ORSAY: HOME OF THE IMPRESSIONISTS

•    Admire the splendid architecture of the museum, which was built in 1900 and previously served as a train station.
•    Hear the story of the scandalous Luncheon on the Grass and Olympia painted by Édouard Manet.
•    Take a closer look at Renoir’s Bal au Moulin de la Galette—you might recognise the place in the painting when you visit Montmartre!
•    Discover one of Van Gogh's most famous self-portraits and the beautiful Rouen Cathedral series painted by Monet.
•    Indulge in a macaron and a “kir royal”, a French highly exquisite champagne-based drink.

TOUR SUMMARY

Once a railway station, the Orsay Museum was beautifully renovated to enshrine the impressionist masterpieces of the late 19th century—one of the most glorious artistic eras in the history of France.

Starting with the Academic art of the Salons, your guide will guide you along the timeline of the myriad artistic changes this period witnessed. You will hear the story of the scandalous “Luncheon in the Grass” painted by Manet, and understand everything about the artistic revolution instigated by Monet, Renoir, and other Impressionists.

Of course, we won't be skipping over those that continued the legacy of their artistic forebears, such as Gauguin and the famous Van Gogh, who once lived in Montmartre. To conclude our tour, we'll take some time to marvel at the Shadow Puppets of the Le Chat Noir cabaret and view Toulouse Lautrec's posters made to promote the notorious Moulin Rouge—all as part of our exploration of this neighbourhood's bohemian atmosphere.

INCLUDED

•    skip-the-line tickets for the museum (you will still have to wait in the line for the security checks)
•    a delicious macaron for an energy boost
•    a glass of “kir royal” at the museum’s café

STANDOUT ATTRACTIONS ON THIS TOUR

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Courbet, Manet (Olympia, The Luncheon on the Grass), Renoir (Bal au Moulin de la Galette), Monet (Poppies, Cathédrale de Rouen and Water Lilies Series), Degas,  Cezanne, Gauguin, Van Gogh (Bedroom in Arles, Portrait de l'Artiste), Toulouse Lautrec's Moulin Rouge posters.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

•    Language: English
•    Duration 2 hours 30 mins
•    Meeting point: at the museum’s entrance, next to the hippopotamus statue
•    Ending point: Orsay Museum
•    Not included: Additional food and drinks, personal souvenirs, tips or gratuities for your guide.