The best museums Ile-De-France

Paul Landowski is a familiar figure in Boulogne, where he settled on Max-Blondat street in 1905 - until his death in 1961. Grand Prix of Rome in 1900, then director of the Académie de France (Villa Médicis), his house and workshop were destroyed but the current museum was constituted by the artist's family, thanks to donations to the City of Boulogne-Billancourt in 1982, on the same location. Statues and statuettes, models of great monuments and other drawings illustrate the career of the internationally known sculptor.

Through works of art, we discover the history of the town of Doves and, by extension, of the region. Gustave Curd or Worthless Ribot lived there and painted it, and large industrialists participated in his destiny: Guerlain, Hispano-Suiza…

The museum has nothing in common with the Académie de France in Rome, despite what its nickname "Villa Médicis" might imply: this appellation was given in 1854 to the small castle (built in the th century), in tribute to the Queen of France, Catherine de Médicis, who briefly inhabited the castle of Saint-Maur during the th century.

A beautiful collection of paintings, sculptures, engravings and decorative arts from the th to the st century.

Almanart is an artistic medium located in Paris, more precisely at 117 Boulevard Murat in the 16th arrondissement. They offer art walks in and around Paris, notably on the Quai Saint-Bernard, where you can admire works by Ipousteguy, Rougemont and Liuba. The Domaine de Chamarande is also an interesting place to visit, with exhibitions by artists such as Husky Suzanne Patti and Harris Brock. Other places to discover include the Abbaye de Maubuisson, the Fondation Cartier, the garden home of Louis Aragon and Elsa Triolet, the Château de Fontainebleau, the Musée Grataloup in the Chevreuse region, and the open-air sculpture museum on the Quai Saint-Bernard. For lovers of contemporary art, there are also numerous exhibitions in Paris, including at the Fondation Cartier, the Centre Pompidou, the Musée de la Poste, the Fondation Vuitton and the Musée Maillol. Almanart also offers information on buying and selling works of art privately.

Look out for the opening of the Musée Vivant du Fromage in Paris on June 3, 2024. At last, some would say, this gastronomic heritage will be celebrated in a way that lives up to its worldwide reputation. You'll have to wait a little longer (as we close this guide) to discover the site, but we can tell you that it will be divided into 3 distinct sections: first, the culture of cheese, then its manufacture, and finally its tasting. Open Tuesday to Sunday, the ticket office is already open!

The pink house with green shutters on the banks of the Seine in Argenteuil was home to Claude Monet and his family in the 1870s. Renovated and fitted out to welcome the public around the Impressionist theme, it offers visitors an immersive, playful tour, combining antique furniture and digital tools that bring to life the paintings of the Impressionist leader.

Conceived as a treasure hunt, the tour takes in the whole house, inviting visitors to open closets, drawers and shutters, right through to the newly refurbished garden. Enhanced by narrative films and reproductions of paintings, visitors can discover Monet's life in Argenteuil, in a house whose architecture is characteristic of the ^19th-century "villégiature" style.

The highlight of the experience is a recreation of Monet's workshop boat, immersing visitors in the atmosphere of a floating studio. In terms of his pictorial output, Monet's period in Argenteuil was a prolific one. He painted 259 pictures, over 150 of which were of Argenteuil and the surrounding area. Town or country, nature or industry: the painter's canvases cover a wide range of themes.

For a short break, don't miss the winter garden, offering a breathtaking view of the garden. It has been replanted with the flower species of the period, also faithful to the painter's paintings and drawings. The garden was also used as a studio by the Impressionists, including Édouard Manet, who set up his easel here.

Notably evoked by Colette, Rubelles earthenware is one of those joyful demonstrations of the craft revolution, combining art and industry at the turn of the ^mid-19th century. Propelled by Paul-Charles-Amable de Bourgoing's invention of lithophanie, the Rubelles earthenware factory was founded in 1839, with the help of Baron Alexis Sylvain du Tremblay. The result was a twenty-year production run that was both original and striking. The Maison de la Faïence, just a few steps from the original address, aims to preserve and promote this heritage.

It is one of the old fish farms. Since 1896, exactly. The Villette fish farm is now run by Emmanuel Coupin, fish farmer and biological engineer. Of course, you can come and fish, especially with your children (equipment provided, fish prepared...). Fishing enthusiasts will also find what they are looking for: koi carp (from April to September) or ornamental carp, from Japan. The ecomuseum traces the history of this old water mill, whose origins date back to the 16th century. Old accessories also recall the history of the Villette fish farm. Finally, in the local shop, you will find fresh products (trout, sturgeon) and dishes prepared on site such as smoked salmon, smoked trout (made on site) or Nordic dishes, as well as preserves and local products from the Yvelines region.

