4 Museums to Visit in Paris

          Paris has a rich history and a culture that encourages creativity and artistry, so it's not surprising that the city is home to some of the most beautiful museums in the world. Although there are 14 accredited museums in Paris, most people do not have time to visit all of them. So I have compiled a list of the top four museums that must be seen when visiting the city of lights.

1. The Louvre

          The Louvre is home to some of the most famous pieces in the world, including the Mona Lisa and the Venus Di Milo. A one day pass costs 13 Euro, but if under the age of 25 or a student, a yearly pass can be purchased for 15 Euro. It will pay for itself in less than 2 trips and this pass allows you to skip the lines. The lines going into the Louvre are always very long, so if planning on visiting more than once this pass will work to your advantage. There is so much to see in the Louvre so I highly encourage multiple trips if time permits. 

2. The D'Orsay 

          Impressionism. Need I say more? The D'Orsay is a reconstructed train station and is filled with paintings from Monet, Manet, Renoir and van Gogh. The crowds are minimal in comparison to the Louvre. It's great when you need a break from the bustling Louvre to enjoy some peace and quite. Be sure while visiting the museum to visit the top floor, all of the impressionist paintings are displayed there and the views from the top are spectacular.  Students can get into the museum for a discounted rate with a student id. 

3. The Petite Palace

          The Petit Palace was built in 1900 and was only meant to be a temporary museum, but it was so popular, that the museum still stands today. The Petit Palace is filled with art from the Renaissance and Medieval period. There are also a few paintings from Rembrandt that shouldn't be missed. The Palace is in the shape of a circle, so in the middle of the circle is a garden and a tea room. This was my favorite part of the museum. There is nothing better than sitting down and resting with a cup of tea after wandering a museum for hours on end.

4. The Pompidou Center

         The home of modern art in Paris. This museum was built in 1977. The pipes of the building and the elevators and staircases of the structure sit on the outside of the museum, giving it a modern look. The building looks so out of the ordinary for French museums because this was the first time international designers were hired for the architecture. The design has mixed reviews, but the art inside is still worth a trip. Student discounts are also given here and unlike the Louvre this museum is small enough to explore in one trip.