Lesser Known Paris Museums Worth Visiting

Paris is a city filled with a rich history and culture, and one of the best ways to experience this is through its museums. While the Louvre is undoubtedly one of the most famous museums in the world, Paris has so many other fascinating museums that are often overlooked. After taking countless visitors to the Louvre while living in Paris, I began compiling my list of the best lesser-known museums in Paris that are definitely worth exploring. These are the fan favorites!

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Musée Rodin

Musée Rodin

@TravelFilled

This is a museum that gets used a lot in films and shows in Paris (Midnight in Paris, Marvelous Miss Maisel), and yet remains less visited. The museum is really more of an expereince- located in the Hôtel Biron, a stunning 18th-century mansion that serves as the perfect backdrop for Rodin's most famous sculptures, including The Thinker and The Kiss. In addition to the indoor galleries, the museum also has a beautiful sculpture garden that's perfect for a leisurely stroll on a nice day.

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The Musée Carnavalet

Musée Carnavalet

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A personal favorite, Musée Carnavalet is a museum dedicated to the history of Paris in two neighboring mansions from the 16th century in the heart of Le Marais. The museum's collection includes a wide range of objects, from ancient artifacts to modern-day photographs, and Fabula, the restaurant in the courtyard is a beautiful spot to take a pause between museums. Tickets are free, but best to reserve online ahead of time.

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The Musée de l'Orangerie

Musée de l'Orangerie

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The Musée de l'Orangerie is a museum located on the Place de la Concorde side of the Tuileries- so close to the Louvre it ends up being overlooked. It's known for its collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings, including works by Claude Monet, Paul Cézanne, and Henri Matisse. The most famous work in the museum is Monet's Water Lilies, which span two oval rooms. The museum is relatively small, making it easy to navigate, and it's a great choice for those who want to see some beautiful art without having to fight the crowds at the larger museums nearby.

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Musée de la Vie Romantique

Musée de la Vie Romantique

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This museum located in a charming 19th-century house in the Pigalle neighborhood and dedicated to the Romantic era in France, featuring a collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts from the period. The museum is located on a peaceful street- you could walk right by it if you didn't know what you were looking for- and the courtyard is a particularly lovely spot. Also, it was featured in the last season of Emily in Paris when she and Gabriel are checking out proposal spots.

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Musée de la Libération de Paris

The Liberation of Paris Museum - General Leclerc Museum - Jean Moulin Museum

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This entire museum is free and dedicated to the documenting the work of the French Resistance to WWII. This feels like a standard WWII museum until you work your way down to the basement... where you can explore a WWII bunker and participate in a simulation that will have you feeling like a Resistance fighter in virtual reality. Such a unique experience!

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The Best Paris Hotels to Explore on Foot

I used to live in Paris, so when I return, I pick where I stay based on what I'm hoping to see and do. Paris is magically a massive city that remains largely walkable, and strolling the City of Light is not only an easy way to get around, but most Parisians' favorite past time. Wander (flâner) amidst the Haussmannian architecture, picnic in the gardens, get lost in the Louvre, sip coffee or wine on a terrasse, fill up on crêpes and vintage books, watch the Eiffel Tower sparkle– this magical city is meant to be shared. These are some of the best central hotel options in Paris that will allow you to explore the city by foot.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Emma Cregg

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Bonjour, y'all! I’m Emma, a southerner who moved to Paris and now splits my time between the City of Light and Charleston, SC. After years of planning trips to both spots for friends, family, and the occasional stranger I befriended on a plane, I made things official and launched Travel Filled, my travel blog and planning business. I used to work for the City of Charleston and now travel and work with cities all over the country (aka total local government nerd, proudly nicknamed the Leslie Knope of my grad class). That makes me incredibly enthusiastic about finding and sharing local specialities and hidden gems. I’m constantly seeking out new cultural experiences, running routes, good pescatarian spots, book and coffee nooks, and the perfect cocktail. I plan trips for all sorts of folks, but am especially passionate about connecting with culturally curious women looking to fill up their travel cup through a blend of authentic experiences and treat yoself moments and are just too busy kicking ass in their daily lives to plan it all on their own!

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Paris, France