Currently closed for an indefinite period due to lack of resources, the museum was inaugurated in 1973, in the heart of the country house - a beautiful th-century farmhouse - from Max Fourny, publisher and collector, and its wife, painter Françoise Adnet. The founder, naive art, had travelled the world and accumulated more than 1 500 pieces. The museum presents a wide range of cultures, rituals, customs and aesthetics that highlight this colourful figurative art on all continents. Here are 45 countries, of very many techniques (oil, acrylic, gouache, watercolour, pencil, pastel, iron, cardboard, embroidery, mâché paper, collage, sculpture, bas-relief…), and most varied media (canvas, wood, isorel, paper, glass…). Paintings, sculptures and publications are put into perspective through temporary exhibitions. The museum also allows visitors, both large and small, to initiate the various techniques of plastic art through workshops.

This private apartment, where the famous singer lived at the start of her career, displays many of her personal objects, a collection of earthenware and her famous black dress. A boutique also offers books and audio supports to prolong the spirit of the place and the artist. To get there, the nearest public transport stations are Ménilmontant, Rue Saint-Maur and Belleville - Menilmontant.

It was a place brimming with magic and poetry, miraculously preserved, where Arp and Taeuber settled in 1929, in a studio-house designed by Sophie Taeuber. The visitor discovers the extent of the artistic heritage of two major artists of the th century. The atelier of Jean Arp and Sophie Taeuber was animated today by the Arp Foundation, whose contours were outlined several years before his death. It is one of the few examples of home houses that survived the disappearance of its actors. A place of creation, where these two pioneers of veneration and concrete art approfondirent their research, influence each other. A place of meetings, exchanges, where we found, alongside collectors from Switzerland, Germany or America, their friends, artists and writers of the avant-garde of the twentieth century. The Fondation Arp was named "Musée de France" in 2004 by order of the Ministry of Culture.

The permanent exhibition of this small museum exposes the story and customs of tobacco, hemp or opium smokers throughout the world, thanks to a collection of objects (pipes, hookahs, snuffboxes, cigarette-holders etc.) and iconographic documents (pictures, sketches etc.). A temporary and thematic sales-exhibition and, a bookshop and a shop all contribute to the beauty of this amazing museum. From American Indians to Bob Marley, Chinese dignitaries to Jimi Hendrix, dive into the history of smokers of all centuries!

In this impasse, at the end of this small briard village, the birthplace of the great inventor reveals the objects relating to his life and work. Born on January 4, 1809 in this small briarde house, Louis Braille invented the alphabet that bears his name, a writing and reading system for the blind. As a victim of tuberculosis, he died in 1852. His remains will be transferred to the Pantheon on 21 June 1952, on the occasion of the 100 th anniversary of his death, the year of the opening of the museum. Blind since the age of three, Louis Braille enters the Blind Institute seven years later. Later, he became a professor and developed a reading system from 1825, composing books to facilitate his teaching. Writing in relief that reads easily to touch, it is used worldwide. On the floor of the house, a library brings together many old books, some of which are in braille. Access disabled.

The main stages of the history of the Parisian hospitals are detailed in this museum found in the Miramion hotel (seventeenth century), beautiful building which was once a hospital for the poor, then the headquarters of the Central Pharmacy. The collections consist of pieces of great variety (paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints, furniture, processed, medical instruments ...), the oldest dates back to the Middle Ages. They include the "Livre de Vie active", an illuminated manuscript of the late fifteenth century, and a nice set of pharmaceutical jars made of earthenware. A highlight of the tour is passing through the garden of medicinal plants, which is organized in the medieval manner. One can discover about sixty varieties. Unfortunately, the place just closed. The hotel Miramion was sold and normally no one can occupy the premises. The museum should thus reopen within two years in a new place.

This atypical and quite exceptional museum has finally been reopened after many adventures and regional establishments! It is the result of the work since 1957 of a few enthusiasts grouped together in the Association for the Museum of Urban, Interurban and Rural Transport (AMTUIR), saddened at the time by the scheduled abolition of tram networks (the current development of the tram in many cities of the country will have proven them right). The work has been long to buy, recover and repair trams, Paris metropolitan railway cars, trolleybuses, buses, coaches and operating equipment, complemented by scale models, models, documents, videos, and images from the past. For several decades AMTUIR also had difficulty finding a site to house the museum and serve as a repository for engines and bulky parts... Malakoff, Saint-Mandé, Colombes followed one another until the decision of the city of Chelles to definitively promote the place. The large hall that houses most of the exhibition is not heated, so this museum is only open on sunny days, only one Saturday per month: watch for the opening dates on the association's website and schedule a full day for the visit accordingly.... You will not be disappointed.

Textiles, perfumes, food, spare parts, works of art... The museum of the Union of Manufacturers, which works so that industrial property is protected internationally; it is one of a kind. Visitors are invited to play the game of differences: the imitations are placed next to the authentic models so that one should learn how differentiate between counterfeited item and original items and also discover the ingenuity of counterfeiters.

