We will be in Paris on the first Sunday of November. I understand the museums are free then. How bad are the crowds on the first Sunday? Would we be better going to Versailles (also free) on the first Sunday or multiple museums in Paris?
Posted by
Fontainebleau, France
893 posts
If you choose to hit some of the lesser museums, it is definitely possible to do a few on Sunday. The lines at the Louvre and d'Orsay are quite intimmidating. People line up long before they open. But we've walked right in the Cluny and not waited long for the Rodin. If you have children with you, the d'Orsay has a separate entrance. We walked right in that one, but would have waited an eternity in the regular line. The exhibits get crowded, but I think they control the crowds to where it's never a problem (with the possible exception of viewing the Mona Lisa). I think you could do either Versailles or a few Paris museums. It's just a matter of your preference.
Posted by
Columbus, OH, USA
16 posts
MaryAnn, I have hit The Louvre on free Sunday around 4PM. The line looks much worse than it is. The exhibits were totally navigable. There is an afternoon where Orsay is discounted. I don't know how many museums you could do in a day since they are so large, so I might suggest Versailles, especially if admission is more expensive.
Posted by
Monroe, WA, USA
151 posts
We went to the Orangerie on Sunday this Aug. We arrived early (in line before it opened) but it was lovely and very uncrowded. We had attempted to visit the afternoon before but the museum staff basically turned us away and said "it's free tomorrow" come then:) Very worthwhile savings in a very expensive city.