning interplay of light and colour. The chapel’s design and architecture, featuring tall and slender proportions, ribbed vaults, and stained-glass windows, are acknowledged as masterpieces of the Gothic style. The Sainte-Chapelle is open to the public for visits and is a popular tourist attraction in Paris.

Conciergerie

This is very easy to get into, it’s next to Sainte-Chapelle, so you don’t need such a hefty search, after leaving the first Chapel turn left and walk 20 yards and you are at the entrance for the Conciergerie. The Conciergerie is a historic building in Paris, France located on the Île de la Cité. It was originally built as a palace in the 14th century and served as a royal residence until the French Revolution.

During the Revolution, the Conciergerie was transformed into a prison and held thousands of prisoners, including Marie Antoinette, before they were taken to the guillotine. Today, the Conciergerie serves as a museum and a symbol of the tumultuous history of France. Visitors can tour the former prison cells, the Hall of Men-at-Arms, and other parts of the building to learn about the history of the French Revolution and the lives of the prisoners who were held there. The Conciergerie is a popular tourist attraction in Paris and a significant historical site in the city.

Hotel De La Marine

We had never been in this building before. It was a pleasant surprise, we had a very nice leisurely nice. The Hôtel de la Marine is a historic building in Paris, France, located on the Place de la Concorde. It was built in the late 18th century as the headquarters of the French Navy and served as the office of the Minister of the Navy. The building is noted for its neoclassical style, with a facade of columns and a triangular pediment. After serving as the headquarters of the Navy for many years, the Hôtel de la Marine was converted into a museum and then into a luxury hotel. Today, the Hôtel de la Marine is a 5-star hotel offering luxurious accommodations and a prime location in the heart of Paris, near many of the city’s most famous tourist attractions.

Gustave Moreau Museum

This house was so tall inside, it was like a tardis and it contained so many paintings, truly amazing. We were so pleased we made time for a visit. The Gustave Moreau Museum is a museum dedicated to the works of the French symbolist painter Gustave Moreau, located in Paris, France.

The museum is housed in the former studio and home of the artist and contains a collection of over 14,000 works, including paintings, drawings, and watercolours. Visitors can see Moreau’s most famous works, such as “Oedipus and the Sphinx” and “Salome Dancing before Herod,” as well as a variety of other works that showcase his unique style and approach to painting. The museum also provides an insight into Moreau’s life and work, including his influences and artistic processes. The Gustave Moreau Museum is a popular destination for art lovers and a must-visit for anyone interested in the works of this talented and influential painter.

Panthéon

We had glorious weather the day we visited, so we decided to walk from Les Halles Station (about 30 minutes, but 50 minutes weaving around the small streets and shops). The Panthéon is a building in Paris, France, located on the Montagne Sainte-Geneviève. It was originally built as a church in the late 18th century but has served a variety of purposes over the years, including as a mausoleum for notable French citizens. Today, the Panthéon is a national monument and a symbol of the French Republic. Visitors can tour the building and see its impressive dome, as well as the tombs of many famous French figures, including Voltaire, Rousseau, Victor Hugo, and Alexandre Dumas. The Panthéon is also known for its stunning views over the city of Paris, making it a popular tourist attraction for those looking to admire the city from above.

Musée de l’Orangerie Monet, Renoir, and More

The Musée de l’Orangerie in Paris, France, is a museum that is particularly known for its exceptional collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings. Here are a few reasons why you should visit the Musée de l’Orangerie:

Masterpieces by Monet The museum is famous for its series of eight large-scale Water Lilies paintings by Claude Monet, which are displayed in two oval rooms specifically designed for this purpose. These paintings are considered some of Monet’s greatest masterpieces and provide a breathtaking and immersive experience for visitors.

Impressionist and Post-Impressionist Art In addition to Monet’s Water Lilies, the museum also has an impressive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings, including works by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Edgar Degas, Édouard Manet, and others.

Intimate Setting The museum’s small size and intimate setting provide a peaceful and relaxed environment in which to appreciate the art, making it a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Temporary Exhibitions The Musée de l’Orangerie also frequently hosts temporary exhibitions featuring works by other famous artists, providing a chance to see additional masterpieces in a concentrated setting.

Location The museum is located in the heart of Paris, near many other famous sights, including the Tuileries Garden, the Louvre Museum, and the Place Vendôme.

Visiting the Musée de l’Orangerie is a must for anyone who is interested in Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art, and for those who want to experience some of Monet’s most iconic paintings in a peaceful and intimate setting. You can visit with the Paris Pass.

Other Notable Art Galleries & Museums in Paris

In addition to the museums and galleries mentioned above, there are many other notable art galleries and museums in Paris. These include the Musée Marmottan Monet, the Musée National d’Art Moderne, and the Musée des Arts Décoratifs.

The city is also home to a number of contemporary art galleries, such as Gallery Xippas and Galerie Perrotin. These galleries showcase the works of emerging and established artists from around the world.

Tips for Visiting Art Galleries & Museums in Paris

Visiting art galleries and museums in Paris can be an incredibly rewarding experience. To make the most of your visit, here are a few tips:

• Plan ahead: Paris is home to some of the busiest museums and galleries in the world. It’s best to plan ahead and purchase tickets online in advance.
• Know the rules: Most galleries and museums have strict rules, such as no photography or no food and drinks. Make sure to check the rules before you visit.
• Ask questions: Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Most galleries and museums have knowledgeable staff who will be more than happy to answer your questions.
• Bring a notebook: If you want to make the most of your visit. It’s a good idea to bring a notebook and pen to jot down your thoughts and impressions.

Conclusion

Paris is a paradise for art lovers. From the iconic works of the great masters to the latest trends in contemporary art, the city has something for everyone. I hope this blog post has given you an art lover’s guide to the best museums and galleries in Paris.

If you’re looking to explore the world of art in Paris, make sure to plan ahead, Buy a Paris Pass and get into the galleries and museums quickly.

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