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Orsay Museum Guided Tour

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Group Size

Max 6

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Tour Duration

2.5 Hours

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100% Satisfaction Guaranteed

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Free Cancellation up to 24 hrs

Highlights of the tour

Highlights generally include (as long as artwork is not on loan or being restored): 

• Caillebotte's The Floor Scrapers — an iconic portrayal of the Parisian working class with sharp realism, an iconic portrayal of the Parisian working-class that blends sharp realism with the innovative perspectives of Impressionism. 

• Manet's Olympia & Luncheon on the Grass — uncover the scandalous origins of Manet's Olympia and Luncheon on the Grass, two paintings that shocked audiences and helped define modern art. 

• Monet's Masterpieces — admire Monet's breathtaking series, from his atmospheric views of Rouen Cathedral and the misty grandeur of London's Parliament to his radiant poppies. 

• From Renoir's Dance at Le Moulin de la Galette to the beauty of Van Gogh's Starry Night Over the Rhône — our guide will take you through the history of Impressionism and Post-Impressionism


Details

There's a reason why Impressionism is the world's most beloved art movement its vibrant colors, bold brushstrokes, and stirring depictions of Parisian life in the 1800s capture a mood and a moment in time like no other style. 

From sunlit landscapes to bustling scenes of Belle Époque life, the masterpieces of the Musée d'Orsay transport you into the heart of 19th-century France. Join one of our expert guides for a 2.5-hour guided tour of this magnificent repurposed, century-old train station, now home to the world's greatest collection of Impressionist art. With small groups limited to just 6 guests, you'll have plenty of time to engage with your guide as they reveal the groundbreaking techniques and artistic rivalries that shaped this movement. Admire Monet's luminous cityscapes, Pissarro's idyllic landscapes, and Degas' graceful ballerinas. As you stand before Van Gogh's iconic Self-Portrait and the mesmerizing Starry Night Over the Rhône, gain a profound understanding of his genius and turmoil. 

By the end of your tour, you'll have uncovered the stories behind these revolutionary works and the artists who defied convention to change the course of art history. Whether you're an art lover or a first-time visitor, this experience will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the world of Impressionism.

If you'd like to avoid the crowds, be sure to check out our Thursday evening tour.


Itinerary

  • A 2.5-hour tour of the Musée d'Orsay with one of our expert guides
  • Esplanade Valéry Giscard d'Estaing, 75007 Paris.

Inclusion

• GUIDED MUSEUM TOUR (with Reserved Entry Tickets Included)

• PROFESSIONAL TOUR GUIDE

• DURATION 2.5 HOURS

• ALL ENTRANCE FEES (with Reserved Entry Included!)

 

Not Included

 

• TOUR PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE FOOD AND DRINKS

• TOUR PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE HOTEL PICKUP OR DROP-OFF (we recommend UBER or Taxi)

• TOUR PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE GRATUITIES (optional)

• TOUR PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE LUGGAGE OR COAT STORAGE


Book your place

Semi-Private Tour

Enjoy an intimate small-group experience
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Family Friendly Tour

Private tour designed with families in mind
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What Our Customers Say

A complete art lesson from Anatole at the d’Orsay
Jim G 33 contributions

A complete art lesson from Anatole at the d’Orsay

Our visit to the Orsay with Anatole was the art history class I never took, but now wished I had and will change how I view art forever.Our tour was a step by step journey through the underpinnings, connections, and consequences of the impressionist revolution. Anatole took the time to make us look carefully at the pieces, to explain the scandalous ones, to provide context and anecdotes, and to stop and to explore the notions that occurred to us during our visit. You will not regret spending time in a museum with Professor Anatole.

04 September 2025

Enhanced our appreciation greatly.
Flora H 2 contributions

Enhanced our appreciation greatly.

Our guide Miriam was wonderful. She was very knowledgeable and responsive to our questions. The small group (6 people max) was great.

