Beyond the Louvre: the Best Museums Across France to Visit During its Renovation

 
Beyond the Louvre: the Best Museums Across France to Visit During its Renovation

The Louvre museum in Paris will be undergoing extensive renovations with works scheduled to start next year already, so where to go to get your culture fix while visiting France?

A new location for the Mona Lisa, a “new grand entrance” by the Seine, and an increased ticket price for non-EU visitors – these are just some of the extensive changes coming to the Louvre Museum.   

French President Emmanuel Macron this week unveiled a €700–800 million renovation plan, which he called a “New Renaissance,” aimed at modernising the world’s most visited museum.  

With water leaks, fluctuating temperatures, and aging infrastructure putting priceless masterpieces at risk, the Louvre is in need of repair. 

Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa will receive her own wing to improve visitors’ view and conditions © shutterstock

Even the Mona Lisa’s future sparked debate, with Italian officials floating the idea of bringing Da Vinci’s masterpiece back to Milan. 

But as scaffolding rises and ticket prices follow suit – it begs the question: is now the time to look beyond the Louvre for France’s best museum experiences? 

While the Louvre undergoes its decade-long transformation, France offers a wealth of cultural institutions that rival the Parisian giant. From the industrial charm of Louvre-Lens to the contemporary edge of Lyon’s Musée des Confluences and the stunning waterfront MUCEM in Marseille, art lovers don’t need to settle for long lines and crowded galleries. 

If you’re looking for an unforgettable museum experience beyond the construction dust of the Louvre, here are the best alternatives across France that deserve a spot on your itinerary. 

The Louvre has been struggling with crowded galleries © shutterstock

1. Louvre-Lens (Lens, Hauts-de-France) 

Think of Louvre-Lens as the Louvre’s cooler, more mysterious little sibling. This museum, set in a sleek glass building on a former mining site, showcases treasures from the Louvre’s vast collection on a rotating basis. It’s designed to be spacious and immersive, letting you get up close to masterpieces without battling crowds of tourists and their selfie sticks.

Louvre-Lens, © shutterstock

2. Pompidou-Metz (Metz, Grand Est) 

If you love the bold, modern side of art, the Pompidou-Metz is a must-visit. An extension of Paris’s Centre Pompidou, this museum’s striking architecture houses avant-garde exhibitions featuring works from Picasso to Warhol. Unlike its Parisian counterpart, it’s refreshingly calm, making it the perfect place to soak in contemporary art away from the masses.

Pompidou-Metz , © shutterstock

3. MUCEM – Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations (Marseille, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur) 

Set right on Marseille’s waterfront, MUCEM is as much about its stunning sea views as its fascinating exhibits. This ultra-modern museum explores Mediterranean culture through art, history, and anthropology, all housed in a beautiful latticed structure. It’s the perfect spot to mix culture with a stroll along the Old Port. 

MUCEM, © shutterstock

4. Musée d’Orsay (Paris, Île-de-France)

If impressionist art is your thing, skip the Louvre and head straight to the Musée d’Orsay. Housed in a former railway station, this museum boasts an unbeatable collection of works by Monet, Van Gogh, Renoir, and Degas. Plus, its open layout and huge clock windows make it one of the most breathtaking museum spaces in Paris.

musee d orsay, © shutterstock

5. Musée de l’Orangerie (Paris, Île-de-France)

Tucked away in the Tuileries Gardens, this museum is home to Monet’s breathtaking Water Lilies series. The massive, curved paintings are displayed in natural light, just as Monet intended, creating a peaceful, dreamlike atmosphere. It’s a small museum, but its collection—including works by Cézanne, Matisse, and Picasso—packs a serious punch.

Orangerie, © shutterstock

6. Musée Rodin (Paris, Île-de-France)

If you want an art museum with a bit of fresh air, the Musée Rodin is the perfect escape. Set in a gorgeous mansion with a peaceful sculpture garden, this museum is dedicated to the works of Auguste Rodin, including The Thinker and The Kiss. It’s a quiet oasis right in the heart of Paris, ideal for a relaxed cultural experience.

Rodin, © shutterstock

7. Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon (Lyon, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes) 

Often called “the little Louvre,” Lyon’s fine arts museum is a treasure trove of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts spanning centuries. You’ll find everything from Egyptian antiquities to works by Rubens, Rembrandt, and Picasso. Plus, it’s set in a former abbey with a lovely courtyard—perfect for a post-museum coffee break. 

Beaux Arts Lyon, © shutterstock

8. Musée Fabre (Montpellier, Occitanie)

One of France’s best-kept secrets, the Musée Fabre is a dream for art lovers. It boasts an impressive collection ranging from Renaissance masters to contemporary artists, all housed in a stunning blend of historic and modern architecture. If you want a museum with world-class art minus the crowds, this is the place to go. 

Fabre, © shutterstock

9. Musée des Confluences (Lyon, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes)

This ultra-modern museum, shaped like a futuristic spaceship, is where science, anthropology, and history collide. From dinosaur skeletons to ancient civilizations, it’s a museum designed to spark curiosity in visitors of all ages. It’s also set right where Lyon’s two rivers meet, making for a stunning location.

Confluences, © shutterstock

10. Musée Soulages (Rodez, Occitanie)

For something a bit different, head to the Musée Soulages, dedicated to the French abstract painter Pierre Soulages. His bold, monochrome works are displayed in a sleek, minimalist space that makes for a striking art experience. Even if you’re not familiar with his work, the museum’s dramatic design and peaceful setting make it a hidden gem worth exploring.

Soulages, © shutterstock

While the Louvre is undergoing its facelift, there’s never been a better time to explore France’s other incredible museums. Whether you’re into classic masterpieces, cutting-edge contemporary art, or fascinating history, there’s a perfect alternative waiting for you. So why not skip the queues and discover a new favourite cultural spot?

Lead photo credit : © shutterstock

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