If you are planning a vacation in France, you might be considering taking a day to head to Paris to take in some of her most famous attractions. Of course, the likes of the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre Dame, and more are immediately familiar names that should be sought out should you wish but there are also other incredible and well-known gems that are slightly less obvious but unmissable wonders.
Among these, we would recommend the Rodin Museum, the Petit Palais, and the Musée de l’Orangerie. While each has something special to offer, the Musée de l’Orangerie is where you’ll find Monet’s stunning Water Lilies as well as moderately-sized but excellent collection of works by other Impressionists and Post-Impressionists such as Cézanne, Matisse, and Renoir.
Though less familiar to some, this museum is certainly not an unknown hidden gem. It is rather popular and can be busy. Well-located along the River Seine on the Right Bank in the First Arrondissement, in a corner to the west of the beautiful and beloved Jardin des Tuileries park, it is in a convenient and central spot. To avoid the worst of the crowds, you can visit early or the hour or two before closing. Locals are often found in the museum at weekends so going at a quiet time during the week makes it more likely to have the time and space to absorb the offerings of this little gem.
While there are other excellent works to be seen, the Water Lilies are the central and star attraction and many visitors like to sit in contemplation in this quiet and peaceful place. Give yourself the time to take these wonders in and try to plan to be there for a less busy time if possible to make the most of it!
There are plenty of other extraordinary museums and works of art to be seen in the city but we think that those who book a villa in France and plan a day in Paris should definitely prioritise this incredible institution.