First Impressions

Set inside a stunning former Beaux-Arts train station, the Musée d’Orsay immediately felt different from any museum I’d visited before. The grand clock, arched ceilings, and natural light make the space feel alive. It’s warm, not intimidating—more like being welcomed into the intimate world of the artists themselves.

Getting There

I took Metro Line 12 to Solférino Station, then strolled a few quiet blocks. You can also walk along the Seine River from the Louvre—it’s a scenic 15-minute walk that sets the perfect tone before stepping into the museum.

Tip: Arrive early or come on Thursday evenings for fewer crowds and a quieter, more magical vibe.

My Experience

This was the museum that made me fall in love with Impressionism. I stood in front of Monet’s water lilies, Degas’ ballerinas, and Van Gogh’s self-portrait with tears in my eyes. Every piece felt personal and emotional—less about perfection, more about presence.

I wandered slowly, pausing often. The views through the museum’s giant clock windows gave me the perfect excuse to just stop, breathe, and admire Paris from above. It felt like stepping into the soul of the 19th century.

Good to Know

• Open: Tues–Sun 9:30 AM – 6 PM (Thursdays until 9:45 PM, closed Mondays)

• Tickets: ~€16; free for EU residents under 26

• Visit Duration: 2–3 hours

• Facilities: Lockers, restrooms, gift shop, cafés, accessible pathways

Snack Break

I treated myself to a cappuccino at the Café Campana inside the museum—it sits right behind the famous clock and feels straight out of a movie. Afterwards, I lingered on a bench in the museum’s central gallery, just people-watching and feeling completely at peace.

Personal Tips

• Download the museum’s app for a self-guided audio experience

• Focus on the fifth floor first—it’s where many of the Impressionist masterpieces are housed

• Wear something comfortable and a little romantic—this place brings out the poet in you

• Don’t forget to look up—the building itself is a masterpiece

Why I Loved It

⭐ 5.0/5 — “Musée d’Orsay didn’t just show me art—it made me feel it. I left inspired, full, and a little more in love with the world.”

What You’ll Want to Capture

• The iconic clock window overlooking the Seine

• Golden light spilling over sculpture galleries

• Quiet moments with Van Gogh, Monet, or Renoir

• Your reflection in the glass surrounded by painted light and color