Monet's Own Collection: The Marmottan, Privately

The painting that gave Impressionism its name, and the works Monet kept for himself.

Quick Overview

• Your group only (up to 6 people)
• Duration: About 1.5 hours
• What we see: Impression, Sunrise, Monet's late water lilies and the Japanese bridge, Berthe Morisot
• What's special: A calm mansion museum, far from the crowds, holding the paintings Monet never sold
• Days: Tuesday to Sunday (closed Mondays). The 18:30 slot is for Thursday late openings
• Pace: Unhurried, and shaped around what you love
• Languages: English; ask if you need another language
• Best for: Monet lovers, repeat visitors, anyone on their way to Giverny or the Orangerie
• Your guide: Me, a state-licensed guide-conférencier with a background in French art history

The Experience

The Marmottan holds the paintings Monet's family kept, the works he lived with. It's a small, elegant museum in an old mansion on the edge of the Bois de Boulogne, and it feels a world away from the big museums.

We stand in front of Impression, Sunrise, the small canvas of Le Havre's port that a critic mocked and a movement adopted as its name. Then we follow Monet into his last years, when the Giverny pond and the Japanese bridge dissolve into colour as his eyesight fails.

We finish with Berthe Morisot, a founding Impressionist whose work the museum holds in greater depth than anywhere else. On Thursdays the museum opens late, which makes for a lovely early-evening visit.

Route & Walking Info

• Distance: Under 1 km
• Terrain: Flat floors and stairs to the lower level (lift available)
• Pace: Whatever feels good to you. We take breaks when we need them.
• Accessibility: If you need to avoid stairs or long walks, tell me before booking and I'll adapt the route.

Good to Know

• Meeting Point: Entrance of the Musée Marmottan Monet, 2 rue Louis-Boilly. I'll send a map link and very clear instructions once you book.
• Timing: Try to be there 10 minutes early so we can start smoothly.
• Getting there: Metro La Muette (line 9), then a 10-minute walk through the Ranelagh garden.
• Tickets: Book your timed tickets for the same slot as the tour; I'll send the link after booking.
• Shoes: Wear your most comfortable ones. Really.
• Bags: Keep them small; many sites have security checks.
• Late Arrivals: If you're late, it cuts into our time, but I'll make sure you still see the essentials.

Optional Add-Ons

• Monet trilogy with the Orangerie and Giverny
• Ranelagh and Passy walk after the museum
• Other Languages (Ask me about availability)
• Afternoon Planning (I can help you map out the rest of your day nearby)

After You Book

• A personal confirmation once I've checked the date. I confirm every booking myself.
• My meeting instructions, clear and simple.
• I'll ask what you're most curious about (or what you'd rather skip), and shape the visit around it.
• Mobility needs or children in the group? Tell me early and I'll plan for it.
• Want lunch or dinner afterwards? I'll suggest a table I'd book myself nearby.

FAQ

Is it really private? Yes. Just you, your group, and me.

Do I need to buy tickets? Yes, you buy your own museum tickets online. I'll tell you exactly which ones.

Is it good for a first visit to Paris? It's perfect if you love Monet. If it's your very first trip, the Orsay may be the better start.

Send me your dates and what you love most, and I'll shape the day around you.