04 September 2025

Musee d Orsay
Leslye W 66 contributions

Musee d Orsay

Ivana P was an amazing guide of the musee d’Orsay! She has multiple degrees in art history and gave us so much background of the painting we were seeing! Small group of 6 was perfect. Highly recommend her and Babylon Tours,

05 September 2025

Wonderful experience with Iasson T
Inspire816469 3 contributions

Wonderful experience with Iasson T

Wonderful tour to maximize your time at d’Orsay. Iasson T was the perfect tour guide - extremely knowledgeable and friendly. Would recommend him for tours of both d’Orsay and Le Louvre.

05 September 2025

Ivana knows her stuff, and how best to share it.
John T 8 contributions

Ivana knows her stuff, and how best to share it.

Ivana was a well-informed, sociable, and entertaining guide. She had an expert level of knowledge about the artworks at the Musee D'Orsay, the artists, and the time period during which Impressionism flourished. What a wonderful experience!

06 September 2025

Highly recommend
Joan H 1 contributions

Highly recommend

Our tour with Daniel was wonderful and I would highly recommend. He was incredibly knowledgeable and fun and the tour flew by too fast. Thank you Daniel!

09 September 2025

Excellent, well informed guide
StreetBand 10 contributions

Excellent, well informed guide

Very good experience and guided tour of the critical works at the d'Orsay with a great deal of information about political/society context of the paintings. Also a nice bit of information on a few surprise paintings.

09 September 2025

Fantastic Tour Guide and Great Museum
Shanti C 6 contributions

Fantastic Tour Guide and Great Museum

The tour guide Hugo was absolutely fantastic! His knowledge of the art and the history of the art, and the context for the development of artistic movements and the artists philosophies was amazing. He is friendly, engaging and I loved the depth of his commentary. I liked it so much that I booked a tour with him for another museum tomorrow. And of course, the museum itself is one of the great museums of the world.

10 September 2025

Uplifting and Informative Tour!
GraemeH 3 contributions

Uplifting and Informative Tour!

Very engaging, uplifting and informative insights into the full array of what this museum has to offer. Lili had a great interactive and interpersonal style with everyone on our tour.

12 September 2025

Best museum tour of Paris
LuCIa L 1 contributions

Best museum tour of Paris

This tour is a quiet, beautiful walk with only six people, it feels calm and personal. The guide speaks gently and clearly, sharing stories behind famous paintings Monet’s soft gardens Van Gogh’s bold colors Degas and Renoir’s joyful scenes of paris life touch my heart .It’s perfect for anyone who wants to feel close to the art,

14 September 2025

Knowledgeable and interesting!
Kathryn G 1 contributions

Knowledgeable and interesting!

My friend and I had a wonderful tour with Ivana. Ivana was very informative and definitely knew the art history well! It was a pleasure to be with her on her tour today at the Orsay Museum.

19 August 2025

Excellent guided tour at the Orsay Museum
maylene G 1 contributions

Excellent guided tour at the Orsay Museum

Mathieu was wonderful tour guide at the Orsay Museum! He was extremely knowledgeable and explained beautifully the historical aspects of how the impressionist painters came to be while guiding us to all the important works.

19 August 2025

Orsay Museum
Culture67630650839 1 contributions

Orsay Museum

We had Lili P as our tour guide , she was absolutely amazing. She is so knowledgeable about art history. She made the tour very interactive allowed everyone to ask questions. She even took pictures of family members at the end. I can’t recommend this tour enough. We were able to see a lot of different art pieces during the 2.5hr tour and Lili was able to easily navigate us through a busy museum .

