Paris: The Rodin Museum and Seine River Cruise

Explore the Artistic Heart of Paris at the Rodin Museum

This tour offers an inviting mix of art, history, and scenic beauty, beginning at the Rodin Museum in Paris. For $39 per person, you gain access to one of the city’s most renowned cultural sites, open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM. The entrance ticket includes entry to the museum, its sculpture gardens, and temporary exhibitions.

The museum is dedicated to the works of Auguste Rodin, showcasing both his lesser-known sculptures and a collection of over 200 paintings accumulated over his lifetime. Visitors are encouraged to explore the sculpture garden, which spans three hectares and features a rose garden, an ornamental garden, plus a terrace and relaxation area for peaceful moments amid art.

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Discover the Sculpture Garden and Its Unique Setting

The sculpture garden is a key highlight, offering a spacious outdoor environment to appreciate Rodin’s masterpieces. Divided into a rose garden and an ornamental garden, the grounds provide a tranquil setting for reflection. During periods of partial accessibility—such as from June 5 to July 8—a temporary structure may limit access to some parts, but the garden remains a significant part of the experience.

Visitors appreciate the three hectares of landscaped grounds, which combine natural beauty with artistic displays. The terrace offers a panoramic perspective on the sculptures and the surrounding cityscape, making it a popular spot for photos and quiet contemplation.

Navigating the Museum and Temporary Exhibitions

Inside the museum, the focus is on Rodin’s lesser-known works, allowing visitors to see a different side of the artist beyond the famous Thinker and The Kiss. The collection of over 200 paintings adds depth to the visit, revealing Rodin’s versatility as a creator.

The museum allows for self-guided exploration using an audioguide (available in multiple languages), which enhances understanding of the artworks and their context. Note that security checks can cause waiting times, particularly during high season, and items larger than 55x35x20 cm are not permitted inside.

Scenic Views and the Seine River Cruise

After immersing in art and sculpture, the tour continues with a Seine River cruise, offering unique views of Paris. The cruise departs from the Port de la Bourdonnais and takes you along the most important waterway in France. Passengers are treated to sights such as the Eiffel Tower, which stands at the foot of the river.

The cruise includes an audio guide in languages like English, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, and Chinese, providing commentary on the sights along the Seine. While the cruise generally offers stunning vistas, some reviews note that during peak times, the crowds can be large and the atmosphere less romantic compared to past experiences, with some describing it more like a guided bus than a quiet cruise.

Practical Details: Meeting Points and Accessibility

This tour departs from the Rodin Museum, accessible via Varenne (line 13) or Invalides (lines 13 and 8) metro stations. The Seine River cruise begins at Port de la Bourdonnais in 75007 Paris. The activity is wheelchair accessible and suitable for most visitors, with the exception of unaccompanied minors.

The duration of the full experience is one day, and canceling up to 24 hours in advance allows for a full refund. For greater flexibility, booking allows you to reserve now and pay later. Be aware that security checks at the museum may involve some wait time, especially during busy periods.

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What’s Not Included and Tips for Visitors

This tour does not include transfers between the attractions, so visitors should plan for their own transportation between the museum and the cruise departure point. To enhance the visit, selecting the audio guide option during checkout provides richer context for both the museum and the cruise.

Children must be accompanied by an adult, and items exceeding 55x35x20 cm are not allowed into the museum. On the first Sunday of the month, between October and March, entry to the Rodin Museum is free without reservation.

A Balanced View: Strengths and Limitations

With a rating of 4.6 based on 44 reviews, this tour scores highly for art appreciation and scenic views. The knowledgeable guides and detailed explanations on the audio guides are appreciated, as is the combination of indoor and outdoor art experiences.

However, some visitors note that the Seine River cruise may lack the romantic atmosphere remembered from years past, being more crowded and less intimate. The timing of the cruise and potential delays during peak seasons are factors to consider.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most

This experience is ideal for travelers seeking a cultural and scenic overview of Paris in a single day, especially those interested in Rodin’s art and river views. It’s suitable for families, art enthusiasts, and first-time visitors looking for a well-rounded, affordable activity.

The price point of $39 for full access to the museum, sculpture gardens, and Seine cruise makes it a cost-effective choice for those wanting a taste of Parisian artistry and landscape.

Final Thoughts on the Rodin Museum and Seine Cruise Combo

This tour offers a compact, value-packed way to experience Paris’s artistic and scenic highlights in one day. The museum visit provides a chance to see Rodin’s lesser-known sculptures and paintings, while the Seine River cruise offers stunning cityscape views.

While the cruise might not emulate the romantic atmosphere of earlier years, it still delivers beautiful perspectives of iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower. The museum is a prime cultural stop, especially with the audio guides adding depth to the visit.

This activity balances art, scenery, and affordability, making it a smart choice for visitors wanting a comprehensive Paris experience in a single day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Seine River cruise included in the ticket price?
Yes, the Seine River cruise is included along with the museum entrance ticket.

Does the tour offer guided commentary inside the museum?
The museum itself is self-guided, but an audio guide on the boat provides commentary during the cruise. You can also select an audio guide at checkout for the museum.

Are children allowed on this tour?
Children must be accompanied by an adult, and unaccompanied minors are not permitted.

What is the duration of the entire experience?
The full experience lasts about one day, including the museum visit and the cruise.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, full cancellation is possible up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

Where do I meet for the tour?
The meeting point at the Rodin Museum is accessible via Varenne or Invalides metro stations.

Are there any restrictions on what I can bring into the museum?
Items larger than 55x35x20 cm are not permitted inside the museum.

When is the museum free to visit?
On the first Sunday of the month between October and March, entry to the museum is free without a reservation.

What should I know about the timing and waits?
There may be a wait at security, especially during high season, which can last up to 20 minutes. Planning ahead is advisable.

Would you recommend this tour?
Yes, especially for first-time visitors to Paris looking for an affordable, comprehensive experience that combines art and scenic views.

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