You finally made it to Paris. Your feet are already tired, your camera roll is full, and your budget is… cautious. You want art. You want Monet. But you do not want to hemorrhage euros. Good news: with a bit of timing and insider knowledge, you can step straight into Monet’s water lilies without paying a cent.
This guide shows you exactly how to get free entry to the Musée de l’Orangerie, plus why it deserves a top spot on your Paris itinerary.
Disclosure: This post might contain affiliate links. If you buy through one of these links, it will not cost you anything extra, but we might get a small commission. Thank you for supporting us. To learn more, please read our full affiliate disclaimer page.
Table of contents
See Monet’s Water Lilies for Free
If you plan ahead, free entry to the Musée de l’Orangerie is absolutely possible. Children, visitors aged 18–25 (EU residents), and disabled visitors can enter for free at any time. Everyone else just needs to time their visit right.
What is l’Orangerie? Wonderful Water Lilies!
When I first heard the name l’Orangerie, I assumed it had something to do with orange trees. Logical, right? In reality, it’s one of the most serene and rewarding museums in Paris.
The building was designed specifically to house Claude Monet’s monumental Nymphéas (Water Lilies). Inside, you’re surrounded by light, color, and calm. The panels are far larger than most people expect, and after the buzz of Parisian streets, the space feels almost meditative. If you are overwhelmed by the Louvre, go take a break at l’Orangerie.
First Things First: How to Get in For Free?
The easiest way? Visit on the first Sunday of the month. On these days, everyone gets free entry to the Musée de l’Orangerie, along with many other Paris museums.
We discovered this during a spring break trip to Paris. Since l’Orangerie is my favorite museum in the city, the timing felt like fate. Carpe Diem, indeed.
Even on a free day, the crowds were manageable. We waited about ten minutes. The line looked intimidating but moved quickly.
Always free:
- Children under 18
- EU residents aged 18–25
- Disabled visitors (and companions, depending on documentation)
Are There Other Museums we can Visit without going broke?
Yes, there are other museums that you can get in without paying anything. Visit this link for a list of free entries in Paris.
Five Fantastic Reasons to Visit Musee de l’Orangerie
Once inside, here’s what makes this museum unforgettable.
Winsome Water Lilies Surrounding You
Head straight to the oval rooms housing Monet’s water lilies. Sit on one of the benches and relax. The paintings shift with the light, and the longer you look, the more alive they become.
Dragonflies seem to hover. Frogs feel close enough to hear. Clouds drift lazily overhead. It’s immersive without being overwhelming.
To Infinity and Beyond!
The two oval rooms form the shape of an infinity symbol when viewed together. Monet intended the cycle of the paintings to feel endless. It’s a small detail, but once you know it, you’ll never forget it. Excellent trivia-night material. Or use it on your next cruise trivia.
Temporary Exhibitions
Beyond the water lilies, l’Orangerie hosts rotating exhibitions. During one visit, we saw Nymphéas: American Abstraction and the Late Monet. While I personally connected more deeply with Monet than with the American abstract painters, it was fascinating to see how influential his work became.
To me, Monet shows a reality in an abstract view, but I can still see the reality which modeled it. Monet’s paintings draw me into his world, the other abstract painters in this exhibition did not have that power.
Exhibitions change regularly, so it’s worth checking the Musee de l’Orangerie ‘s website.
Peek at Picasso, Go Ga-Ga for Gaudin…
The permanent collection is a delight. Works by Picasso, Gauguin, Cézanne, Derain, Rousseau, and others fill the lower level. The museum is compact enough to explore without fatigue, unlike the Louvre, which can feel endless.
Here, you can actually look at the art instead of fighting crowds.
Grab a Snack at Café de l’Orangerie
Museum wandering burns energy. Luckily, there’s an on-site café serving good coffee, pastries, salads, and light meals.
If you entered for free, this is a lovely way to support the museum, along with a stop in the gift shop.
Conclusion about How to Get into l’Orangerie for Free
The Musée de l’Orangerie is a must-see in Paris, but ticket prices can add up quickly. Knowing when and how to visit for free makes this magical experience accessible to almost everyone.
If Monet’s water lilies are on your Paris wish list, a little planning can make them free.
Have you visited l’Orangerie? Which Paris museum holds your heart?
The clock is running. Make the most of today. Time waits for no man. Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That’s why it is called the present.
Alice Morse Earle
Best Things To Do in Paris
- Paris on a Budget;
- Free museums and monuments in Paris. The official site of the Paris Convention and Visitor bureau.
- Important tourist scam warning: How To Beat the Shell Game !
- Hang out with the Lost Generation at La Closerie des Lilas;
- Find out about affordable Michelin restaurants in Paris: Bib Gourmand;
- Find out geeky Van Gogh facts and then seek out some of his paintings in Paris;
- Stay in Paris for free using your Hilton Honors points;
- Or use a free Hilton weekend certificate.
FAQ: Visiting the Musée de l’Orangerie for Free
Is the Musée de l’Orangerie free on Sundays?
Yes. The museum offers free entry to everyone on the first Sunday of each month.
Children under 18, EU residents aged 18–25, and disabled visitors (and sometimes a companion) receive free admission year-round.
On busy days, especially the first Sunday of the month, reservations may be recommended or required. Check the official museum website before your visit.
Yes. Monet’s Water Lilies are part of the permanent collection and included with free entry days and exemptions.
Most visitors spend 1 to 2 hours, making it an ideal museum to pair with a walk through the Tuileries Garden.
Pin How to get into L’Orangerie for Free
Share this with your friends! Pin it to your travel boards.
Please leave a comment!