My wife and I will be in Paris in November and will see the sights (Louvre, Orsay, Notre Dame, etc.). Due to the recent incidents, are these places allowing backpacks? If so is there a limit to it's size (relative to the Rick Steves bags)? I'm sure my backpack (a North Face) is too large if there are constraints and would like to know ahead of time. Also do they allow water bottles in? Thanks
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32209 posts
memark,
I don't normally carry a Daypack, but I suspect that you may have problems with Backpacks at all the locations you mentioned. This from the Louvre website.....
"PLEASE NOTE: any items exceeding 55 cm x 35 cm x 20 cm are not permitted in the museum."
You might invest in a smaller Messenger Bag or whatever and leave the Backpack in the hotel.
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
10192 posts
Backpacks have never been allowed in the museums to protect the art. It's the same in most museums. As for water bottles, food and drink aren't allowed. However, I've never had a small bottle of water confiscated from my purse when going through security.
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
Water bottles are allowed. Food and other drinks are not.
Posted by
Paris
2466 posts
If you can possibly get through the day without a backpack, you'd be wise to do so. Your bag will be searched, no matter what size it is. A small tote bag is more practical, and would probably work just fine.
The Eiffel Tower is currently confiscating drinks, whether in cans or glass or plastic bottles.
Posted by
Napa, CA
3580 posts
I carry a small backpack as a daybag and check it when I enter a museum. They usually ask if there are valuables or camera in the bag, since they don't want to held those items. A bag resembling a purse or messenger bag probably doesn't (usually) need to be checked.
Posted by
Westland, MI
723 posts
From Musée d'Orsay's official website:
"Suitcases, travel bags and backpacks are not permitted in the museum, and cannot be left in the cloakroom."
I'm not sure if they allow any deviations from that policy. A recent visitor to the museum may know.
Posted by
OP
CO
31 posts
Thanks everybody for your tips. I Googled the places and looks like the Orsay is the one place with no backpacks others are fine with small ones.
Posted by
30 posts
curious myself about this...are slingbags or cross body such as this allowed? http://www.pacsafe.com/venturesafe-150-gii-cross-body-pack.html
Posted by
Paris
2466 posts
As long as you aren't carrying any knives or drinks or food that may be confiscated, it would be fine.
Posted by
8 posts
We were just there in the middle of July and I had a full sized backpack with me the whole time. If the museum doesn't allow you to walk around with it, then they will have a bag check (e.g. - Orsay and Picasso).