Looking for the best museums in France? These are the best ones:
1
Arc de Triomphe
ParisThe Arc de Triomphe, a historic monument, is situated in the heart of Charles de Gaulle Square, on the western side of the Champs-Élysées in Paris, France. The monument stands at a height of 45 meters, a width of 22 meters, and a length of 49 meters. This iconic structure is a significant symbol of French history and a prominent landmark in the city. 2
La Cité de Carcassonne
Carcassonne 3
ZooParc de Beauval
Saint-Aignan 4
Palais Garnier
ParisThe Opéra Garnier, also known as Palais Garnier, is an opera house in Paris. It is located in the 9th arrondissement and is one of the most striking buildings in the French capital. This architectural masterpiece is a must-see for anyone visiting Paris, offering a glimpse into the city's rich cultural and artistic history. 5
Holy Chapel
Paris 6
Carrières des Lumières
Les Baux-de-Provence 7
Château de Villandry
VillandryChâteau de Villandry is a historic castle situated 15 kilometers west of the city of Tours in France. This location makes it an accessible destination for tourists visiting the region. The castle's proximity to the city of Tours allows visitors to explore both the urban attractions of Tours and the historical charm of Château de Villandry. 8
Bassins des Lumières
Bordeaux 9
Airborne Museum
Sainte-Mère-Église 10
Château de Chambord
Chambord 11
Mont Saint-Michel Abbey
Le Mont-Saint-Michel 12
Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle
Orschwiller 13
Musée d'Orsay
ParisOriginally a railway station, this Beaux-Arts building now houses Musée d'Orsay, one of the largest art museums in Europe. The Musée d'Orsay in Paris is an art museum that covers the history of Western art between 1848 and 1914, with a strong emphasis on 19th-century French art. The museum has a ren 14
L'Atelier des Lumières
ParisL’ Atelier des Lumières, located at 38 rue Saint-Maur in the 11th arrondissement of Paris, is a digital art center that opened its doors on April 13, 2018. This unique venue offers immersive digital exhibitions, where thousands of digitized works of art are displayed in high resolution and set in motion to the rhythm of music. 15
Château de Chantilly
Chantilly 16
Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat 17
Château d'Azay-le-Rideau
Azay-le-Rideau 18
Palace of Versailles
VersaillesThe Palace of Versailles, located in the city of Versailles, is approximately 25 km away from Paris. This grand castle complex is one of the largest in Europe and served as the primary residence for French kings from the mid-17th century until the French Revolution. 19
Espace Rambouillet
Sonchamp 20
Overlord Museum
Colleville-sur-MerThe Overlord Museum, located in Colleville-sur-Mer in the Calvados department of the Normandy region, is a museum dedicated to the Battle of Normandy. It provides a comprehensive history of the six armies involved in the battle, from the landing to the liberation of Paris. The museum's exhibits are based on a collection that has been built up over more than 40 years, consisting mainly of objects and vehicles from the Normandy soil. 21
Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte
Maincy- Online discount!
22
Louvre Museum
ParisThe Louvre Museum in Paris is the largest art museum in the world. The museum is located inside the Louvre Palace which was once the residence of the French kings. It began its existence as a 12th-century fortress and its parts can still be seen in today’s Louvre. The palace was turned into a public 23
Cité du Vin
BordeauxThe Cité du Vin is a unique tourism project located in Bordeaux, France. It combines a wine museum and a wine-themed amusement park, offering a playful approach to olfactory and gustatory perception. This innovative concept allows visitors to explore the world of wine in a fun and interactive way. 24
Théâtre Antique d'Orange
Orange- 25
Château de Chenonceau
Chenonceaux 26
Longues-sur-Mer battery
Longues-sur-Mer 27
Oceanographic Museum of Monaco
Monaco 28
St. Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral
Nice- Online discount!
