Musee D'Orsay > Reviews > If you love the Impressionists......

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Prices	Average
Transport links	Excellent

Advantages:	The best range of fine arts from 1848 to the 1st .  World War
Disadvantages:	So much to see and take in .

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

What has been said in the other 2 reviews is all true.
Do remember that like many French museums the Musee d`Orsay is not open on a Monday. If you want to avoid queues, then visit in winter. We visited in January and waited 10 minutes, or better still buy a museum pass from the Tourist Ofice, some hotels can help here. These passes allow you to jump the queue as you have pre-bought your ticket. Of course you can always get there before 9.30 when they open.
Once inside marvel at the interior. It is an old station but what a magnificent one it must have been. Old films come to mind. The glass dome in the centre gives the place a wonderful natural light.
Plan whether to start at the bottom where the sculptures are and surrounding in rooms and areas are the Pre-Impressionists or go to the top (5th. level) and see the Impressionists, Monet, Manet, Pissaro, Renoir etc. This is my favourite level. They have a wonderful collection of Monet and all his aquaintances and friends. If you only see this area it is worth a visit.
Take a breather by going out on to the terrace and look over the river towards the Louvre and up towards Notre Dame. Glimpse Sacre Coeur in the distance. The view is breathtaking. (I think the terrace is closed in winter).
The middle level have Art Nouveau, Symbolism and Naturalism artists - Burne-Jones, Klimt, Rodin etc.
There are lifts on the entrance side and escalators at the far side so it is easy to make your way around. If you wish to have a meal or drink go to the middle level, relax with a quiche and a glass of wine.
You can spend most of the day there easily but why not say - I`ll be back.