France has over 1,200 museums and art galleries dotted around the country including some of the best in the world. Some of the best museums in France need no introduction – the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay are two examples – but art isn’t the only subject on display. Almost any topic or object gets a dedicated exhibition space in France. For our list of the best, we’ve chosen a highlight in nine of the main regions in France. And in each, we’ve picked the museum or gallery that is a must-see for any visitor. Our selection includes something for everyone from art buffs and petrol heads via connoisseurs of fine liqueurs to lovers of artisan creations.
Best museum in Paris – the Louvre
As well as one of the best museums in France, the Louvre ranks as the country’s largest and most popular. Visitor figures run well into nine million every year as tourists from round the world crowd the galleries to see some of the world’s most famous artworks.
Among them, the Venus de Milo, Mona Lisa and Delacroix’s Liberty Leading the People are perennial favourites. But with nearly half a million pieces it’s one of the largest collections and getting to know the Louvre museum in-depth is always going to be a challenge. To see the best, follow one of the museum’s Visitor Trails or pick a theme (e.g. Egyptian or Renaissance) and see the works in it.
Why visit this museum in France?
The Louvre and its art collection are one of the world’s finest galleries with paintings and sculptures that are second to none. Its façades and iconic glass pyramids will delight fans of fine architecture too on a visit to the city of Paris.
While you’re there – check out the decidedly modern art on the ceilings in the Sully Wing. Here, you’ll see a triptych by Georges Braques, painted in 1953 and a bright blue ceiling by Cy Twombley, created in 2010.
Did you know? An ideal way to discover the best museums in France is via its waterways and from aboard a luxury hotel barge. All our itineraries flow through cities, towns and villages with unique museums.
Best museum near Paris – Musée de la Grande Guerre in Meaux, Seine-et-Marne
History buffs and anyone interested in World War I will want to make a beeline for this unique museum in France. The largest in Europe dedicated to the Grande Guerre, it has over 65,000 exhibits on show. They range from weapons and uniforms to daily life objects for those at home away from the fronts.
The museum building itself is also well worth taking in. Designed by Christophe Lab, the contemporary metal and glass building slots perfectly into the sloping terrain. Its flat, horizontal shape provides a striking contrast to the nearby tall, vertical Château-Thierry American Monument, one of the most important WWI memorials.
Why visit this museum in France?
It offers a detailed insight into this dark period in European history plus you get to see unusual objects such as a vintage Parisian taxi. And it’s just a 30-minute train ride from Paris.
While you’re there – be sure to taste the famous Meaux brie, reputedly the best in France.
Best museum in Alsace – Cîté de l’Automobile
Unmissable for petrol heads and a fascinating half-day for anyone with an interest in cars, this museum in Mulhouse has over 500 vehicles on display. Most come from the Fritz Schlumf collection that includes the world’s most extensive assortment of Bugattis plus numerous unique cars.
Start your visit with the ‘Forerunners’ – the world’s first cars – before you move onto the ‘Classics’ with national icons Peugeot and Citroen featuring prominently. The exhibition then takes in ‘Modern’ cars as well as several racing models.
Why visit this museum in France?
Few other places in the world bring together over 450 dream cars and in action. You can watch 18 emblematic vehicles drive the exhibition track every weekend.
While you’re there – if possible, time your visit to coincide with the Mulhouse Carnival, the best festival to let your hair down in France.
Best museum in the Loire – Musée du Compagnonnage
Compagnonnage, the art of tradesmen, joined the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2010. Guilds and their craftsmen made up an essential part of French society for centuries and this museum in Tours celebrates their talents.
The six collections in the museum take in the trades of stone, wood, metal, leather, textiles and food. Exhibits include documents from different guides and unique models as well as essential tools of the trade.
Why visit this museum in France?
It provides a fascinating insight into the work of artisans. Particular highlights include masterpieces such as Perdiguier’s walnut flowing staircase, the Garibaldi boot and the Hospices de Beaune in pasta dough.
While you’re there – take in one of the famous Loire chateaux or several – there are over 80 to visit!
