Less Frequented Tourist Destinations in France, Such As the Musee Du Louvre, Have Fewer Crowds Compared to the Popular Site
Exploring France's Museum Treasures Beyond Paris
In the cultural landscape of France, Paris is often the first destination that comes to mind when thinking about museums. However, the country boasts a rich collection of museums outside the capital, offering a more intimate and tranquil experience.
One such gem is the Chaiteau de Chantilly, a 30-minute walk from the train station and just under an hour from Paris. The Chaiteau houses the second largest collection of antique paintings in France, only second to the Louvre, and features the Musee Condé with a library containing priceless illuminated manuscripts. The Chaiteau's sprawling gardens, designed by Andre Le Nôtre, add to its allure.
The Louvre, located in a palace and home to over 30,000 works on display in over 750,000 square feet of exhibition space, is the most visited museum in the world. However, its popularity comes with challenges. In 2024, the Louvre saw 8.7 million people pass through, handling more than twice its intended capacity. In response, the French government announced an ambitious development plan in early 2025 to rethink the visitor experience at the Louvre.
For those seeking a more serene way to get close to the Louvre's collection, the Louvre-Lens Museum in Lens offers an alternative. Opened in 2012, it is now the second most-visited museum in France outside of Paris.
Another hidden gem is the Musee des Beaux-Arts in Dijon. This museum, within walking distance of the Dijon-Ville train station, just over an hour and a half by train from Paris, is one of the oldest museums in France, featuring art and history dating back to Ancient Egypt. The museum recently underwent renovations, modernizing the visitor experience across 50 rooms displaying over 1,500 works.
The Salle des Gardes in the Musee des Beaux-Arts in Dijon is home to the majestic tombs of the Dukes of Burgundy, Philip the Bold, and John the Fearless. The funeral monuments in the Salle des Gardes are adorned with dozens of unique alabaster statues known as "les pleurants".
France's museum scene extends far beyond Paris, with over 1,200 museums carrying the "Musee de France" label. Other notable museums include the Rodin Museum in Meudon, offering an authentic and tranquil experience in the artist's house, studio, and park, and the Musée de l'Air et de l'Espace in Le Bourget, focusing on the history of aviation and space exploration.
In the heart of Lyon, the Museé des Confluences stands as a futuristic museum with an extensive collection spanning natural history, anthropology, and cutting-edge science. It quickly became an instant hit and is the number one most visited museum in France outside of Paris.
And the best part? Many of these museums, including the Musee des Beaux-Arts in Dijon, are entirely free to visit. So, whether you're a culture enthusiast or a casual visitor, France's museums beyond Paris offer a wealth of opportunities to explore and appreciate the country's rich history and art.
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