In the Marais neighbourhood, this free museum (5-euro guide not so necessary, explanations are on boards in every room) tells the history of Paris in 3 floors, including a replica of Proust's room, excellent details of French Revolution up to recent days, in this ancient hotel. Also contains decorations of other disactivated hotels in Paris. Really worth the visit.

This little gem has a lot of history and charm. I'd suggest at least 2 hours to do this museum justice. If you rush around in an hour you can get a good taste. It also has some short term exhibitions, so check the program and see whats on besides the regular works.

We visit the Carnavalet every time we are lucky to come to Paris. After exploring the museum several times we still find something new that we missed before. And let us assure our fellow TripAdvisor members, the museum provides a great deal of interest and excitement for everyone. We especially like the second floor with its amazing collection dedicated to... More

The Musee Carnavalet is a wonderful history of Paris housed in two 16th century mansions. Amazing windows, floors and ceilings to look at before you even start to look at the exhibits. Through the windows you can see the formal gardens outside - or sit and relax in them. Quite an amazing history!

Thre aren't many free attractions in Paris (for adults). This is one. You can get a real feeling for Parisian history looking around this rambling museum. It brings together a selection of things salvaged from Parisian reconstruction. Old shop signs, and shop fittings as well as a range of saved interiors clearly showing how interior design has changed over the... More

The museum admitted my friend and me just 15 minutes before they close a large area for "lunch". Why did they not tell us BEFORE we entered?? Good thing that there is no admission fee, however the purchase of an audio guide was a waste of money. In addition, BOTH of the 2 bathrooms were closed for cleaning at the... More

Yes free admission and a must! Bigger than it appears and every corner is worth discovering...including the quarters of Louis and Marie-Antoinette before hauled off to their demise. This is to do whether you have 3 days in Paris or longer and do it early in your visit as it will add to your knowledge of your French history. Audio... More

Aargh! Uninspiring typically French sterile presentation, the UK or US would do a much better job at presenting the history of their city as an interactive museum rather than a sterile series of glass cases.

So that's what the Bastille, Marie Antoinette and her chubby hubby and children really looked like. A good collection of art and a wonderful collection of artifacts. Don't miss it if you're in the Third. A real French history lesson and some beautiful rooms and furnishings. Not crowded at all. All descriptions in French only. Museum paper maps available at... More