29
Château Royal d'Amboise
Amboise 30
The Pointe Du Hoc
Cricqueville-en-Bessin 31
Château du Clos Lucé
Amboise 32
Arromanches 360 Circular Cinema
Arromanches-les-Bains 33
Château Royal de Blois
Blois 34
Château d'Angers
Angers 35
Terra Botanica
Angers 36
Château de Vincennes
ParisThe Château de Vincennes is a significant historical site, once serving as a royal residence. It is situated just east of Paris, within the municipality of Vincennes. This location offers visitors the opportunity to explore a piece of French royal history while also enjoying the surrounding area of Vincennes. 37
Villa Cavrois
Croix 38
Palace of Fine Arts
LilleThe Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille, located in Lille, is a municipal museum that is dedicated to fine arts, modern art, and antiquities. It is recognized as one of the largest art museums in France, making it a significant cultural destination for art enthusiasts and tourists alike. 39
Palace of Fontainebleau
FontainebleauThe Château de Fontainebleau is a historic French castle located in the town of Fontainebleau, in the Seine-et-Marne department, approximately 55 kilometers south of Paris. This location makes it an accessible destination for tourists visiting the French capital. 40
Basilica Cathedral of Saint Denis
Saint-Denis 41
Panthéon
ParisThe Panthéon, located in the 5th arrondissement of Paris, is a significant historical monument. Originally, it was constructed as a church dedicated to Sainte-Geneviève in the 18th century. The architect behind this grand structure was Jacques Germain Soufflot. His vision was to create a classical building with the lightness of a Gothic cathedral. However, due to structural reasons, the open walls were made more massive during construction. 42
La Cité de la Mer
Cherbourg-en-Cotentin 43
Nausicaá
Boulogne-sur-Mer 44
Hôtel de la Marine
ParisThe Hôtel de la Marine, also known as Hôtel du Garde-Meuble, is a historic building situated in the heart of Paris. It is located in the famous Place de la Concorde, to the east of Rue Royale. This location makes it easily accessible and a convenient stop for tourists exploring the city. 45
Royal Monastery of Brou
Bourg-en-BresseThe Royal Monastery of Brou is a religious complex situated in Bourg-en-Bresse, in the Ain department of central France. This historical site was built in the early 16th century by Margaret of Austria, daughter of the Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I and Governor of the Habsburg Netherlands. The monastery was designed as a dynastic burial place, following the tradition of the Burgundian Champmol and Cîteaux Abbey, and the French Saint-Denis.- 46
Amphitheatre of Nîmes
Nimes 47
Musee de l'Orangerie
ParisMany impressionist artworks of mainly French artists are exhibited in the Musee de l'Orangerie museum near the Tuileries gardens in Paris. Paintings from the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century are on display in the museum, including works of art by Renoir, Picasso, Cézanne and man 48
Utah Beach Landing Museum
Sainte-Marie-du-Mont 49
Machines of the Isle of Nantes
NantesLes Machines de l’île is an exhibition project located in Nantes, France. It displays the mechanical creations of the performance group 'La Machine' in an exhibition hall situated in the port of Nantes. The project was founded by François Delarozière and Pierre Orefice and was inaugurated in 2007 in a large warehouse in the Loire port on the l’Ile de Nantes. 50
Musée de la Romanité
Nimes 51
Salses Fortress
Salses-le-Château 52
Gallery of Fine Arts
Bordeaux 53
Caen Memorial
Caen 54
Halle de La Machine
ToulouseLa Halle de La Machine is a unique venue situated in the Montaudran district of Toulouse. It is home to the Nantes company, La Machine, which stores a collection of small and giant animated machines. These machines are often inspired by various themes such as nature, the world of aeronautics, and human or technological epics. This makes it a fascinating place for visitors interested in these themes. 55
Normandy Victory Museum
Carentan-les-MaraisThe Normandy Victory Museum is a privately owned institution situated in Catz, a delegated municipality of Carentan-les-Marais, in the Manche department of Normandy. This location is steeped in history and provides a unique setting for the museum, which is dedicated to the events of World War II. 56
Oniria Aquarium
Canet-en-Roussillon- 57
Château de Pierrefonds
Pierrefonds 58
Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire
Chaumont-sur-Loire 59
Picasso Museum
Antibes 60
Alsatian Museum
StrasbourgThe Alsatian Museum, also known as Musée Alsacien, is a significant regional museum for Alsace. It was established in 1902 and is situated at 23, quai Saint-Nicolas in the old town of Strasbourg. The museum is a testament to the rich history and culture of the Alsace region, making it a worthwhile visit for those interested in understanding the region's past and its influences. 61
