Avoiding Museum and Attraction Closures in Paris: Best Times to Visit

Paris Closures – Museums and Attractions

When visiting the iconic city of lights, it’s crucial to stay informed about museum and attraction closures. Our recent trip to Paris illuminated the importance of planning. Therefore, knowing when specific sites are closed can enhance your experience while saving you from unexpected disappointments.

Proper preparation assures you make the most of your time in Paris, maximizing enjoyment without overspending.

Museum Closures

During our travel to Paris, we encountered a few obstacles due to a lack of organization and research. Therefore, it’s essential to know the opening hours for popular attractions.

Notably, even the most famous museums often close one day each week. Below is a detailed list of crucial museum operating schedules:

The Louvre

• Closed: Tuesdays
• Hours: 09:00-18:00 (Wednesday and Friday open until 22:00)
• Holidays: May 1, August 15, December 25, January 1
• Free: First Sunday of every month and July 15
• Discounted Days: Wednesdays and Fridays €6 after 18:00

Musée D’Orsay

• Closed: Mondays
• Hours: 09:30 – 18:00 (Thursday until 21:45)
• Holidays: January 1, May 1, December 25
• Discounted Days: Thursdays €5 after 16:15
• Free: First Sunday of every month

Eiffel Tower

• Hours: 09:00 to 00:45 (Last lift at midnight) during summer
• Holidays: Open 365 days a year
• Discounted Days: None
• Free: None

Arc du Triomphe

• Open: 7 days a week
• Hours: 10:00 – 23:00
• Holidays: January 1, May 1, May 8 (morning), July 14 (morning), November 11 (morning), December 25
• Discount Days: None
• Free: European Union Members aged 18 – 25

Père Lachaise

• Open: 365 days a year

Operational hours:

• Mon-Fri: 07:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
• Saturday: 08:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
• Sunday and bank holidays: 09:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

Note: Winter hours are shorter

• Free: Every day

Versailles

• Closed: Mondays
• Hours: 09:00 – 18:30
• Holidays: December 25, January 1, April 5, May 1, May 24, November 1
• Free: First Sunday of each month
• Discounted: European Union citizens under 25

Les Invalides

• Closed: First Monday of every month; some exhibits closed every Monday
• Hours: 10:00 – 18:00 (summer hours)
• Holidays: January 1, May 1, November 1, and December 25
• Free: July 14
• Discounted: Tuesday €7 after 17:00

Catacombs

The Catacombs present a fascinating underground tour filled with historical significance. With millions of skulls collected from cemeteries in the 1700s, it’s a unique experience in the heart of Paris.

• Closed: Mondays
• Hours: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
• Holidays: None
• Free: Children under 13
• Discounts: None

Sacre Coeur

• Open: 365 days a year
• Hours: 06:00 am to 10:30 pm
• Free: Every day

Notre Dame

• Closed: Never
• Hours: 08:00 – 18:45 daily (19:15 on weekends)
• Free: Every day
• Towers and Crypt open daily from 10:00 – 23:00 during summer hours
• Towers and Crypt closed: January 1, May 1, December 25

Restaurant Hours: Most restaurants open for dinner from 19:00.

Shopping Hours: Most shops are closed on Sundays.

Metro Hours:

• 05:30 – 01:15
• Friday/Saturday 05:30 – 02:15