First Sunday of the month: everything that's free in Paris on November 1st, 2026
November 1st marks the start of the free winter season: from November to March, national monuments join national museums on the first Sunday of the month.
Free doesn't mean open entry, and that's where the catch lies. The Musée d'Orsay, the Orangerie, the Musée de Cluny, and the Musée du Quai Branly require online reservations. The Sainte-Chapelle, the Conciergerie, the Panthéon, and the Hôtel de la Marine do not accept reservations on this day and operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
LA SAINTE-CHAPELLE
The thousand 13th-century stained-glass windows are worth seeing in both clear and overcast weather, and the upper chapel can be crossed in just a few minutes. The Sainte-Chapelle does not accept reservations on free Sundays; entry is on a first-come, first-served basis, and security checks lengthen the wait.
Sainte-Chapelle, Paris 1st arrondissement
9 a.m.–5 p.m., last entry 4:30 p.m. - No reservation required, subject to capacity - Strollers not permitted in the upper chapel
THE PANTHEON
The nave houses Foucault's pendulum, and the crypt contains the remains of Voltaire, Rousseau, Marie Curie, and Josephine Baker. The monument is open to the public on this Sunday, without reservation. The colonnade and its panoramic view remain closed for the season, so the visit is limited to the interior.
Panthéon, Paris 5th arrondissement
10am-6pm, last entry 5:15pm - No reservation required - Panorama closed
THE ARC DE TRIOMPHE
The terrace overlooks the twelve avenues of the Arc de Triomphe and offers one of the most beautiful views of Paris at dusk. The monument closes at 10:30pm in winter. The elevator has been out of service since the summer; access is via the 284 steps.
Arc de Triomphe, Paris 8th arrondissement
10:00 AM - 10:30 PM, last entry 9:45 PM - No reservation required - 284 steps, elevator out of service
THE CONCIERGERIE
The Hall of the Men-at-Arms unfolds its Gothic vaults over nearly two thousand square meters, and the revolutionary exhibition recounts the final months of Marie Antoinette. The Conciergerie does not accept reservations on free Sundays; admission is open to all.
Conciergerie, Paris 1st Arrondissement
9:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m., last entry 5:30 p.m. - No reservation required - Histopad tablets available until 4:15 p.m.
HÔTEL DE LA MARINE
The apartments of the intendant of the Garde-Meuble (Royal Furniture Repository) have been restored to their eighteenth-century decor, and admission is free, which is rare. The Hôtel de la Marine is open without reservation on this day, subject to availability.
Hôtel de la Marine, Paris 8th arrondissement
10:30 a.m.–7:00 p.m., ticket office closes at 6:15 p.m. - No reservation required - Includes the Al Thani Collection
THE CHÂTEAU DE VINCENNES
The tallest keep in Europe can be visited from the council chamber to the dungeons, and the Royal Sainte-Chapelle stands opposite it on the other side of the courtyard. The château is open free of charge without reservation, but its chapel closes at lunchtime.
Château de Vincennes, 94300 Vincennes
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, last entry to the keep at 4:30 PM - No reservation required - Sainte-Chapelle closed mid-day
THE MUSÉE D’ORSAY
The Musée d’Orsay offers free admission to both its permanent collections and temporary exhibitions, making it one of the most generous museums of the day. However, the museum requires online booking, and places fill up quickly.
Musée d’Orsay, Paris 7th arrondissement
9:30 a.m.–6 p.m., last entry 5 p.m. - Online booking required - Exhibitions included
THE ORANGERY MUSEUM
Monet’s Water Lilies occupy their two oval rooms from opening time at 9 a.m., and the morning light is at its most beautiful. The Orangerie includes its temporary exhibitions in its free admission and requires an online booking.
Orangerie Museum, Paris 1st arrondissement
9am-6pm, last entry 5:15pm - Online booking required - Exhibitions included
THE PALAIS DE LA PORTE DORÉE
The Palais opens its exhibition "A History of French Cinema, Maghreb Heritage" on October 30th, and its opening weekend coincides precisely with these two days, featuring talks, workshops, screenings, and a carte blanche for Camélia Jordana. Admission to the museum and this exhibition is free. The Tropical Aquarium remains subject to a fee.
Palais de la Porte Dorée, Paris 12th arrondissement
10am-7pm, last entry 6pm - Reservations recommended - Tropical aquarium (admission fee applies)
THE QUAI BRANLY - JACQUES CHIRAC MUSEUM
The collection floor spans Oceania, Asia, Africa, and the Americas in a single ascent, and the garden opens at 9:15am for those who arrive early. The museum issues timed tickets even for free admission.
Musée du quai Branly - Jacques Chirac, Paris 7th arrondissement
10:30 a.m.–7:00 p.m., garden open from 9:15 a.m. – Timed ticket required – Includes exhibitions
THE EUGÈNE-DELACROIX NATIONAL MUSEUM
The painter's apartment and studio overlook a walled garden in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and the visit takes about an hour. This Sunday is the last day of opening before a three-day closure for the installation of the next exhibition.
Eugène-Delacroix National Museum, Paris 6th arrondissement
10:00 AM–5:30 PM, last entry 15 minutes before closing time - No reservation required - Closed from November 2nd to 4th
THE RODIN MUSEUM
The sculpture garden brings together The Thinker, The Burghers of Calais, and The Gates of Hell beneath the trees of the Hôtel Biron, and autumn suits it particularly well. The museum is reopening with free admission from the first Sunday of October to March, no reservation required.
Rodin Museum, Paris 7th arrondissement
10:00 AM–6:30 PM, last entry 5:45 PM - No reservation required - Garden subject to weather conditions
THE CLUNY MUSEUM
The Lady and the Unicorn occupies its round room, and the Gallo-Roman baths remind us that Paris is two thousand years old. Cluny includes its exhibitions in the ticket and requires a time slot, including free ones.
Cluny Museum, Paris 5th arrondissement
9:30 a.m.–6:15 p.m., ticket office closes at 5:30 p.m. - Time slot to reserve - Abbots' Garden closed
THE PICASSO NATIONAL MUSEUM-PARIS
The Hôtel Salé houses the world's largest Picasso collection across five floors, from the Blue Paintings to his last canvases. The museum welcomes free visitors without reservation, making it the easiest place to visit during the day.
Picasso National Museum-Paris, Paris 3rd arrondissement
9:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m., last entry 5:15 p.m. - No reservation required - 3rd-floor elevator out of service
THE GUIMET MUSEUM
The Museum of Asian Arts offers free admission to its collections and its two current exhibitions: "Knowledge in Trompe-l'œil," dedicated to 18th- and 20th-century Korea, and the monumental installation "DAL DARI, the Moon and the Legs." No ticket or reservation is required.
Guimet Museum, Paris 16th arrondissement
10:00 AM–6:00 PM, last entry 5:30 PM, closed on Tuesdays - No reservation required - Includes collections and exhibitions
