Your Complete Guide to Visiting the Musée d’Orsay: Directions, Accessibility & Tips for First-Timers

Planning your first trip to the Musée d’Orsay?

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Planning your first trip to the Musée d’Orsay? This guide covers everything you need to know, from how to get there and accessibility information to cloakroom rules and practical tips, to make your Paris museum visit smooth and enjoyable.

If it’s your first time stepping inside the Musée d’Orsay in Paris, this overview will help you prepare for a relaxed and memorable experience. You’ll find essential details about transportation, visitor facilities, and accessibility so you can make the most of your time at one of the city’s most stunning museums.

Opening Hours of the Musée d’Orsay

The museum welcomes visitors from 09:30 to 18:00, Tuesday through Sunday, and remains closed on Mondays, as well as on May 1 and December 25. Final entry is typically around 17:00, with gallery rooms starting to close after 17:30. For a quieter visit, try coming early in the morning or later in the day.

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Getting to the Musée d’Orsay

You’ll find the museum at 1 Rue de la Légion d’Honneur, 75007 Paris, on the Left Bank of the Seine, directly across from the Tuileries Gardens.

By Metro: Take Line 12 to Solférino Station and walk about five minutes to the main entrance.

By RER Train: Use the RER C line and exit at Musée d’Orsay Station, located right beside the museum.

By Bus: Lines 24, 63, 68, 69, 73, 83, 84, and 94 stop nearby.

On Foot: From the Louvre Museum, it’s just a 10-minute walk across Pont Royal Bridge. Walking from Notre-Dame Cathedral takes about 25 minutes along the scenic Seine.

By Taxi or Ride Share: Ask to be dropped off at “Entrée principale du Musée d’Orsay”, which has a designated area for taxis and accessible vehicles.

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Accessibility at the Musée d’Orsay

The Musée d’Orsay is fully accessible to visitors with disabilities. Elevators and ramps connect all exhibition levels, and wheelchairs can be borrowed for free at the cloakroom. The museum offers priority entry and free admission for visitors with disabilities and one companion.

• All entrances are accessible, with staff ready to help.
• Accessible toilets are located on major floors.
• Benches and seating areas are available in several galleries for visitors who wish to rest.
• Audio guides and multilingual materials make it easy to access exhibition information.

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Cloakroom & Bag Policy

A free cloakroom is located near the main entrance, where visitors can store small backpacks, umbrellas, and coats. Please note that large suitcases, trolleys, or oversized bags are not allowed inside the museum and cannot be checked.

Leave any bulky items at your accommodation before your visit. Photography is generally permitted, but flash and tripods are not.

Tips for First-Time Visitors

Book your tickets online before your visit to avoid waiting in line. For a richer experience, choose the Orsay Museum Entry Ticket with Digital Audio Guide App, which allows you to explore at your own pace while listening to engaging stories about the museum’s masterpieces.

Tip: After your museum visit, take a Seine River Cruise to unwind and admire Paris’s most iconic landmarks from the water, the perfect way to complete your cultural day.

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Final Thoughts

The Musée d’Orsay blends beauty, accessibility, and convenience, offering a memorable visit for everyone. Whether you arrive by metro, RER, or on foot, the journey is just as inspiring as the art inside.

With a little preparation, you’ll enjoy an effortless visit filled with art, history, and unforgettable Parisian charm.

To make the most of your visit, book your tickets in advance, avoid queues, and choose the ticket option that fits your travel style.

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