I love museums so always go to some in Paris as that is one of the things I enjoy about the city. I don't always go to the Louvre or Orsay every time I'm there, though, which means I don't go every year.

Basically, I think anyone should do what they want on their own vacation, it's their time and money.

Colette, I have been on a couple organized group tours and really enjoyed the museum visits as the ones I was on had expert guides/archeologists so you are getting a good guided museum tour for free, plus you won't have to wait in lines. That itinerary only had two museums on it, the two biggies, so I don't see that as being so many museums, unless you are counting Versailles as one. Of course, do whatever you want to do -- I don't understand the question about whether it is tacky or not, it's your money and time, do what you want. The only thing is, if convenient, you might notify the tour leader if you have one who is responsible for your group that you won't be there, so they are not worried about you or thinking you missed it or holding up departure wait for you.

In fairness to the people seen charging through museums as if through an obstacle course, many galleries aren't all that 'user friendly.' A guided tour or even a tip sheet(like the kind Rick Steves includes in a lot of his guides) can make a visit a lot more enjoyable. Otherwise the whole thing is apt to feel like trying to play tennis before one has learned to hit the ball.

But who can really say why some visitors aren't looking at the art? Maybe they are only using the museum for a clandestine rendezvous, say to meet a lover or to exchange state secrets...

Thanks for all of your replies---yes, Matthew, it is my first time in Europe. I enjoy a museum or 2, but only being in Paris for a week, I really want to do the people/street scene also. Christina, as to my question re: "is it tacky to ditch the group"---I kind of know the tour guide, and don't want to offend him after all the time, work and effort he's put into organizing the tour. But....true, it is my $$$$, my time, my holiday, so I think I'll do my own thing, do a couple of tours, and as you've all said, communicate to the group so as to not hold anyone up! As always, you Fodorites are the best!! Merci beaucoup!

Please consider going to the Musee D'Orsay. It is such a delight and very easy to get around in. An hour there is a good investment of your time even if you are not a big art lover.

Do a google search and check out the art and building itself. Also has great views from the terrace outside the upper level snack bar.

hansikday-----I'll put it on my list! Thx for the recommendation and I'll do a search to check it out!

Colette, I'd just tell him the night before that you won't be joining the group for the tour or dinner or whatever. Don't leave him standing around waiting for you.

Sometimes I've been tempted with the prices of these tours..but having dinners at hotels or a chosen restauant just doesn't cut it with me! Especially when there is so much else available . And sometime the hotels are so far removed from where I want to be that even with a great price it is not worth it!

I must admit that I enjoy museums and sometimes tend to go overboard as I did last year at the VanGogh spending more time than initially planned. But I want to enjoy the city experience, also. So sometimes I am torn between the two. I think in Paris, the Musee d'Orsay?? will be on the list, but not sure about the Louvre...already saw the Mona years ago. Still wonder what all the hype is. Can someone explain?

Not everyone loves museums and art as much as some of the posters here (ncluding myself) and that's perfectly okay. Besides, there will be more room at the Louvre and the Orsay for us art lovers, so I wouldn't mind a few less reluctant visitors cramming the halls!

What I like to do in Paris - or most any other European city - is devote a day to say, shopping and eating, and the next one to something completely different such as a museum visit. I also think that when traveling with one or more people, allowing for a "solo" day is a great idea. That way everyone wins.

Well dln, the style for footwear this year is the pointed look..The Podiatrists are laughing all the way to the bank!!:)

I, too, love the D'Orsay but be warned that unfortunately some of the works are not as well-illuminated as they might be and on cloudy days it becomes slightly disappointing..but don't let that stop you from going.

The Musee D'Orsay is a great choice. All my good buddies hang out there: Pissarro, Monet, Renoir, Signac, Manet, Gauguin, Caillebotte and even Vincent.

Hi Colette,

I suggest that you do go the the d'Orsay; the Imprssionists are wonderful. Don't stand up close, though.

On the day they do the Louvre, go to the Musee Jacquemart-Andre for a great 'hotel' with, perhaps, the world's best collection of Egyptian art, among other good stuff. You can also have lunch there.

BTW, the Marais is an area, not a museum.

:-[F], somehow I answered the wrong post!!

I love Art and enjoy going to the Museums. I cant count of how many times I have visited the Louvre and the D'Orsay! It is like a ritual on my part and somehow if I dont visit these place, when I go to Paris,I feel like something is missing!

During our 8 days in Paris Aug-Sept we didn't go to one museum. It was very relaxing just tracking down restaurants {which can be time consuming if you don't take taxis], sitting in parks, checking out hotels and having a long aperatif before dinner. We spent one entire day in BHV-Bazar Hotel de Ville- which is like a modern museum for the home. They call it a combination of Macy's and Home Depot. Through the years we have been to most of the Paris museums. In London we did pop into the National Gallery and the British Museum [to see the new addition] because those are free and the French ones are not [except for the Louvre on one Sunday a month, I think]. But the d'Orsay should be seen at least once-it's beautiful.

Degas: isn't Degas with his cohorts at the D'Orsay?

lucky03, how nice of you to ask. Look for "The Dancing Lesson" on the second floor.