Musée d'Orsay: Worth It?

The Musée d'Orsay is one of Paris's must-sees if you like Impressionist and post-Impressionist art. Expect a stunning Beaux-Arts building packed with works by Monet, Van Gogh, Renoir, Degas, and Cézanne. The main floor and upper levels hold the big hitters; lower levels have decorative arts and smaller exhibits. Crowds are heavy around the clock gallery and Van Gogh room, but you can usually find quieter corners. Plan on 2-3 hours if you want to see the highlights without rushing. It's manageable in size compared to the Louvre, so you won't feel completely overwhelmed.

Best time to visit is shoulder season (April-May or September-October) when lines are shorter and the weather is decent for walking there. Avoid July and August if possible. Expect to pay around €25-45 total per person: basic entry sits in the mid-20s, while skip-the-line tickets with audio guides push toward the higher end, especially if bundled with a short tour. Book ahead online to dodge the worst queues.

Honest tips: Prioritize the upper floors for the major Impressionist works first, then wander down. Skip the basement temporary exhibitions unless something specific interests you - they can eat up time. Go early morning or late afternoon; the light in the main hall is beautiful around closing. Wear comfortable shoes - the building is large and marble floors get tiring.