Travel Tip Tuesday- Free Paris Museums

With the price of airfare getting such that one has to take out a loan, now, more than ever, it is important to try and find other ways to save money, without sacrificing the experience in our intended destination.

Paris is one of those places that you can find plenty of things to do for free, even visiting great museums.

I have compiled a list of five free museums in Paris.

5. Maison de Victor Hugo.  Located on the southwest corner of the picturesque Place des Vosges, this beautifully decorated home, an homage to Hugo, is a story of his life told by pictures, drawings, books and mementos collected by the writer himself.  The sumptuous interior includes furnishings he initially picked out for his mistress Juliette Drouet.  The Chinoiserie room really stands out. 

4.  Musée Galliera.  How fitting that the fashion capital of the world would have a museum dedicated to fashion?  A bit further out, in the 16th arrondissement,the museum, which has been open since 1977, is home to over 70,000 items from great couturiers and designers and covers three centuries of fashion.  Divas and Fashionistas, you don't want to miss this one!

3.  Musée de la Vie Romantique.  This little country town house is nestled in a little park on the edge of Montmartre.  A collection of souvenirs and artwork mingle in the home of the eccentric writer George Sand and painter Ary Scheffer.  The space is designed to highlight these romantic talents while getting a true feel for their daily lives.  What makes it extra special is the cobblestone walkway, the gardens and the little cafe, which used to be the greenhouse, but now serves tea and cakes.

2.  Musée Cognacq-Jay.  The owners of the now defunct La Samaritiane department store were gracious enough to donate their collection accumulated from around the world to the City of Paris.  Some of the most valuable pieces from the 18th century including paintings, sculptures, jewels and ceramics are on offer.  Take your time here, there are lots of hidden treasures. Don't miss the royal bed à la Polonaise located on the third floor! 

1.  Musée Carnavalet.  Spend some time wandering the courtyard of the beautifully designed grounds while drooling over the outside of the grand building which used to be a Renaissance palace that houses the collection.  Whether you are a tried and true history buff, or you tend to get a little bored, you will love this museum. 

Don't forget that some of the more famous museums like the Louvre, also offer discounted admission after 4pm. The national museums even have free days, usually the first Sunday of every month.  You can check here for a list.

Make sure you visit Cherrye's today for tips on how to reduce jet lag!

Bon Voyage!!

Comments

[Angie]

Woo hoo...new things to do next time I'm in Paris!

[Pecos Blue]

Sounds lovely I wish I could go....you will have to post some pictures.

[Claudia]

Fantastic links and resources. I adore Musee Carnavalet and Cognacq-Jay. Have you been to Soubise? They shot a lot of Marie Antoinette there and it's right in the Marais.

[My Mélange]

Angie~ I don;t think we will ever run out of things to do in Paris :)

Pecos Blue~ Welcome! I have been to Paris. If you want pictures, click on the Paris je t'aime category!!

Claudia~ I loved the Cognacg-Jay!! Oh, that bed ;) I have not been to the Soubise...but I'll put it on my list. Thanks for the *tip* ;)

[Jeff]

Thanks for these recommendations! I have never been to Paris before, but I know I'll be traveling on a budget. That's amazing that the Louvre even has "free hours." It's just too bad how much airfare has skyrocketed in recent months...hopefully they go down soon so that I can splurge in a magnificent city like Paris!

[My Mélange]

Jeff~ I hear ya! I am coming up on a year since my last trip and with the airfare the way it is....I won't be going back anytime soon. It breaks my heart, but I can't let it break my wallet. Provence, the Riviera or Italy will be my next trip....I just have to keep looking for that *deal*!! Don't give up- you'll find it, too :)