22 August 2025

Do not miss this guided tour through the Orsay Museum
Marilu B 236 contributions

Do not miss this guided tour through the Orsay Museum

Nancy is the BEST TOUR GUIDE EVER!!!She was funny and yet very professional. She pointed out all the important pieces and explained how they fit in the development of neoclassical art into Impressionism. She gave us historical references, gave us context into a tumultuous period in French art, and explained with detail how American art collectors, ink manufacturers, and the steam engine were crucial for the birth and flourishing of Impressionism. Do not miss this beautiful museum, the excellent commentary, and the best collection of French art. (And skip the line to get in!)

03 September 2025

Lili P takes you on a wonderful artistic journey
969TR 3 contributions

Lili P takes you on a wonderful artistic journey

Ljiljana P was an absolute delight!Extremely knowledgeable and truly enjoys telling the stories behind some of the most influential works at Musee d’Orsay

04 September 2025

Museum de ossay
Mark C 2 contributions

Museum de ossay

Florence was a great tour guide, very knowledgeable and friendly! Knew the history of the building as well as the art inside it!! Highly recommend her to anyone who wants to visit!!

05 September 2025

Immersive Musee D’Orsay Tour
Fran F 2 contributions

Immersive Musee D’Orsay Tour

Our guide Ivana was beyond AMAZING. She was incredibly informative, interesting, and engaging. Her depth of knowledge of art and history was truly remarkable. I could have listened to her speak for a 1,000 hours!! Highly recommended!!

05 September 2025

5 star tour
Leslye W 66 contributions

5 star tour

Ivana P. Was an excellent guide with a small group through the Musee d’Orsay today! She is so knowledgeable about the themes which run through the Impressionist era! Showed many photos she has taken of paintings and the actual locales where the painters worked! Very special guide- 5 star!

05 September 2025

Isson
Dale loeffler 8 contributions

Isson

Isson was very knowledgable and passionate about the artists and their paintings. I learned so much and really understood the progression we saw in each period of art.Thank you, well done!!!

09 September 2025

Great tour of Musee D’Orsay
Miranda29 18 contributions

Great tour of Musee D’Orsay

Took a tour with Iasson of Musee d’Orsay.Iasson was very thorough and knowledgeable, given a complete overview of the history of the building, the artists movements and artists, highlighting a number of different paintings. Would highly recommend him.

12 September 2025

FAQ's

Book directly on Babylon Tours: Musée d'Orsay Semi-Private Guided Tour

Yes, the tour price includes the cost of the reserved entry tickets. Tickets are not sold separately and are provided only when guests book the guided tour.

Prepare to be amazed! From Monet's atmospheric cityscapes to Van Gogh's Starry Night Over the Rhône, and the scandalous Manet's Olympia, your guide will reveal the stories, rivalries, and inspirations behind these iconic works.

No, this tour focuses on the museum's permanent masterpieces, ensuring you don't miss the highlights that define Impressionism and Post-Impressionism.

Semi-private tours are only available in English. We offer Private tours in French, Spanish, Italian, German and Russian languages. Please reach out to us to check availability on specific days.

Yes! With only 6 guests per guide, you'll have plenty of chances to ask questions, discuss your favorite pieces, and dive deeper into the stories behind the art. If you wish to see specific pieces please let us know ahead of time and consider booking a Private tour so that you can customize your route!

Yes! Discover how a grand old train station became a world-class art museum while exploring its stunning architecture.

Reserved entry tickets are included with the tour, so you won't need any additional passes. No discount is offered in this case.

Yes, you may continue exploring inside the museum. Please note that re-entry is not allowed once you exit.

Yes, the tour includes Van Gogh's Starry Night Over the Rhône, when on display.

Yes, the tour features key Monet masterpieces from the Impressionist collection.

Yes, the tour includes Degas' famous ballet dancers and selected sculptures.

Yes, several major Van Gogh paintings are included in the itinerary.

The tour focuses on Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, Realism, and Art Nouveau highlights.

Up to 20 major works, depending on pace and group interests.

Yes, the tour includes the iconic central nave and clock area.

Yes, the tour is designed to be accessible, engaging, and easy to follow for all visitors.

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