Best museum in Bordeaux – Musée Mer Marine
And one of our favourites too since this museum in France takes to the waters with an in-depth look at maritime life. Located appropriately on the banks of the Garonne with the Atlantic on the horizon, this museum has over 10,000 sea-related exhibits.
Bordeaux, one of the world’s largest ports, takes centre stage but the museum also covers other ocean themes. They include naval battles, navigational techniques and offshore racing plus a collection of artworks featuring the sea.
Why visit this museum in France?
The scale models of ships are among the best in the world and you get a real insight into our relationship with the ocean.
While you’re there – discover Bordeaux and its Atlantic surroundings on a Garonne River cruise.
Best museum in Burgundy – Le Cassissium
Plenty of the best museums in France take wine as their central theme, but for our pick in Burgundy we’ve gone for a liqueur. Located in Nuits-Saint-Georges, in the heart of the Côte d’Or, this small museum showcases the humble blackcurrant responsible for the crème de cassis liqueur.
The blackcurrant is the symbol of Burgundy and this museum pays homage to its status. While you’re there, you’ll discover all there is to know about the berry, visit the Védrenne liqueur factory and best of all, sample the real thing for yourself at the end.
Why visit this museum in France?
Le Cassissium proves that serious drinking in France doesn’t have to be all about wine plus you get to meet some fun museum characters during your tour.
While you’re there – taste the best wines of Burgundy and its delicious cuisine every evening when you’re aboard a hotel barge in the area. And yes, dessert can come paired with cassis if you wish!
Best museum in Lyon – Maison des Canuts
Silk and Lyon have walked hand-in-hand since the 19th century when the silk industry flourished in the city. Known as canuts, the workers were world masters at weaving silk, gold and silver and crafted their wares in the famous Croix-Rousse district of Lyon.
The museum has several showrooms exhibiting the tools of the craft and a workshop set up much as it would have been nearly 200 years ago. And you get the chance to buy real Lyon silk creations in the museum shop.
Why visit this museum in France?
The Maison des Canuts also offers an insight into the Canut Revolts in the 1830s, considered to be the first workers’ uprising ever. They also heralded the start of the Industrial Revolution and changed the face of Lyon.
While you’re there – take a guided tour of the traboules in the Croix-Rousse, a network of tunnels used by the silk workers to transport their wares around the city.
Best museum in Provence – Parfumerie Fragonard
No list of the best museums in France would be complete without a nod to the country’s famous perfumes. And where better for scent than Provence, home to the world-famous lavender fields centred around Grasse?
Fragonard has been creating perfume since 1782 and a visit to their museum proves that they really know their stuff. The free guided tour shows you how their fragrances are made and you get the chance to discover the history of perfume.
Why visit this museum in France?
The collection includes fascinating objects from the world of perfume including bergamot boxes and the pomme d’amber. This pomander carried six compartments of dry perfume and was thought to ward off epidemics.
While you’re there – see the lavender fields of France.
Best museum in Brittany – l’Univers du poête ferailleur
The best museums in France also include a collection of quirky venues, known for their eclectic collections. Perhaps one of the most unusual is in Lizio, near Vannes. Created by Bretan Robert Coudray, it literally is ’a poet’s junkyard’.
Coudray has spent over 30 years collecting stuff and turning it into a world of weird and wonderful objects. Expect to see over 80 animated sculptures, musical fountains and wind totems, all set in the grounds of a magical garden.
Why visit this museum in France?
It’s fun, creative and imaginative. And it shows what you can do with things that no one else wants. Plus there’s an organic café and live music on Sunday evenings in the summer.
Find out more about this museum
While you’re there – visit other parts of this beautiful area as you navigate its waterways on your self-drive boating holidays in Brittany.
Discover France this summer
As well as wonderful museums, France has myriad attractions for the traveller keen to experience world-class cuisine, take in glorious scenery and discover a fascinating culture. This summer, see it for yourself as you glide down the magnificent French waterways. Whether you choose a majestic river or picturesque canal, the best of France is guaranteed.
Take a look at our selection of cruising holidays in France this summer. We look forward to welcoming you on board!
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