OT Travel Itinerary: 3-Day Paris Guide For Art And History Lovers

Paris is a city designed and shaped by artists. Its architecture from different periods is showcased in major museums, cathedrals, and gardens, each displaying a remarkable sense of style and splendour. Paris is a treasure trove for art enthusiasts, where you can immerse yourself in the city's vibrant art history, from the Renaissance to the modern art hub of the 19th and 20th centuries. With this detailed three-day itinerary, you can explore numerous art spaces and street art across the city.

DAY 1

Morning: The Musée Rodin 

Explore one of the world's best collections of Auguste Rodin's works at this unique museum, the only one dedicated to Rodin outside of France. The museum, which includes an 18th-century mansion and a sprawling 3-hectare sculpture garden, provides a sanctuary for Rodin's masterpieces. The beautifully maintained gardens and breathtaking sculptures at Musée Rodin offer a peaceful escape from the busy streets of Paris. Situated in Rodin's former home, the museum proudly displays some of the artist's most famous sculptures, such as The Thinker and The Walking Man, and 7,000 drawings. Additionally, there is a dedicated room featuring works by Camille Claudel, Rodin's muse and lover, as well as pieces from Rodin's personal collection.

Address: 77 Rue de Varenne, 75007 Paris, France

Afternoon: Musée du Louvre

The Louvre, originally constructed as a military fortress, is now the most-visited art museum in the world. King Philip II of France ordered the palace's construction during the 12th century to protect Paris from outside invaders. Following the French Revolution in 1793, the National Assembly established a museum in the Louvre with 537 paintings. The collection has since grown to encompass more than 380,000 objects, including famous pieces such as "Liberty Leading the People" by Eugène Delacroix and "Venus de Milo" by Alexandros of Antioch. If you're visiting Paris for the first time, consider joining an organised museum tour to see the highlights and understand the museum comprehensively.

Address: 75001 Paris, France

Evening: Check Out The Street Art On The 13th Arrondissement

Spend the rest of the day around the 13th arrondissement of Paris which has transformed into a vibrant hub for street art. You'll discover over a dozen striking frescoes near the Nationale metro station, on the Rue Jeanne d'Arc and Boulevard Vincent Auriol. Renowned artist Shepard Fairey has contributed several pieces, including one featuring the French motto: "Liberté, égalité, fraternité". Adjacent to it, a towering mosaic by French artist Invader showcases the TV series "House". As you wander the area, you'll encounter masterpieces like the awe-inspiring mural "Embrace and Fight" by Irish artist Conor Harrington, depicting two men in 18th-century attire.

DAY 2

Morning: Montmartre

Start your day with the breathtaking sunrise in Montmartre, the 18th arrondissement in Paris. Perched high on a hill, this bohemian neighbourhood is a haven for art enthusiasts. Take a leisurely stroll along its charming, cobbled streets, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere. Explore quaint shops, mingle with street artists, and savour a delightful breakfast at one of the atmospheric cafes. Montmartre served as the backdrop for the beloved film "Amelie" by Jean-Pierre Jeunet, adding to its allure. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the stunning Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur, an iconic monument offering breathtaking panoramic views from 130 meters above ground. The intricate Apse Mosaic over the altar is a true masterpiece not to be missed.

Afternoon: Musée de Montmartre

Visit the Musée de Montmartre, which is located in a charming old building and is dedicated to the area's history and its artists. Established in 1960 in Montmartre's oldest structure, which was built in the 17th century, the museum houses a collection of paintings, posters, and drawings by Toulouse-Lautrec, Modigliani, Kupka, Steinlen, Valadon, Utrillo, and more.

Address: 12 Rue Cortot, 75018 Paris, France

Evening: Musée d’Orsay

The Musée d'Orsay, housed in a former railway station, is an extraordinary museum renowned for its collection of Impressionist art. It showcases masterpieces from the 19th and early 20th centuries by acclaimed artists like Monet, Van Gogh, and Renoir. Additionally, the museum offers a comprehensive display of Western artistic creations from 1848 to 1914. Notably, the Musée d'Orsay holds a significant place in Olympic history, having served as the venue for Olympic events in 1900 and 1924, hosting grand banquets and receptions that celebrated the spirit of the Games.

Address: Esplanade Valéry Giscard d'Estaing, 75007 Paris, France

DAY 3

Morning: Haut Marais

Discover the vibrant 3rd arrondissement, home to the Haut Marais, one of Paris's coolest districts. This acclaimed area has been named one of the world's "coolest" neighbourhoods by Time Out. Bounded by Rue de Beaubourg, Rue de Turenne, and Rue des Haudriettes, you'll find prestigious art galleries like Perrotin and Thaddaeus Ropac, chic boutiques such as Merci, top-notch cocktail bars, and an exciting market. Don't miss the Enfants-Rouges, Paris' oldest and most lively food destination.

Afternoon: Musée Picasso Paris

Discover the rich legacy of Pablo Picasso and his contemporaries at the renowned Picasso Museum. With 297 paintings, 368 sculptures, 3D works, 200,000 pieces of archives, and 92 illustrated books, it boasts the world's most extensive public collection of Picasso's art. Additionally, the Musée Picasso-Paris presents an exceptional collection of 50 pieces of furniture by Diego Giacometti, offering an unparalleled artistic experience.

Address: 5 Rue de Thorigny, 75003 Paris, France

Evening: Musée de l’Orangerie

The Musée de l'Orangerie contains a series of large Water Lilies paintings that were offered to France by Monet in 1922. The lower ground floor holds collections dedicated to great artists of the 20th century such as Renoir, Cezanne, Matisse, Picasso, Soutine, and more, from the Jean Walter and Paul Guillaume collections.

Address: Jardin des Tuileries, 75001 Paris, France