Orsay Museum Free Admission Day

I’ve not been to the Orsay on a free day, but have read and heard that they do, indeed, tend to be crowded, as happens at other places around the world that offer periodic free days. But if it’s your only option when you’ll be in Paris, it has such a wonderful collection, that you will be fortunate if you go, even if you have a lot of others there, too. Hopefully someone can give recommendations about the ideal time of day to be there, or other strategies for maximizing your experience. Bonne chance!

Many traveling in peak season already have the same plan as you.
If you really want to see go on a day in January when it is not free

I looked at Orsay on a free day, I believe in early October, but decided against it because the line was huge. I've never had any problem getting into the Orangerie on a free day.

In general, I'd rather pay the fee.

Don't have a Paris Museum Pass active on a free day, that would be a waste. I don't think it applies to you but some people might activate a multi-day pass on Saturday before a free day. I always wondered whether they give you an extra day when that happens? I've never tested it.

Thank you for your comments! The free Sunday will be my only opportunity to go. I guess my best option is getting there as early as possible after arriving in Paris at CDG airport at 8:15am. Maybe I can parachute from the plane, ha, ha.

I wouldn’t count on it, but perhaps the crowd might be less at lunchtime, if enough people are catching a bite to eat. Hopefully you get ahead of the throng.

I had a ticket for d'Orsay given to me by a friend which I accidentally tried to use on the free Sunday. (It was half of the d'Orsay-- Orangerie double ticket which they hadn't used.)
Anyway, the ticket allowed me to skip the HUGE long line and enter quickly by the door on the right side of the building.
So assuming that it's still available, I recommend that you buy the double ticket, maybe on line in advance if possible, and remember to enter by the right door.
Bon chance!
And happy trails!

We just visited the Orsay on the free Sunday in June. It wasn't terrible! IMO, everything in Europe is much more crowded now than when we have been there in the past. BTW, we had a lovely lunch there! I think you can do it!!!

Although I've never left a suitcase there, here is the information from their website on bag storage.

"Only suitcases, travel bags and backpacks smaller than 60 x 40 cm are allowed.
They may be left in the cloakroom subject to space."

https://www.musee-orsay.fr/en/visite/bienvenue.html

Are you interested in the Impressionist Galleries? IF so, after you enter the doors to the main museum area (not the entrance/security area) walk straight back thru the sculptures toward the back end of the museum. Veer to the left around the small cafe and find the hidden escalators. These go directly to the 5th floor so you can start at the Impressionists and work your way down.

Let us know how it goes!

SharYn - Thanks for the great idea of actually buying a ticket early and then skipping the line. I may try that.

Pam - Thanks for the specific instructions on going to the Impressionist Galleries first and then see the other work. Also appreciate the info on suitcase size. Mine is a carry-on backpack just about that size. I hope the cloakroom is secure. I'll have all my essentials in there.

I will report back to the forum on the crowds on a free day in July!