The best museums in France in September 2025

These are the top 100 best museums in France, ranked by their rating and popularity in 2025. Click a museum for more information about the museum, including visitor information, exhibitions and reviews.

For a complete overview of museums in France, their exhibitions and discount cards & passes, see our overview page with all museums in France.

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Looking for the best museums in France? These are the best ones:

  1. Arc de Triomphe1

    Arc de Triomphe

     Paris
    The 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 Carcassonne2

    La Cité de Carcassonne

     Carcassonne
  3. ZooParc de Beauval3

    ZooParc de Beauval

     Saint-Aignan
  4. Palais Garnier4

    Palais Garnier

     Paris
    The 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 Chapel5

    Holy Chapel

     Paris
  6. Carrières des Lumières6

    Carrières des Lumières

     Les Baux-de-Provence
  7. Château de Villandry7

    Château de Villandry

     Villandry
    Château 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 Lumières8

    Bassins des Lumières

     Bordeaux
  9. Airborne Museum9

    Airborne Museum

     Sainte-Mère-Église
  10. Château de Chambord10

    Château de Chambord

     Chambord
  11. Mont Saint-Michel Abbey11

    Mont Saint-Michel Abbey

     Le Mont-Saint-Michel
  12. Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle12

    Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle

     Orschwiller
  13. Musée d'Orsay13

    Musée d'Orsay

     Paris
    Originally 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 Lumières14

    L'Atelier des Lumières

     Paris
    L’ 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 Chantilly15

    Château de Chantilly

     Chantilly
  16. Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild16

    Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild

     Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
  17. Château d'Azay-le-Rideau17

    Château d'Azay-le-Rideau

     Azay-le-Rideau
  18. Palace of Versailles18

    Palace of Versailles

     Versailles
    The 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 Rambouillet19

    Espace Rambouillet

     Sonchamp
  20. Overlord Museum20

    Overlord Museum

     Colleville-sur-Mer
    The 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-Vicomte21

    Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte

     Maincy
  22. Online discount!Louvre Museum22

    Louvre Museum

     Paris
    The 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 Vin23

    Cité du Vin

     Bordeaux
    The 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'Orange24

    Théâtre Antique d'Orange

     Orange
  25. 25

    Château de Chenonceau

     Chenonceaux
  26. Longues-sur-Mer battery26

    Longues-sur-Mer battery

     Longues-sur-Mer
  27. Oceanographic Museum of Monaco27

    Oceanographic Museum of Monaco

     Monaco
  28. St. Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral28

    St. Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral

     Nice
  29. Online discount!Château Royal d'Amboise29

    Château Royal d'Amboise

     Amboise
  30. The Pointe Du Hoc30

    The Pointe Du Hoc

     Cricqueville-en-Bessin
  31. Château du Clos Lucé31

    Château du Clos Lucé

     Amboise
  32. Arromanches 360 Circular Cinema32

    Arromanches 360 Circular Cinema

     Arromanches-les-Bains
  33. Château Royal de Blois33

    Château Royal de Blois

     Blois
  34. Château d'Angers34

    Château d'Angers

     Angers
  35. Terra Botanica35

    Terra Botanica

     Angers
  36. Château de Vincennes36

    Château de Vincennes

     Paris
    The 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 Cavrois37

    Villa Cavrois

     Croix
  38. Palace of Fine Arts38

    Palace of Fine Arts

     Lille
    The 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 Fontainebleau39

    Palace of Fontainebleau

     Fontainebleau
    The 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 Denis40

    Basilica Cathedral of Saint Denis

     Saint-Denis
  41. Panthéon41

    Panthéon

     Paris
    The 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 Mer42

    La Cité de la Mer

     Cherbourg-en-Cotentin
  43. Nausicaá43

    Nausicaá

     Boulogne-sur-Mer
  44. Hôtel de la Marine44

    Hôtel de la Marine

     Paris
    The 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 Brou45

    Royal Monastery of Brou

     Bourg-en-Bresse
    The 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. 46

