Orsay Museum Tour

A private walk through the Orsay’s best—at your pace, with the tickets handled.

Quick Overview

• Your group only (up to 6 people)
• Duration: 2 hours
• Style: Walking, but we’ll stop often to actually look at the art
• Speed & focus: We move as fast or as slow as you like
• Languages: Usually English; ask if you need another language
• What we see: The Impressionist floor plus the "unmissables" across the collection
• The finish: I'll leave you inside the museum so you can keep exploring if you're not tired yet
• Best for: First-timers, art lovers on a schedule, and families who want a calm visit

The Experience

I like to keep my Orsay tours straightforward: we find a good rhythm, avoid the biggest crowds, and focus on the art rather than just a list of dates. I’ll give you enough context to understand why a painting matters, but I won’t bury you in names you’ll forget by lunch.

Since it’s just your group, we can pivot. If you’re obsessed with the Impressionists, we’ll stay there longer. If you’re more into the building itself—it was a train station, after all—we’ll spend time on the architecture. My goal is to make the museum feel like a coherent story instead of a maze of rooms.

If anyone has trouble with stairs or walking, just tell me. I’ll map out a route using elevators and find the shortest paths between the galleries.

Tour Highlights (the icons and the quiet spots)

• The Impressionists — A clear look at the big names (Monet, Renoir, Pissarro) and why their style actually changed everything
• Van Gogh — We’ll head to his self-portraits and the Starry Night (subject to museum rotations)
• Degas’ Dancers — How he captured the messy, moving reality of backstage Paris
• Manet & Renoir — The "rebels" of their time. I'll show you why these paintings caused such a scandal when they first appeared
• The Giant Clock View — The best photo spot in the building (and a great place to see the city through the glass)
• Architecture — The story of how a luxury train station became an art museum
• How to "Read" a Painting — I’ll share a few simple tricks to help you see things you’d normally walk right past
• Hidden Gems — A few pieces I love that don't always get the big crowds
• Seated Moments — I know where the benches are. We’ll take breaks so you don't get "museum feet"

Price

• Starting from 125€ per person.

What’s Included / What’s Not Included

Included

• My time as your guide for 2 hours
• Your museum tickets (I handle the booking)
• A custom route based on what you actually want to see
• Post-tour tips — I’ll point you toward the best nearby cafés for a post-art debrief

Not Included

• Gratuities
• Food and drinks
• Getting there (unless you add on a transfer)
• Hotel pickup (available as an add-on)

Route & Walking Info

We’ll be walking inside. The floors are flat, but the museum is big.

• Distance: Usually about 1 to 2 km.
• Terrain: Flat floors, but there are stairs (and elevators).
• Pace: Whatever feels good to you.
• Accessibility: If you need to avoid stairs, let me know. I can adapt the route completely.

Good to Know

• Meeting Point: I’ll send you very clear instructions on where to find me at the museum.
• Timing: Try to be there 10 minutes early so we can get through the entrance smoothly.
• Weather: It's all indoors, so we're good regardless of the rain.
• Shoes: Wear comfortable ones. Museum floors are harder than they look.
• Bags: Keep them small. The museum has strict rules on large bags.
• Tickets: Already included. I'll have the details ready.
• Late Starts: If you’re late, it cuts into our tour time, so try to be prompt!

Optional Add-Ons

• Hotel Pickup
• Private Car Transfer
• Other Languages (Ask for availability)
• The Third Hour (If you want to go deeper into the 19th-century sculpture or realism rooms)
• Impressionist Deep Dive (Focused purely on the 5th floor)
• Family Version (Interactive for kids so they don't get bored)
• Photo Focus (Finding the best light and angles for your shots)

Choose Your Tour Length

Classic (2 hours)

The "greatest hits." We see the Impressionists, the big icons, and the architecture without feeling exhausted.

Extended (3 hours)

More time for the "why." We can add extra rooms, talk more about the individual artists, and take a slower pace.

After You Book

• You'll get a confirmation right away.
• I'll send the meeting spot details shortly after.
• I’ll ask what you’re most interested in (or if there’s anything you definitely want to skip).
• If you have mobility needs, tell me then so I can prep the route.

Cancellation Policy

• Free cancellation: Up to 30 days before the tour provided no tickets have been booked.
• Partial refund i(if tickets have been booked): 30+ days before the tour: You will be charged only for the ticket cost. 15–7 days before the tour: 50% of the tour price will be charged. 7 days–48 hours before the tour: 75% of the tour price will be charged.
• No refunds for no-shows.
  Cancellations made less than 48 hours before the tour and No Shows
• Rescheduling: If your plans change, I will do my best to accommodate a new date/time, subject to availability. Please notify me as soon as possible. A small fee may apply to cover any ticket costs.

FAQ

Do I need to buy tickets?
No, I've got them.

Is it actually private?
Yes. Just you and me.

Will we see the Starry Night?
Most likely, as long as the museum hasn't moved it for a special exhibition.

Is it okay for kids?
Yes. I can adapt the stories to keep them interested.

What if I have trouble walking?
I'll find the elevators. Just let me know in advance.

Message me to check dates or customize the focus.