free museums and attractions in Paris

While the most famous museums in Paris — such as the Louvre, Musée d'Orsay, and Centre Georges Pompidou — charge admission (and often have long lines waiting to get in), here are some ideas of free Paris museums and other things to see and do while in Paris.


Maison de Victor Hugo. This is a great little museum, the former home of French author and political activist Victor Hugo (pictured above). Found in a corner of Place des Voges (one of the most beautiful squares in Paris), Victor Hugo lived here from 1832 - 1848. Open 10 a.m. - 5:40 p.m. all days except Mondays and bank holidays.

Mémorial des Martyrs de la Déportation. Located at the eastern tip of the Ile de la Cité, in the back of Notre Dame, this is a moving memorial to the 200,000 French who were deported from France during the Second World War. Hours are 10-12 a.m. and 2-5 p.m. in the winter. In the summer, it stays open until 7 p.m.

Musée Carnavalet - Museum of Paris History. Free entry to the permanent collection, housed in a Renaissance-era building with beautiful gardens. Open 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. all days except Mondays and bank holidays.

Le Petit Palais. Completely renovated, the Petit Palais has 1,300 works from antiquity through the early 20th century including Courbet, Cezanne, Monet, and Delacroix. Open 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. except Mondays and bank holidays.

Musée Cognacq-Jay. This is a collection of 18th century decorative arts, jewelry, painting, and sculpture bequeathed to the City of Paris by the founders of the Samaritaine department stores. It is open from 10 a.m. - 5:40 p.m. except Mondays and bank holidays.

Musée d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris. This museum houses a large collection of over 8,000 works of contemporary art (furniture, painting, photography, and sculpture) located in the Palais de Tokyo (across the Seine from the Eiffel Tower). Open Tues-Fri 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Open until 7 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Closed Mondays and bank holidays.

Musée de la Vie Romantique. This museum is a tribute to the ideas and life of George Sand, a romantic-era French writer and thinker, located in a 19th century residence. Open 10 a.m. - 5:50 p.m. except Mondays and bank holidays.

Musée Cernuschi. The collection features ancient Chinese pottery, bronzes, and Buddhist artifacts, in addition to a collection of 20th century Chinese paintings. There is free access to the permanent exhibits. Open 10 a.m. - 5:40 p.m. except Mondays and bank holidays.

Père Lachaise Cemetery. This is one of the world's most famous (and most visited) cemeteries. You can see the graves of Chopin, Oscar Wilde, Maria Callas, Jim Morrison, Edith Piaf, and 300,000 others.

Free concerts are held all year at Église Saint-Merri, 76 rue de la Verrerie, in the 4th arrondissement. The schedule of upcoming performances is posted here.

Free fashion shows are offered every Friday at Galleries Lafayette at 3 p.m. Places must be reserved in advance.

All attractions above are found on the google map embedded below. Click to see a larger map, then explore!


View Larger Map


free Paris museums (search here on Google)

copyright (c) 2008 by David J. Ourisman. All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.
.