    Amphitheatre of Nîmes

     Nimes
  47. Musee de l'Orangerie47

    Musee de l'Orangerie

     Paris
    Many 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 Museum48

    Utah Beach Landing Museum

     Sainte-Marie-du-Mont
  49. Machines of the Isle of Nantes49

    Machines of the Isle of Nantes

     Nantes
    Les 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 Romanité50

    Musée de la Romanité

     Nimes
  51. Salses Fortress51

    Salses Fortress

     Salses-le-Château
  52. Gallery of Fine Arts52

    Gallery of Fine Arts

     Bordeaux
  53. Caen Memorial53

    Caen Memorial

     Caen
  54. Halle de La Machine54

    Halle de La Machine

     Toulouse
    La 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 Museum55

    Normandy Victory Museum

     Carentan-les-Marais
    The 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 Aquarium56

    Oniria Aquarium

     Canet-en-Roussillon
  57. 57

    Château de Pierrefonds

     Pierrefonds
  58. Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire58

    Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire

     Chaumont-sur-Loire
  59. Picasso Museum59

    Picasso Museum

     Antibes
  60. Alsatian Museum60

    Alsatian Museum

     Strasbourg
    The 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 Gau61

    Ornithological Park of Pont de Gau

     Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer
    Come 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 Meaux62

    Museum of the Great War in Meaux

     Meaux
  63. Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild63

    Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild

     Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
  64. CAPC musée d'art contemporain de Bordeaux64

    CAPC musée d'art contemporain de Bordeaux

     Bordeaux
    The 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 Museum65

    Unterlinden Museum

     Colmar
    The 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 Cars66

    Private Collection of Antique Cars

     Monaco
    The 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 Garden67

    Bordeaux Botanical Garden

     Bordeaux
    The 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 Chinon68

    Royal Fortress of Chinon

     Chinon
  69. Les Jardins d'Étretat69

    Les Jardins d'Étretat

     Étretat
  70. Juno Beach Centre70

    Juno Beach Centre

     Courseulles-sur-Mer
    The 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 Castle71

    Clos Lucé Castle

     Amboise
  72. Amnéville Zoo72

    Amnéville Zoo

     Amnéville
  73. Seaquarium Institut Marin73

    Seaquarium Institut Marin

     Le Grau-du-Roi
    The 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 Rodin74

    Musée Rodin

     Paris
    Visit 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 Museum75

    Fesch Museum

     Ajaccio
    The 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. 76

    ECLIPSO Paris

     Paris
  77. Castle of Biron77

    Castle of Biron

     Biron
  78. Citadelle de Saint-Tropez - Musée d'Histoire Maritime78

    Citadelle de Saint-Tropez - Musée d'Histoire Maritime

     Saint-Tropez
    The majestic complex now serves as a museum entirely dedicated to the maritime history of the area. Well worth the climb!
  79. Thoronet Abbey79

    Thoronet Abbey

     Le Thoronet
  80. Rouen Museum of Fine Arts80

    Rouen Museum of Fine Arts

     Rouen
    The 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 Nantes81

    Fine Arts Museum of Nantes

     Nantes
    The 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 Museum82

    Army Museum

     Paris
    The 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 Glaciorium83

    Le Glaciorium

     Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
    Le 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 Museum84

    Petit Palais Museum

     Avignon
    The 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 Base85

    Bordeaux Submarine Base

     Bordeaux
    The 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 Pegasus86

    Mémorial Pegasus

     Bénouville
  87. Musée Miniature et Cinéma87

    Musée Miniature et Cinéma

     Lyon
    Musée 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 Lyon88

    Aquarium of Lyon

     La Mulatière
    The 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. 89

    Barben Animal Park

     La Barben
  90. Birthplace of Charles de Gaulle90

    Birthplace of Charles de Gaulle

     Lille
    The 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 Conqueror91

    William the Conqueror

     Bayeux
    Vilhelm 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 Goüin92

    Hôtel Goüin

     Tours
    The 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-Marne93

    Château de Champs-sur-Marne

     Champs-sur-Marne
  94. Memorial Museum of the Battle of Normandy94

    Memorial Museum of the Battle of Normandy

     Bayeux
    The 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 Station95

    Lille-Saint-Sauveur Station

     Lille
    Lille-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 Strasbourg96

    Historical Museum of the City of Strasbourg

     Strasbourg
    The 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 Tau97

    Palace of Tau

     Reims
  98. Benedictine Palace98

    Benedictine Palace

     Fécamp
    Visit this Neo-Gothic/Neo-Renaissance architectural jewel which houses a museum of religious art and also produces the famous Bénédictine liquor.
  99. 99

    ECLIPSO Lyon

     Lyon
  100. Cité de l'Automobile100

    Cité de l'Automobile

     Mulhouse
    The 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.

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