In short
Formed by the union of two sumptuous Renaissance palaces, the Carnavalet Museum recounts the transformation of Paris from the ancient prehistoric stilt houses to the Belle Époque. Its spectacular period rooms faithfully reconstruct the nobles' salons and historic shops, offering a precious testimony to the city's social evolution.
Period: founded in 1880 (buildings from the 16th-17th century)
Architecture: Renaissance and French Classical
Artistic movements: Gallo-Parisian artefacts, revolutionary relics, historical furnishings and Parisian landscape painting
Best time: Midweek for a leisurely stroll through the courtyards
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Carnavalet Museum opening hours and prices
Plan your cultural stop by exploring details about free access to the extensive permanent collections and booking options for temporary exhibitions. This museum is part of low-cost Paris!
Opening hours
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Tue - Sun 10:00 - 18:00
Last admission 45 minutes before
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Ordinary closures
Every Monday, January 1st, May 1st, December 25th
Prices
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Free entry Free
For everyone, at the permanent exhibition
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Temporary exhibitions from €15
What to see at the Carnavalet Museum
Immerse yourself in the palace's newly restored rooms to discover the incredible heritage of objects, paintings, and testimonies that marked the birth of the Parisian myth.
Neolithic Pirogues Most requested
Admire the ancient wooden boats carved from tree trunks, dating back to four thousand years BC.
Marcel Proust's Bedroom
See the writer's original room, complete with his brass bed and personal furniture.
Relics of the French Revolution
Be amazed by the world's largest collection of historical objects related to the storming of the Bastille and the guillotine.
The gallery of historical signs Not to be missed
Explore the spectacular initial corridor which houses dozens of ancient wrought iron commercial signs from the city's old shops.
The decorated living rooms of the eighteenth century
Discover the extraordinary series of reconstructed noble rooms, rich in mirrors, gilded wood paneling, and furnishings saved from the city's demolitions.
Visit to the Carnavalet Museum
Follow these quick logistical tips to orient yourself within a labyrinthine yet extraordinarily visually fascinating chronological journey.
Best moment
Crowding
Very fluid on weekdays, more intense on Sunday afternoons.
Suitable for children
Yes, the historical city models and signs are very popular.
What not to miss
The wonderful and colorful Art Nouveau jewelry shop designed by Alphonse Mucha.
Type of experience
Intimate, nostalgic, historically rich and full of curious discoveries.
What to expect
Long corridors, creaky wooden floors, and tons of vintage items.
How to visit the Carnavalet Museum
The main entrance is located in the historic courtyard on Rue de Sévigné. The tour unfolds chronologically, starting from the prehistoric underground, ascending to the upper floors through the royal halls, and concluding with the contemporary section.
Need to know
- The palace takes its name from the widow of the lord of Kernevenoy, Italianized as Carnavalet.
- The famous writer Madame de Sévigné lived in these rooms for a long time.
- The museum was born to save the memory of the Paris destroyed by Haussmann.
- Many painted ceilings were removed from demolished buildings and reassembled here.
Practical advice
- Download the official app to navigate the hundreds of rooms.
- Even if it's free, book your ticket online at no cost.
- Visit the beautiful bar and restaurant located in the garden during the summer.
- Prepare yourself mentally: the total route is over two kilometers.
How to get to the Carnavalet Museum
The monumental complex is located in the heart of the historic Marais district, in the third arrondissement.
Line 1 stops at Saint-Paul, line 8 at Chemin Vert station.
The Châtelet - Les Halles stop is about a twelve-minute walk away.
Lines 29, 69, 76, and 96 make convenient stops nearby.
Walk along Rue des Francs-Bourgeois then turning into Rue de Sévigné.
23 Rue de Sévigné, 75003
Official Transport Paris
- Paris Metro Map
- RER tickets and fares
- Taxis in Paris (numbers and alternatives)
History of the Carnavalet Museum
In 1548, architect Pierre Lescot began construction of this splendid palace, considered one of the few and most precious examples of Renaissance architecture remaining intact in the Marais. The facades were enriched with magnificent sculptures by Jean Goujon, dedicated to the four seasons. During the 17th century, the renowned architect François Mansart expanded the structure, which later became the official residence of Madame de Sévigné, one of the most brilliant writers and intellectuals of the French court.
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The transformation into a museum occurred in the second half of the 19th century, during the monumental and radical urban planning works commissioned by Baron Haussmann. Bulldozers were demolishing entire medieval neighborhoods to make way for the great modern boulevards; to avoid the total loss of Paris's historical memory, the city decided to purchase the Hôtel de Carnavalet to collect and preserve the artwork, façades, and furnishings of the destroyed buildings.
The museum officially opened in 1880, but the collection grew so rapidly that it became necessary to purchase the nearby Hôtel Le Peletier de Saint-Fargeau. The two buildings were connected by a large suspended gallery in the 20th century, creating an immense exhibition center dedicated entirely to Parisian identity. During the world wars, the rooms were closed and the most precious pieces were hidden in underground shelters outside the city.
In 2016, the building underwent the most extensive restoration in its history, lasting five years and costing tens of millions of euros. The work allowed for a complete redesign of the exhibition layout, making it accessible, bright, and enriched with multimedia support, without however affecting the poetic, retro atmosphere of the historic rooms that have always fascinated residents and tourists.
Curiosities about the Carnavalet Museum
Unusual details and little secrets enclosed within the walls of the Parisian palace of memory.
The statue of the Sun King: in the main courtyard stands the only monumental bronze statue of Louis XIV to have survived the destructive fury of the French Revolution.
Marie Antoinette's Ring: Among the display cases dedicated to the royal family's imprisonment, you can observe the small engagement ring that the queen kept before ascending the scaffold.
An intact royal bathroom: on the first floor you can admire the Cabinet de Jean-Jacques Rousseau, a room entirely painted with blue floral motifs, originally used as a luxurious noble bathroom.
Voltaire's teeth: among the most bizarre and extravagant relics in the collection is a small case containing an authentic tooth of the famous Enlightenment philosopher.
Carnavalet Museum tickets and tours
Find accommodation near the Carnavalet Museum
Find the hotel that's right for you from the options below or our curated collection of Marais hotels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the museum suitable for non-French speakers?
Yes, after the latest restorations all the explanatory panels and captions have been translated into English and an audio guide is available in several languages.
Can we see the original old guillotines?
The museum displays several miniature models from the period and an original blade used during the years of the Revolutionary Terror.
Does the Hôtel Carnavalet have a courtyard open to the public without a ticket?
Yes, the external Renaissance courtyards and geometric gardens are free to access and you can simply walk through them to admire the sculptures on the facades.
Are there paintings that show what Paris was like in the Middle Ages?
Yes, the historic wing houses a very rich collection of paintings by view painters showing the ancient appearance of the Cité island and the disappeared wooden bridges.
Can you enter with a stroller for small children?
Yes, the recent renovations have introduced modern ramps and elevators , making almost the entire route accessible to strollers and wheelchairs. For more ideas on family visits, see Paris with kids.
Is the museum open on French public holidays?
The facility remains open on almost all public holidays, with the exception of May 1st, January 1st and Christmas Day.
Does the permanent collection have an expiration date or does it change often?
The historical collection is stable, but periodically some fragile objects such as drawings or historical clothing are replaced for conservation reasons.
Is there a souvenir shop inside the palace?
Yes, near the ticket office on Rue de Sévigné there is a beautiful bookshop specializing in photographic volumes, historical maps and gadgets dedicated to the history of the city.