Ornithological Park of Pont de Gau
Saintes-Maries-de-la-MerCome to this area to observe abundant wildlife. The reservation is a perfect birdwatching spot for its high number of bird species. 62
Museum of the Great War in Meaux
Meaux 63
Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat 64
CAPC musée d'art contemporain de Bordeaux
BordeauxThe CAPC musée d'art contemporain de Bordeaux is a modern art museum that was established in 1973 in Bordeaux, France. It is a significant cultural institution in the city, offering a wide range of contemporary art exhibitions and events. The museum is known for its innovative approach to showcasing modern art, making it a popular destination for art enthusiasts and tourists alike. 65
Unterlinden Museum
ColmarThe Unterlinden Museum, situated in the Alsace region of France, is a unique blend of history and art. It is housed in a 13th-century Dominican religious sisters' convent and a 1906 former public baths building. This combination of historical architecture provides a unique backdrop for the museum's extensive collection of artworks and artifacts. 66
Private Collection of Antique Cars
MonacoThe Monaco Automobile Museum is home to a significant personal collection of a hundred restored collectible cars. These vehicles were collected over more than thirty years, reflecting the personal tastes and passion for cars of Prince Rainier III. Visitors can appreciate the meticulous restoration work and the historical value of each vehicle in the collection. 67
Bordeaux Botanical Garden
BordeauxThe Bordeaux Botanical Garden is a scientific institution located in the Gironde department in France. Its main aim is to introduce the world of plants, their diversity, nature, and the sustainable management of natural resources to all audiences. It serves as a space for conservation and preservation of this heritage. The garden is not only educational but also recreational, and it provides a tool for observation. 68
Royal Fortress of Chinon
Chinon 69
Les Jardins d'Étretat
Étretat 70
Juno Beach Centre
Courseulles-sur-MerThe Juno Beach Centre is a museum that is situated in Courseulles-sur-Mer, a town in the Calvados region of Normandy, France. This location is significant as it is immediately behind the beach codenamed Juno, where 14,000 Canadian troops landed on D-Day, 6 June 1944. The museum was established to commemorate and represent the contributions and sacrifices of Canadian soldiers during the liberation of Europe. 71
Clos Lucé Castle
Amboise 72
Amnéville Zoo
Amnéville 73
Seaquarium Institut Marin
Le Grau-du-RoiThe Seaquarium du Grau-du-Roi, established in 1989, is a marine aquarium located in the commune of Grau-du-Roi, in the Gard department and the Occitanie region. The aquarium is home to a diverse range of marine life, including over 200 species of Mediterranean and tropical fish, 25 species of sharks, as well as seals and sea lions. 74
Musée Rodin
ParisVisit the former workshop of the founder of modern sculpting - Auguste Rodin. Opened in 1919, the Musée Rodin museum houses a great collection of his works. The exhibition includes more than 6000 of Rodin's sculptures, as well as his drawings and photographs. Be sure to explore the adjacent garden a 75
Fesch Museum
AjaccioThe musée Fesch, officially known as Palais Fesch-musée des beaux-arts, is the primary museum of fine arts in Ajaccio, Corsica. It is situated within the gated Palais Fesch in the Borgu d'Ajaccio quarter of the town. The museum was established by Cardinal Joseph Fesch, an uncle of Napoleon I and a Prince of France from 1807. The museum is housed in the 19th-century Palais Fesch on Rue Cardinal Fesch.- 76
ECLIPSO Paris
Paris 77
Castle of Biron
Biron 78
Citadelle de Saint-Tropez - Musée d'Histoire Maritime
Saint-TropezThe majestic complex now serves as a museum entirely dedicated to the maritime history of the area. Well worth the climb! 79
Thoronet Abbey
Le Thoronet 80
Rouen Museum of Fine Arts
RouenThe Musée des Beaux-Arts, located in the French city of Rouen, is a fine arts museum that was established in 1799. Over the years, it has evolved into one of the most notable regional museums in France. The museum provides an extensive overview of European art, dating back to the 15th century. 81
Fine Arts Museum of Nantes
NantesThe Musée des Beaux-Arts de Nantes, which was reopened in 2017 as the Musée d’Arts de Nantes, is a renowned French museum situated in the heart of Nantes, in the Pays de la Loire region. This museum showcases art from the 13th century to the present day, providing a comprehensive overview of various art periods and styles. 82
