The best museum in every arrondissement in Paris

Let's start with five of my favourite under-rated museums for all to see, and then the full list for members.

There are over one hundred museums to visit in Paris. From world-famous art galleries to preserved historical homes. Cheese museums, Edith Piaf shrines, taxidermy-themed mansions…

When there's so much on offer and so little time, how can you choose?

Well, I’ve spent ten years visiting Paris museums, and I’ve finally come up with the “best” one in every district.

I picked five that are particularly underrated and featured them on this today’s podcast. Let’s start with those five and go from there.

Bibliothèque Nationale Richelieu

The Richelieu wing of the Bibliothèque Nationale takes up an entire block in the second arrondissement of Paris. The buildings have a rich history spanning centuries, and passing through various owners. In the 19th century, the site was consolidated to form the National Library of France. Inside is a treasure trove of libraries, museums and galleries, which house more than 22 million objects and documents, from a rare copy of the Gutenberg bible to an original manuscript of Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables. We had a great time when we visited recently. Simply magnificent. Address: 5 Rue Vivienne, 75002

Musée Carnavalet

The Musée Carnavalet is dedicated to the history of Paris. It reopened in June 2022 after years of renovations and it looks incredible. It's free to enter and the canteen in the beautiful courtyard is picture perfect. Not to be missed - the old shop signs in the entry hall and the entire preserved Art Nouveau shop. Address: 23 Rue de Sevigné, 75003

Musée Jacquemart André

This is a huge and elegant hôtel particulier (aristocratic mansion) on the Boulevard Haussmann. Just the house is a spectacular artwork itself. There's a beautiful interior courtyard and staircase that showcases a fresco that’ll stop you in your tracks. Then, the place is full of interesting furniture and Italian art. The collection was privately put together by wealthy banker, politician and collector Édouard André (1833–1894) and his wife Nélie Jacquemart. Bertrand, from My Private Paris, explained on today’s pod why this museum means so much to him: “It’s the result of a life dedicated to collecting art and I am very passionate about this.” Address: 158 Boulevard Haussmann, 75008 Paris

Musée des Moulages

This place isn't for the faint of heart or weak of stomach. A museum full of thousands of casts of dermatological lesions, located in one of the oldest hospitals in Paris. It was opened at the same time as the Eiffel Tower, for the same World's Fair, but pretty much unknown, even to locals (as you’ll hear on today’s podcast). Open during the week and entry is by appointment only. Address: 1 Avenue Claude Vellefaux, 75010.

Musée de Montmartre

This museum is inside one of the oldest buildings in Montmartre - La Maison de Bel Air. As impressive as the museum is, the gardens out back are even more beautiful. Famously, artists like Renoir, Suzanne Valadon and Maurice Utrillo had their studios here. If these walls could talk... Address: 12 Rue Cortot, 75018

So, there are great museum tips for the 2nd, 3rd, 8th, 10th, and 18th arrondissements. For the rest, you’ll have to become a Substack member below. Or, the full list is here for Patreon members.