So many choices, so little time! Opinions please.

Are you trying to do the smaller museums in one day? When? I've been to the first three. None takes a long time to see once you are inside, but you may spend time waiting to get in, depending on when you plan to go. And getting between whichever ones you choose. It took me around an hour at each of them, but I see things very quickly and hone in on only the works that really appeal to me.

I haven't been to any of the places in #2 and shouldn't speak about them, but I'm not a fan of fancy châteaux, so Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres would be the winner in that group for me.

1)In addition to Rodin we liked the Cluny for the Lady and the Unicorn tapestries. Also the Orangerie for Monet's Water Lilys. Would probably vote for the Cluny you should just research what they have to offer and pick the one that appeals to you.
2)Have been to Chartres but but not the others so can't offer opinions.
Have fun choosing!

An abundance of riches. I love the Rodin museum for its sculptures, gardens and the overall intimacy of the collection and its display. I am, however, a confessed Cluny-holic. The collection focuses on medieval artifacts (an area of particular interest for me), includes Roman baths and the incredible and incomparable Lady and the Unicorn tapestries. But that's just my unbiased opinion. I find them just mesmerizing, and have been dragged out under threat of physical harm after an hour or two....more than once. The darkened, quiet room in which they are displayed adds much to the experience for me. It will be our fourth visit and the first stop when we return to Paris this summer. The l'Orangerie is most notable IMO for the Waterlilies but may be less of a priority in my mind if you visit the other museums of Paris with their outstanding Impressionist collections.

Chartres is outstanding, with the stained glass and West Portal being highlights. The Labyrinth is cool as well. A pleasant surprise on our day trip was the lovely old town neighborhood surrounding the cathedral with its canals and beautiful architecture. Easy to see in a not-too-long walk. We had a picnic with the ducks. We have also visited Fontainebleau. It is extensive and filled with richly decorated rooms. I wasn't that impressed by the gardens, which struck me as more of a park than landscaped gardens, but maybe we missed something. We were under the gun to drop the car and grab a train to Paris by the end of our visit. If you visit Versailles or the chateaux of the Loire, it may seem a bit redundant and you can prioritize accordingly. Tough choices, hope this may help a bit.

I would put the Cluny first of the 3 museums you list.

I would go to Chartres, particularly if you have visited some chateau in the Loire, but even if not, the cathedral and town is
fantastic.

If you like Monet, the L'Orangerie is a must see. If you enjoy medieval tapestries as well as Roman ruins, then it's the Cluny. I like Jaquemart-Andre, but it is basically a tour of someone's lavishly furnished home. If this is your first trip to Paris, I'd choose one of the former over the latter. They are also more central, so easier to get to.

From Amboise, Chartres is an easy stop. We went there from the Loire and dropped our rental car, visited the cathedral, had lunch, and took the train into Paris. Made an easy day. I haven't been to either Fontainbleau or Vaux le Comte (they are on my list for my upcoming trip), but knowing where they are, I'd say going to either would be a bit more complicated; however, if you are going directly to CDG, they might position you better for approaching CDG. I would be surprised if you could do both on the same day, though I suppose it is possible. Personally, I wouldn't want to do that much if I had to also deal with dropping a rental car locating a hotel at CDG.

I hope you are staying at one of the hotels that is right at Terminal 2 at CDG: Ibis, Novotel CDG, Hilton, & Sheraton. They are right on the inter-terminal shuttle and are very convenient if you have an early morning flight.

I agree that the Jacquemart-André is a lavishly furnished former residence, but this married couple were great art collectors and their mansion shows this. An hour or two spent there will not be wasted plus there is a splendid gift shop!

Hey there,

Lo, no not doing them all on one day and I love art and take a while at these places. My hubby has to pull me away. Still working on the itinerary but will group things by area.

Carol, Denny and BG, seems there is a consensus about the Cluny, think I will make that 2nd priority after the Rodin. Can definitely make time for these two.

Denny, yes, we will be coming from multiple chateaux in the Loire valley so Chartres and the cathedral would probably fit the bill more - great advice. There is a labyrinth? I will have to check into this, sounds intriguing.

