Has anyone found it stressful deciding on times to reserve museum entrances while also making sure you have allowed for finding convenient locations with ample time for lunch (noon to 2:00)? Except for the Orsay, I would prefer to not eat in the museum restaurants.
Two of the museums we plan to visit require timed entry reservations and others highly recommend it.
The web site for the Musée des Arts Décoratifs states that the on site restaurant is closed.
Vacation? Relaxing? Enjoyable?... or a strict schedule?
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
13946 posts
In General I try to do the big museums at the earliest time available. They always seem hot to me even on a cooler day! I also tend to only stay 2-3 hours, even in the Louvre, so am ready to leave by Noon. I am not a big eater at lunch so tend to pick up a sandwich and eat in a park if the weather is nice. Yes, I've eaten a sandwich in the Tuileries in a light rain, hahaha!!
For the Louvre I like to pick up something at the Eric Kayser kiosk located right beside the Carousel Arch entrance to the Tuileries...then go grab a chair in the shade and people watch. That would work for the Musee des Arts Decoratifs if a sandwich or quiche is OK for your kind of lunch.
https://goo.gl/maps/94KDyRfQ6V7WoMev7
Do you know where you are headed after the Musee des Arts Decoratifs?
And....I do better if I create a schedule for myself. I usually have a number of museums I want to visit so I like to get the order and ticketing sorted beforehand.
Posted by
OP
Illinois
162 posts
I see the Kayser kiosque on your map. Thank you Pam. This is very helpful. I forget to use Google maps as a tool to find options. I typically use Google maps to get directions to an address or specific location I already have in mind. I see there are other dining options in the Tuileries. We have reservations on a Friday in September for 2 people at 10:00 for the Orangerie. I want to make reservations for the afternoon at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs (MdAD). I've been to the little Orangerie but my travel companion has not. Would a 2:00 time slot for the MdAD allow us to grab a sandwich and sit in the park, if weather provided?
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
13946 posts
Yes, I think 2P would give you plenty of time!
There are a couple of restaurants in the Tuileries as well. I'm partial to Cafe des Marroniers which is the first one you'll come to on your right as you walk down the central path from the Orangerie toward the Musee des Arts Decoratifs. I've enjoyed my food and wine there and it's a lovely outdoor setting. TBH, I've skipped it the last few times ONLY because I've visited in April when the Chestnut trees (Marroniers, lol!!) are in full bloom. I've discovered I'm really allergic to them and it's not pleasant to snuffle and sneeze thru a nice lunch, haha!! September should be fine if you don't want to go the sandwich route. There are several other places as well although I've not eaten at any of them.
https://goo.gl/maps/HBRh7JY8io8ywxX4A
It's only maybe 10 minutes walk from Cafe des Marroniers to your Musee des Arts Decoratifs.
Posted by
OP
Illinois
162 posts
So glad to read your comment/opinion on Les Marroniers. We'll keep that as another option in the Tuileries. BTW - maybe I didn't search well enough, but I did not find a tab to switch to English on the Musée des Arts D. I successfully made reservations.