Guided tour of Water Lilies for six: my review
Verdict: the only visit on this list that I would say changes what you see. The Water Lilies need no explanation, the Walter-Guillaume collection does, and two hours with an art historian for a maximum of six people make level -2 something other than a corridor of gilded frames. The 5.0 rating from 45 reviews is consistent with what I've seen from these guides.
How does the tour go
The meeting point depends on the chosen language and is specified on the voucher. The group crosses the Tuileries Garden on the way, allowing the guide to situate the building, its original orangeries, and Monet's 1922 donation before entering. Once in the oval rooms, the guide speaks little and lets you look; some rooms require silence, and the guides respect this. Most of the commentary takes place on level -2, in front of the Renoir, Cézanne, Derain, Soutine, and Picasso works in the collection.
The tour lasts two hours, with moderate walking between the Tuileries and the rooms. Bags and large backpacks are not allowed, and the operator advises against it for people with reduced mobility. Temporary exhibitions are not commented on. You must be at least two for the tour to take place.
Included
- Art historian guide, group of six maximum
- Skip-the-line entry ticket
- Commented walk through the Tuileries Garden
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Not included
- Commentary on temporary exhibitions
- Meals, drinks, transfers
- Cloakroom for bags or large backpacks (not allowed)
- Departure guaranteed with fewer than 2 participants
What reviews say
What stands out in the 45 reviews is that visitors name their guides: Anatole, Francesca, Manu, Hugo, Marcel, Elizabeth come up again and again. Greg (Australia) talks about a visit that was "informative, knowledgeable and extremely pleasant", Julia (United States) about "historical depth and anecdotes about the artists". Frederick (France), one of the few reviews in French, praises "an exceptional understanding of the works".
Two remarks seem the most useful to me. Mary (United States) writes that the guide "took the time to place each artist in their time", which is precisely what the basement asks for. Joy (United States) remembers "the history of art, Monet's family and friends", so a story, not a list of dates. Suzanne (United States) calls the Orangerie "this unknown museum", which says a lot about what the guide added. MBM and Christopher (United States) confirm without details. I found no negative reviews, which, out of 45, is worth mentioning as is.
What works
- A maximum of six people: you can hear, you can ask a question
- The guides are named and praised by visitors, review after review
- The only product that gives meaning to the Walter-Guillaume collection
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
To know
- Two hours, including a walk through the garden: plan comfortable shoes
- Temporary exhibitions not commented on
- Minimum of two participants, the tour may be canceled if you are alone
- Not recommended for people with reduced mobility
Who it's for, and who it's not for
For whom: visitors who have already seen Monets and want to understand why Paul Guillaume hung Derain next to Picasso. Those who return to the Orangerie for the second time. Those who hesitate between Orsay and the Orangerie and want the small tour to count as much as the big one.
For whom not: those who come just for the Water Lilies, for whom the reserved ticket at 9 h will provide the same service in less time. Families with young children, for whom two hours of commentary are long. People who have difficulty walking, for whom the accessible private tour is more suitable.
Frequently Asked Questions
In which language is the tour conducted?
Six languages are offered: French, English, Spanish, German, Italian, and Russian. The meeting point changes according to the language, check the correct receipt after booking. The list of artists that the guide comments on at level -2 is on the exhibited artists.
Is the guided tour better than the regular ticket?
For the Walter-Guillaume collection, yes, clearly. For the Water Lilies alone, no: a reserved ticket at opening time is enough. The product details and private alternatives are on the guided tour page.
Do I need to carry my belongings for two hours?
Large bags and luggage are not allowed on this tour. A small bag and a coat can be left in the museum's free cloakroom. What is allowed and what is not is detailed on backpacks and cloakroom.