Guided tour of the Musée d’Orsay: our review

What it is

A two-hour visit of the masterpieces at the Musée d’Orsay, led by an English-speaking art historian guide. The ticket and reservation are included, and audio headsets will be provided if the group requires them. The tour covers the major landmarks of Impressionism and its surrounding movements: Van Gogh’s Starry Night Over the Rhône, Renoir’s Dance at Le Moulin de la Galette, as well as works by Cézanne, Degas, and Manet.

The meeting point is at the entrance of the Musée de la Légion d'Honneur, rue de la Légion-d’Honneur, next to the stairs leading up to Orsay. The RER C stops at Musée d’Orsay station, metro line 12 at Solférino—the same line 12 that serves the Musée Gustave Moreau at Trinité or Saint-Georges (see how to get there). What interests me as a guide to the area: Moreau’s Orpheus, Galatea, and Jason are on display at Orsay. The visit doesn’t necessarily stop there, but you’re free to stay afterward.

What visitors say

Reviews almost all mention the guide by their first name. Nancy recounts a visit with just five people and Chris. Jenna and Phil mention Anaïs: very knowledgeable, a real storytelling talent for one, one of the highlights of their trip for the other. Jennifer had Sid, very funny and well-informed; Claudia, Amish, attentive and friendly; Rheema, Florence, who laid out the key landmarks of Impressionism. Marcel, who came from Germany, simply describes a very competent guide, while Wayne concludes that it is the most beautiful museum he has ever seen.

A useful detail comes from Fiona, from Australia: she booked at the last minute and her guide, Hamish, was organised and passionate. Visits can therefore be booked late without losing quality. What the reviews do not mention, but the details specify: no pushchairs in the group, no backpacks or suitcases, no flash photography, and a route that is not wheelchair accessible, with a lot of walking.

For whom, and who should skip it

For those who understand English effortlessly and want the famous paintings explained without spending the whole day on it. For those who leave the Musée Gustave Moreau in the morning and want to see, in the afternoon, where its Salon paintings ended up. If you prefer French, or six people instead of twenty-five, opt for the private tour for six. If you already have the Paris Museum Pass, entry is already covered, and you are mainly paying for the guide here: it is a choice, not a given.

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