Carolyn, we have booked rooms at Citizen M hotel located at CDG. I haven't heard much of it on this forum, anyone stayed there? We have stayed at a Citizen M in Amsterdam right inside the airport and it was great. Hopefully this one will be also. Very early morning flight.

Norma, sounds like the Jaquemart-Andre' will be on hold unless I can fit it in on one of the days. Also, Carolyn, we will be going to Giverny and will see much of Monet there so thinking to hold off on the L'Orangerie until next Paris visit (if I am so lucky as to have another).

Perry, yes, of course we will always have something for next time when it comes to Paris! It is just challenging to choose for this time!

This has really been a big help, thank you all very much!!!

Just so you know, there are no original Monet works at Giverney. After seeing the lily pond, going to l'Orangerie to see the massive water lily paintings would be a priority for me.

For your first question, I have also enjoyed all three museums, Rick gives each one two stars, and I agree that none takes terribly long to see. One advantage of the Paris Museum Pass is being able to pop into the Rodin, Orangerie, and Cluny for short visits, whenever they're handy, if you already paid for the pass, instead of buying a separate ticket and feeling that you have to see everything to get your money's worth.

You can see Monet paintings in other locations, but it feels special to be completely surrounded by water lilies in the oval room of the Orangerie for which he designed those large murals. The Cluny covers a fascinating period of history; the part that was most memorable for me was a temporary exhibit, so your experience will be somewhat different. The Jaquemart-Andre' might end up being the one that's just a bit further from the rest of your sightseeing and not covered by the pass.

Beware of Stendahl syndrome (look it up), pace yourself and probably better to under-do rather than over-do. Just assume you'll be back one day and can finish your list.

Oh and I forgot, now we also have Paris syndrome. Primarily among Japanese tourists but can afflict anyone.

Thanks Carolyn, Laura and Phred.

Phred: Looked it up and per Wikipedia: "Stendhal syndrome, Stendhal's syndrome, hyperkulturemia, or Florence syndrome is a psychosomatic disorder that causes rapid heartbeat, dizziness, fainting, confusion and even hallucinations when an individual is exposed to an experience of great personal significance, particularly viewing art." LOVE it! Think I've experienced it already! Last time was at the MET in New York City. Love learning new words and phrases, thank you.

To Carolyn and Laura, I hope I can fit the Orangerie in, it truly sounds amazing. I am traveling with three other adults and at least two of them are not quite as struck with "Stendhal syndrome" as I am so I must pick and choose to satisfy all. :0) I have seen some wonderful Monets on previous visits to The Orsay (one of my all time favorite museums) but do have those waterlillies on my bucket list. Not sure if we will get the Paris Museum Pass on this trip, still need to add up all the fees and do some calculating. It was so great on previous trips.

This is our third time to Paris but one of our party's first time so that does change things up a bit. Thanks again to all for your help ad comments.

Happy Travels!

Jaye, perhaps you could arrange a morning or afternoon away from the rest of the group to do the things you want to do but not everyone else may enjoy as much (some smaller museums, that kind of thing). You mentioned that two of the others have also been to Paris before, perhaps they would be willing to shepherd the neophyte for a morning or afternoon. Then you can all meet up for lunch or dinner.

Jaye, it looks like you've made up your mind but in case you're still waffling, another vote for the Cluny here. We were both a little surprised at how much we enjoyed that one plus it was blessedly free of crowds.

Kathy, we all are going to the Rodin and the Cluny for sure. :0) Can't wait! Thanks for the advice.

Zoe, yes, that is a great idea but I think when we do split it will be for the two ladies to do some shopping. :0) We almost never get any shopping time in with so many great sites. :0) Hoping to find some great reasonably priced shops (scarves etc) this time. We do split at times and then meet up, makes for happier travelers and a great time for all.

Thanks again!!!!!

I'll just throw this out there in case you're interested. If you want to see some Monet's, including some water lilies, you could visit the Marmottan museum. If you're not going to have a museum pass (which doesn't work for this museum) and don't want to stand in a long line (l'Orangerie), this may work. I loved this museum, it was smaller and easier handled - I think we spent an hour and 1/2 there and it was marvelous. And no lines to get in. It's a little out of the way of the other museums but worth the effort to me.

Also, I agree with the others that of your choices the Cluny should be number 1.