Louis Vuitton (1821-1892) has acquired a great reputation by creating trunks and travel accessories under the Second Empire, so as to become, as everyone knows, one of the global standards of French luxury. The Vuitton family house today houses a valuable collection of th-century baggage in a luxurious environment. Not far away, workshops are still in operation. We manufacture specially commissioned parts at this world-renowned company. Once a year, workshops are open to the public for a visit as surprising as informative.

La Maison des Arts is located in the old Bourdeau property. This charming residence built under the Second Empire is surrounded by a shady park, where remarkable centenary trees are admired such as silver linen and giant redwoods. It is a place of various exhibitions (painting, drawing, sculpture, engraving, photo) and the headquarters of Antony's museum-museum, which presents a collection of objects on the history of the commune. Programming level, each season is rhythmic by several ad hoc events: highlighting the artistic creation of a country, focusing on major artistic trends, contemporary exhibitions… Finally, children between the ages of 5 and 15 can be taught plastic arts, whether it's drawing, painting, modeling, burning or photography - you've understood it, difficult not to find out what the creative passion of your offspring is!

The museum is installed in the former headquarters of the Compagnons Charpentiers du Devoir de Liberté. You will hear the story of companionship referring to the creation of its fraternities, their modes of operation, and their rites. You will also admire masterpieces, as well as tools that were used to realise them. The bookstore section allows you to acquire specialized literature on the subject. There are four other comrade museums in France (Arras, Tours, Limoges and Bordeaux).

The A.S.P.A.A.R. - Association for the Safeguarding of the Artisanal and Rural Heritage - was born here, in the former farriery of the village, on 23 September 1988. In 1984, Robert Mignot, the last blacksmith, retired. His son Gerard and some friends then decided to safeguard this place and the craft trades. A.S.P.P.A.R. preserves a rich heritage, restores it and enhances it. It has bought land and is currently rebuilding full-scale village houses. Every two years, a large thematic celebration brings together members and outside contributors for a trip into the trades of the past, farriery, cartonnage, inland navigation... Everything gets back on track thanks to these volunteers, the forge is rekindled, the blacksmiths meet, hit and work with metal. During these occasional events, a bread oven operates thanks to a baker from the association.

When you enter the splendid Pavillon de l'Empereur of the Opéra Garnier, you will be dazzled by the splendour of paintings, gilt and woodwork. The library is in a lounge, the museum, at the smoking room and temporary exhibitions in a rotunda. The museum traces the History of Palais Garnier, through the preparatory drawings of the scenery of Opera and some decors by themselves, antique photos, scale models, accessories, costumes, jewellery. And if you want to visit the Opera, you should know it is included in the price of the ticket!

The castle Buchillot (eighteenth century) welcomes the work of the sculptor Paul Belmondo (1898-1982), a classic and figurative artist of his time. Hundreds of works are gathered on pure lines, fruits of donations from his three children, Muriel, Alain and Jean-Paul of course: sculptures, molds, medals, drawings and watercolors. In addition to these collections, there are numerous books from the personal library and the revival of the artist's workshop. Please note that a touch gallery is available to visitors: Here, it's no longer the view that is used, but touch - logical for a sculptor, but you have to think about it! Labellisé Museum of France offers a particularly careful museum: large gallery, touch gallery, design rooms or medals are all architectural successes that enhance the artist's works better than ever.

They offer tastings, guided tours and workshops for wine lovers. Visitors can discover wine through convivial exchanges and innovative oenological experiences with Caves du Louvre sommeliers. Wine tastings are accompanied by carefully selected French artisanal products. Caves du Louvre also offers the possibility of buying wines in-store, having them delivered or picking them up on the drive. For wine aficionados who wish to deepen their knowledge, Caves du Louvre offers original tasting workshops, such as create your own wine, cheese and wine tasting, or cheese and spirits tasting.

It is often in the most discreet places that we make the most beautiful discoveries… The House of Printing in Rebais is a perfect example! Located in the place of the old station, this museum, held by Jacques Driot, a former professional, is full of instruments, accessories, tools, information and anecdotes that he does not hesitate to share with visitors. Patiently, Jacques Driot has thus recovered printing machines from all eras, typographical pieces, printing papers, compositions, measuring instruments and newspapers (read absolutely: The Parisian released from August 7, 1945 with the "one" atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima!), posters, reproductions, trust currencies, stamps, etc. Most machines still work perfectly and serve demonstrations. This museum ends with a very nice boutique where gift ideas bloom. The entrance is free and it is better to call before coming to make sure that a constant is assured. 

These small museums will be loved by those who are passionate about the rich Polish culture. From one room to the other, you will enter the world of three of the most prominent figures through personal memories and works of art. Adam Mickiewicz (1798-1855), great romantic poet and patriot who was forced into exile in Paris, Boleslaw Biegas (1877-1954), painter and sculptor, and finally Frederic Chopin (1810-1849). This great composer, who made much of his career in France, receives a tribute here in a room where you can see his favourite chair, portraits, partitions, and his death mask.