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Musee Carnavalet

23 Rue de Sevigne, 75003 Paris, France
33 1 44 59 58 58
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As featured in Paris on a budget
Ranked #29 of 577 attractions in Paris
Type: History Museums
Fee: No
Recommended length of visit: More than 3 hours
Description: This museum documents the history of Paris from its beginnings through modern times and includes impressive exhibits on Voltaire and Rousseau.
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354 reviews from our community

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San Francisco, California
Top Contributor
52 reviews 52 reviews
15 attraction reviews
Reviews in 28 cities Reviews in 28 cities
19 helpful votes 19 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 June 2013 NEW

This museum has something for everyone -- ancient artifacts from the Roman period and before, furnishings and rooms taken from residences and buildings that were demolished in the 19th century, art from various periods, a room of old store and business signs, a large section on the French Revolution, lots of paintings that show how Paris looked in various periods.... More

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See 3 more reviews by Sara P for Paris
Salt Lake City, Utah
Top Contributor
71 reviews 71 reviews
36 attraction reviews
Reviews in 33 cities Reviews in 33 cities
51 helpful votes 51 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 June 2013

shop signs made of wrought iron, a chocolate machine worn by an intolerant cholate seller, artifacts of the French revolution, period rooms, models, etc. The history of Paris comes alive here. labels are in French only but if that intimidates you, there is an audio guide.

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See 2 more reviews by Artaficionado for Paris
Cleveland
Top Contributor
107 reviews 107 reviews
68 attraction reviews
Reviews in 38 cities Reviews in 38 cities
39 helpful votes 39 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 June 2013

We enjoyed our visit to this museum. The artwork and displays were interesting. While not as large as some of the other museums we visited in Paris, it is jam-packed with all kinds of different displays relating to Paris and its inhabitants and it's a delight to just browse. We probably should have opted for the audiguide because we may... More

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See 11 more reviews by LexiV for Paris
MaIne
Senior Contributor
22 reviews 22 reviews
13 attraction reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 31 May 2013

This museum tells the history of the city, in 100 rooms between two buildings, plus gorgeous courtyards. I especially loved the sign collection.

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See 9 more reviews by debra_is_now for Paris
Melbourne, Australia
Top Contributor
65 reviews 65 reviews
50 attraction reviews
Reviews in 22 cities Reviews in 22 cities
21 helpful votes 21 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 30 May 2013

Without doubt one of the highlights of my trip to France.this small but unassuming museum gets my seal of approval. No entrance fee which out stranded me and the audio for 5 Euros was worth the money because of the information and presentation given.painting by Picasso that one could easily pass by and not notice.This museum has a wealth of... More

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See 19 more reviews by kenhall1942 for Paris
Telford, United Kingdom
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 May 2013

A modest museum by Paris standards but so interesting in its collection of such varied items relating to the city's popular history. It kept my attention from start to finish.

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See 2 more reviews by Patrick4476 for Paris
bordeaux
Senior Contributor
40 reviews 40 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 28 cities Reviews in 28 cities
17 helpful votes 17 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 May 2013

In a lovely area near photo museum ,monalisait bookshop,marais this human sized museum is well worth popping into for a look back at a well designed potted history of this mad city and its free ..

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See 2 more reviews by BordeauxHerzog for Paris
Wayne, New Jersey
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 May 2013

This precious museum fills in a lot of information on the history of Paris that you won't get from visiting a traditional art museum or palace. I enjoyed sitting in the peaceful garden. It was the only place where we saw flowers, even after visiting the famous gardens of Versailles.

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See 2 more reviews by Ana N for Paris
Sao Paulo, SP
Top Contributor
62 reviews 62 reviews
18 attraction reviews
Reviews in 19 cities Reviews in 19 cities
27 helpful votes 27 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 May 2013

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.

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See 24 more reviews by Alice S for Paris
Paris, France
Contributor
19 reviews 19 reviews
8 attraction reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 May 2013

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.

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See 7 more reviews by imagine_david1959 for Paris

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