The most overlooked fact about the Carnavalet, whether you like the art/exhibits or not, is that it was the residence of Madame de Sévigné (at least part of it was, since it's two combined residences) from 1677 to her death in 1696. If nothing else it's definitely got historical significance. Although I don't know that any of the art is that historically significant I think what is there represents fairly well Paris through the centuries, which I believe is the point they are trying to convey. I also agree that the Louis XVI/Marie Antoinette pieces are rather moving, though whether or not they got what they deserved is a different question.

Maybe it is a bit like an attic...but iI is Paris's attic. I agree that everyone might not like it, but my wife and I always go back to it when we visit Paris.

I love art, but if I had two hours left in the city and had to choose between the Carnavalet, the Picasso and the Pompidou, the Carnavalet would be my choice.

I live near Philadelphia in USA and within a 2:30 radius I can see exceptional Picasso and other 20th c. art works galore, but there's nothing like the Carnavalet near me.

I love the big room with the shop signs and scale models of parts of the city, I love the room that is completely furnished in art nouveau, and I love looking at all the paintings of the familiar parts of the city back in the day.

It's all a matter of taste. I respect all opinions here. The OP will have to make a judgement based on his personal interests.

SS

I'm artsy and an artist, but get painting and gilded-carvings fatigue after so many hours. Something outdoors and physical might refresh your palate for more museums.

The parks should be beautiful late June, and with the long hours of daylight, you could visit Pere-Lachaise or for an evening walk up Canal St. Martin. Outdoors and flea markets, Velib bike rental along the Seine, a trip to St-Denis for the Cathedral and a more rounded look at the local population. Last time we were there, I only went into a museum to keep family members company, preferred to get out on the streets.

There were several sections of the Carnavalet that were under renovation and were closed for several months during the past year and a half All that is finished now, so there's lots more that's worth seeing. There is currently a nice exhibit on Napoleon, if anyone is interested.

Personally, since Versailles has become a crowded mess, I would swap it for either Vaux-le-Vicomte or even Fontainebleau - both are extraordinary and won't be as crowded, so you'll be able to take more time to enjoy what you came there to see.

I know my itinerary is museum heavy, but realistically some of them will fall by the wayside. I like to map out most of my vacation time so when we do something spontaneous we will know what the opportunity cost is going to be. One thing is for sure, all of you have pointed out great options.

One museum I loved during my last visit in 1996 which I never see on anyone's Paris list is the Museum of Natural History. It's on Cuvier St (in the 5th, I think). The street is named for Georges Cuvier, a father of modern paleontology. He established the principle of extinction (of importance to Darwin) and discovered or properly identified many dinosaur fossils. The museum contains many superb specimens! And a cranky attendant who gets annoyed when you take photos.

I am a Carnavelet fan but I find the area around the Pompidou so depressing that it would take a heck of a show to get me there.

You are going to the Rodin Museum on your tour. You might find that you want to go back just for the garden. There is a separate ticket at a lower price just for this, and it is definitely a place to spend some peaceful time.

The Picasso Museum? It isn't quite clear if that is what you mean. Worth It. Absolutely worth it and just around the corner from Carnavelet.

There is a bus from near the Marmottan that takes you right by the Trocadero. If you get off, you get a much better view of the Eiffel than from anywhere near it, and there are museums there with both permanent collections and temporary shows.

I was amazed at my response to the Unicorn Tapestries at the Cluny. Tapestry, meh. They blew me away.