Meet the Impressionists: Musée d'Orsay Skip-the-Line Fully Guided Tour
2 hours
Max 20
Why take this tour?
Highlights
- Skip-the-Line Entry to the Musée d’Orsay – Bypass the long queues and step straight into one of the world’s most breathtaking art spaces.
- Handpicked Highlights from Van Gogh, Monet, Manet & More – See the works that shaped an era, carefully selected to show you the museum's most interesting paintings.
- Art-Loving Expert Guide – Go beyond facts with a guide who reveals the bold lives, radical ideas, and private struggles behind every brushstroke.
- Small Group Size – Travel in a small group that encourages questions and conversation.
- See the Iconic Orsay Clock – Stand behind the museum’s legendary clock face for one of Paris’s most photographed views.
- Sites Visited
- Musée d’Orsay
- Tour Includes
- Local English-speaking guide
- Expertly guided walking tour
- Skip-the-line ticket for Musée d’Orsay
Take in the inner world of the Impressionists.
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Verified Customer reviews
Verified ratings
4.5 /5
based on 79 Walks’ customer ratingsOverall rating
4.5 /5
79 reviewsRating summary by category
Latest reviews
Excellent
Jonny was amazing! we especially liked the fact he showed us clips, videos and photographs. He certainly knows his stuff, and it is always a great pleasure to have a guild that is passionate about their subject. Truly inspirational! Thank you Jonny!
GetYourGuide customer · Diana · United Kingdom · Sep 15, 2025 Excellent
Daniel from WALKS was great! He has a superb sense of humor and told great stories about the history behind each work of art he explained. Wonderful way to see this museum.
Tripadvisor customer · Paradise06631034908 · Sep 13, 2025 Excellent
Our tour with Laurence was absolutely wonderful. Her energy, quips, and ability to weave the evolution of painting into our tour was something we would have missed had we not gone with a guide. I highly recommend going with Laurence if possible! She has so much knowledge and makes it so interesting (she’s read all of van Gogh’s letters!) The museum is huge and definitely needs more time than just the tour so budget for that in your itinerary. I do wish the tour could have started earlier as the museum was packed at 10am on a Tuesday (although I’m not sure if tours can start earlier than that so no reflection on Walks).
GetYourGuide customer · Melissa · United States · Sep 08, 2025 Excellent
Violette speaks perfect English and is extremely knowledgeable! She is an exceptional guide and is very personable! She also recommends other museums worth visiting!
Tripadvisor customer · jva544 · Sep 07, 2025 Excellent
This summer I signed up for several Take Walks tours across Europe because of how professional and knowledgeable the guides have been. But the tour with Adam truly topped all the other tours.
Adam was extremely engaging throughout the tour—he was able to maintain interest from people of all ages, and he had little activities that allowed us to better understand Impressionism. He was a phenomenal storyteller, presenter, and person.
He excelled in his role as a guide, not only by eloquently sharing the history of the Musée d'Orsay and the backstories of various artists, but also by inspiring deep reflection in all of us. His ability to draw parallels between the arts and the current realities of our world was a skill of his I truly appreciate —he humanised the artworks and the artists, beyond the descriptions.
A tour I won't forget for a long time, and I know who I will find when I am back in Paris. #TeamAdam
Tripadvisor customer · Ame · Sep 06, 2025FAQs
Are there any tips for visiting the Musée d’Orsay?
Yes, arrive early to enjoy the museum exterior and surrounding neighborhood and wear comfortable shoes. Booking a guided tour is the best way to get more out of your visit.
Should I visit the Musée d’Orsay or the Louvre?
Both are world-class museums, but they offer very different experiences. The Louvre is vast and encyclopedic, covering centuries of global art, while the Musée d’Orsay focuses on 19th- and early 20th-century French painting—especially the Impressionists and Post-Impressionists. If you’re drawn to artists like Van Gogh, Monet, and Manet, or you want a more manageable, focused visit with powerful storytelling, this Musée d’Orsay tour is the perfect choice.
Is this Musée d’Orsay tour good for solo travelers?
Absolutely. This small-group tour is a great way to experience the museum with others while still having space for personal reflection. Solo travelers often appreciate the chance to ask questions, connect with the guide, and enjoy the museum in a more meaningful way than visiting alone. Plus, with skip-the-line access and a curated itinerary, it’s an easy and welcoming option for exploring one of Paris’s top cultural sites.
Is this Musée d'Orsay tour good for kids or families?
While the focus is on art history, many families enjoy this tour thanks to the guide’s engaging storytelling. Teens and older children with an interest in art or history will get the most out of the experience.
Does this tour include skip-the-line entry to the Musée d'Orsay?
Yes! Your ticket includes skip-the-line access, which allows you to bypass the regular queues and enter the museum more quickly.
How long is the tour and how much walking is involved?
The tour lasts about 2 hours and involves walking through the museum at a relaxed pace. There are places to stop and sit occasionally, but we recommend wearing comfortable shoes.
Do I need to know anything about art to enjoy this tour?
Not at all. Your guide will explain everything in a way that’s engaging and easy to follow. Whether you’re completely new to art or already have a favorite Impressionist, you’ll walk away with a richer understanding and appreciation.
What will I see on this Musée d’Orsay guided tour?
You’ll see standout works by Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masters, including Van Gogh, Monet, Manet, Renoir, Degas, and Cézanne. Expect highlights like Starry Night Over the Rhône, Olympia, and Water Lilies, along with insights that bring each piece to life.
Is this the best Musée d'Orsay tour for a first-time visitor?
Yes! This tour is designed to give you a focused, meaningful introduction to the museum. Rather than trying to see everything, your expert guide selects key masterpieces and shares the stories that make them unforgettable. It’s ideal for beginners and art lovers alike.
I use a wheelchair. Can I take this tour?
Unfortunately, this tour route is not fully wheelchair accessible. However, an alternate route can be arranged to accommodate visitors in wheelchairs. Please contact our Guest Experience Team at least one week before the tour to discuss arranging a private tour that meets your accessibility needs.
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