Meet the Impressionists: Musée d'Orsay Skip-the-Line Fully Guided Tour

619 reviews

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.

Book Now

Verified Customer reviews

Verified ratings
4.5 /5
based on 80 Walks’ customer ratings
Overall rating
4.5 /5
80 reviews
Rating summary by category
Guide
4.7/5
Latest reviews
Excellent
Nuestro guía, Hugo, era excelente. Le dio un gran contexto a todo lo que vimos y fue muy entretenido e interesante. Aprendimos mucho sobre el impresionismo.
Viator customer · DENISE · Nov 13, 2025
Excellent
This tour was the most inspiring part of our trip to Paris. I believe our guides name was Hugo- if Im wrong I apologize. He was absolutely incredible. One of the things he encouraged us to do as we walked into an exhibit was to take a deep breath and soak in the moment and the way we felt. I am not one who has had much exposure to art certainly not art like this. Our guide was constantly asking questions and things that we notice. This was truly a moment I will never forget and I cannot wait to take my children back and hopefully you get paired with Hugo again. As my wife and I left, I told her that I was so inspired that I wanted to go and start painting when we got home. She laughed at me because Im not artistic, but for me to say that I wanted to go home and make something artistic is really saying something. This was the highlight of my trip to Paris.
GetYourGuide customer · William · Nov 12, 2025
Excellent
Violett, unser Tourguide, sie war einfach großartig! Ihr Wissen war beeindruckend!
GetYourGuide customer · GetYourGuide · Nov 11, 2025
Excellent
Hugo was an exceptional guide! He gave us a great overview of the Orsay collection, particularly focused on the impressionist and post-impressionist masterpieces. His enthusiasm was infectious and his knowledge was deep.
Tripadvisor customer · Aaron · Nov 09, 2025
Excellent
Violett has an impressive knowledge of art history and made the tour about the Impressionists extremely exciting and informative. We learned so much new information! She answered all of our questions, including those from our children (the youngest was nine), and involved the children in her tour in a very competent manner! It was a great pleasure to meet Violett!
Tripadvisor customer · Lillian · Nov 09, 2025

FAQs

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 guests in wheelchairs. Please contact our Guest Experience Team to discuss arranging a private tour that meets your accessibility needs.
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.

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