Discover Paris's free municipal museums, from the historic Marais to the elegant 8th arrondissement. Explore 18th-century art, literary heritage, and the rich history of Paris itself.
This route has 6 stops.
Start at Victor Hugo's apartment on Place des Vosges, where the legendary author lived for 16 years and wrote much of Les Misérables. Free entry.
Walk to Musée Carnavalet, chronicling Paris history from prehistory to present in two Renaissance mansions. Features Proust's bedroom and French Revolution artifacts. Free entry.
Continue to Musée Cognacq-Jay, a jewel-box museum of 18th-century art. Boucher, Fragonard, and Tiepolo paintings in an intimate Marais setting. Free entry.
Visit the Musée Picasso nearby in the elegant Hôtel Salé. World's largest Picasso collection with over 5,000 works. Paid admission.
Take the metro to Petit Palais, a stunning 1900 Beaux-Arts palace with Rembrandt, Monet, and Cézanne. Beautiful garden courtyard café. Free entry.
End at Musée d'Art moderne de Paris nearby, featuring Matisse's La Danse and Dufy's massive La Fée Électricité mural. Free entry to permanent collection.