Army Museum
ParisThe Musée de l'Armée (the Army Museum) in paris is located in the Cathédrale de Saint-Louis-des-Invalides, which is part of the Hôtel des Invalides in Paris. Its historical military collection comprises more than 500,000 objects from the Middle Ages to modern times, including pieces like photos, pai 83
Le Glaciorium
Chamonix-Mont-BlancLe Glaciorium is a museum located in the scenic Montenvers, within the commune of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc in France. This museum offers a unique opportunity to learn about glaciology and the Mer de Glace in particular. It is situated at an altitude of 1,909 meters, providing visitors with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. 84
Petit Palais Museum
AvignonThe Musée du Petit Palais is a museum and art gallery located in Avignon, a city in southern France. The museum was inaugurated in 1976 and has since been a significant cultural landmark in the region. 85
Bordeaux Submarine Base
BordeauxThe Bordeaux Submarine Base was designed to accommodate up to 30 submarines. It featured dry docks and two basins connected by locks. This impressive infrastructure showcases the strategic importance of the base during the war and provides a unique insight into the naval operations of the time. 86
Mémorial Pegasus
Bénouville 87
Musée Miniature et Cinéma
LyonMusée Miniature et Cinéma (the Miniature and Cinema Museum), formerly a museum of miniatures and film sets is a private museum in Lyon. The musuem is founded by the miniaturist artist Dan Ohlmann and is housed in the historic listed building of the 'Maison des avocats'. The museum holds two permanen 88
Aquarium of Lyon
La MulatièreThe Aquarium de Lyon is a private establishment located in the city of La Mulatière, within the metropolis of Lyon. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the city and offers a unique opportunity to explore a diverse range of aquatic life.- 89
Barben Animal Park
La Barben 90
Birthplace of Charles de Gaulle
LilleThe birthplace of Charles de Gaulle, a significant figure in French history, is now a museum located in Lille, a city in northern France. This museum offers a unique opportunity to delve into the life and times of Charles de Gaulle, providing a historical context to his life and achievements. 91
William the Conqueror
BayeuxVilhelm Erobraren, also known as Landvinnar and Bastarden, was a significant historical figure who played a crucial role in shaping the history of England. He was a Norman prince who invaded England in 1066, introducing Norman rule in the country. His actions had a profound impact on the political and cultural landscape of England, marking the beginning of a new era. 92
Hôtel Goüin
ToursThe Hôtel Goüin is a historic mansion located in Tours, France. This hôtel particulier, a term used to describe a grand townhouse, was constructed in the 15th century. Its architecture and history make it a significant landmark in the city. 93
Château de Champs-sur-Marne
Champs-sur-Marne 94
Memorial Museum of the Battle of Normandy
BayeuxThe Memorial Museum of the Battle of Normandy in Bayeux provides a detailed account of the 77 days of the Battle of Normandy, which took place from June 7 to August 29, 1944. This historical event is crucial to understanding the course of World War II, and the museum offers an in-depth exploration of this period. 95
Lille-Saint-Sauveur Station
LilleLille-Saint-Sauveur, once a goods train station, has been transformed into a recreational and exhibition space. This transformation took place in 2009 during the events of Lille 3000. The station's buildings now serve as a unique venue for various activities and exhibitions, offering a unique blend of history and modernity. 96
Historical Museum of the City of Strasbourg
StrasbourgThe Historical Museum of Strasbourg, located in a Renaissance building that was once a slaughterhouse, is dedicated to showcasing the city's history. The museum's exhibits span from the early Middle Ages to the contemporary period, providing a comprehensive view of Strasbourg's past. Visitors can expect to learn about the city's political, economic, and social history through a variety of exhibits. 97
Palace of Tau
Reims 98
Benedictine Palace
FécampVisit this Neo-Gothic/Neo-Renaissance architectural jewel which houses a museum of religious art and also produces the famous Bénédictine liquor.- 99
ECLIPSO Lyon
Lyon 100
Cité de l'Automobile
MulhouseThe Musée National de l’Automobile - Collection Schlumpf in Mulhouse, France, is recognized as the world's largest car collection. It boasts an impressive array of 500 cars from 98 different brands, spanning from the year 1878 to the present day. This extensive collection provides a comprehensive overview of the evolution of the automobile industry.