VIBE

This elegant 19th century train station now houses one of the world’s finest collections of Impessionist and Post-Impressionist art (covering the period from 1848-1914). The artwork is arranged by historic periods to highlight the development of Impressionist art, and the works on display (by artists like Monet, Manet, Cézanne, Renoir, Gauguin, and Van Gogh) are often the finest, most famous examples of this–expect to spend the day saying “Oh là là, I know that one!” over and over again. There’s also an impressive sculpture garden fetchingly placed under the original vaulted and glass-domed ceiling of the train station.

GO HERE WITH

Art history buffs; friends; a date

WHY WE LIKE IT

The artwork is incredible, and the Belle Époque train station setting definitely shows it in its best light. Also, the staff is super friendly and helpful, which gives the visit an extra lift.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

It’s annoying that many of the most famous paintings are often out on loan.

GOOD TO KNOW

Save your ticket stub! It qualifies you for a reduced price ticket at the Musée de Gustave Moreau and a free visit to Palais Garnier (the national opera of Paris). For EUR 13, you can purchase a joint ticket to the Musée de l’Orangerie (which is only a short walk away) and for EUR 12 you can purchase a joint ticket to the Musée Rodin. The ticket price goes down to EUR 5.50 after 4:15pm (except on Thursdays, when it’s EUR 5.50 after 6:00pm). Audio guides are available for EUR 5 in English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Russian, Chinese, and Japanese.

CLOSEST COMPS

The Museum of Modern Art (New York)

Click here for our full-form mobile travel guide, The Purple Passport to Paris