5 museums in Paris to visit during the heatwave

There is no escaping it: like many other countries, France is experiencing a particularly long and early heatwave in late June 2026.

In this blog post, I offer a brief—though by no means exhaustive—list of Parisian museums and monuments that will not only amaze you but also keep you cool.

1/ The Louvre Museum (Paris – 1st Arrondissement)

Originally a 12th-century medieval fortress, later transformed into a royal palace in the late Middle Ages and finally opened as a museum in 1793, the Louvre is by far the most visited museum in the world. Across its 14 kilometers of corridors and 403 rooms, no fewer than 35,000 works are on display—spanning a period from 9,000 years ago to the 19th century—the most famous of which is, of course, Leonardo da Vinci’s *Mona Lisa*.

My tip for staying cool: if possible, avoid the most visited wing of all (the Denon Wing, home to Italian Renaissance art and 19th-century French paintings) and instead explore the medieval Louvre (its underground moats offer shelter from the heat) as well as the Richelieu Wing (the museum's newest). Alternatively, opt for temporary exhibitions, which are usually held in the Louvre's most modern galleries.

Looking for a guided tour where you can stay cool? Join my "Louvre Off the Beaten Track" tour to discover some of the museum's great masterpieces away from the crowds and the heat.

Good to know: the Louvre is partnered with the Eugène Delacroix National Museum (note: the latter does not have air conditioning!).

Opening hours: the Louvre Museum is open every day except Tuesday, from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Late-night openings take place on Wednesday and Friday evenings until 9:00 PM.

2/ The Museum of Decorative Arts (Paris – 1st arrondissement)

Located as an extension of the Louvre’s Richelieu wing along Rue de Rivoli, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris—officially designated a "Musée de France"—opened in 1905 and underwent a major renovation in 1996. Its collections comprise approximately 150,000 objects (with 6,000 on public display) and are organized by both chronological period—spanning from the Middle Ages to the present day—and theme (graphic arts, advertising, jewelry, typography, fashion, toys, etc.). This arrangement showcases the evolution of artistic production across all facets of the decorative arts.

A tip for staying cool: both the permanent collections and temporary exhibitions are housed in air-conditioned galleries. It’s a great thing to know!

Good to know: a single ticket grants access to all current exhibitions.

Opening hours: The Musée des Arts Décoratifs is open daily except Mondays, from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm. Late-night openings take place on Thursdays until 9:00 pm.

3/ The Henri Cartier-Bresson Foundation (Paris – 3rd arrondissement)

Founded in 2003 at the initiative of one of the 20th century's greatest photographers, Henri Cartier-Bresson, along with his wife—also a photographer—Martine Franck, and their daughter Mélanie, the Henri Cartier-Bresson Foundation is unique in the world. A major hub for photography in Paris and an institution of public utility dedicated to safeguarding the independence of the work of both Henri Cartier-Bresson and Martine Franck, it features a rigorous program of temporary exhibitions. These showcase great photographers from the 20th and 21st centuries, ranging from renowned figures (Stephen Shore, Richard Avedon, Helen Levitt, Martin Parr, Weegee, Paul Strand, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Robert Doisneau, Eugène Atget, etc.) to emerging talents (Nuits Balnéaires, Vasantha Yoganantha, Mame-Diarra Niang, etc.).

A tip for staying cool: because the photographic prints are highly sensitive to environmental conditions, the Foundation’s galleries are air-conditioned.

Interested in a guided tour? Since 2022, I have been one of only two licensed guides authorized to lead tours of the Henri Cartier-Bresson Foundation’s exhibitions in Paris. Please feel free to contact me for more information.

Good to know: in accordance with the wishes of its co-founders, the Henri Cartier-Bresson Foundation does not house a permanent collection dedicated to their work. However, depending on the temporary exhibitions, specific insights into some of their major series (such as *Mexico* or *The Europeans*) are often provided. Furthermore, the Foundation collaborates with other institutions in France and abroad to showcase its heritage collection, which comprises thousands of prints, negatives, and contact sheets by Cartier-Bresson and Martine Franck. Finally, its bookshop offers a carefully curated selection of books dedicated to photography.

Opening hours: The Henri Cartier-Bresson Foundation is open daily except Mondays, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

4/ The Quai Branly - Jacques Chirac Museum (Paris – 7th arrondissement)

Inaugurated in 2006 along the Seine embankment that gives it its name, the Musée du Quai Branly-Jacques Chirac—featuring a unique, context-sensitive design by Ateliers Jean Nouvel—is dedicated entirely to the preservation and display of objects, photographs, architectural elements, and sacred works from Oceania, the Americas, Asia, and Africa. Through a mix of permanent collections and temporary exhibitions, the museum offers an immersive look at the diverse histories and foundations of civilizations, spanning from the Neolithic era to the 20th century.

A tip for staying cool: because many of the artworks are made from organic materials (feathers, leather, wood, etc.), the museum is fully air-conditioned and kept in subdued lighting.

Good to know: from the museum, you can enjoy an unobstructed view of the Eiffel Tower or dine at *Les Ombres*, the rooftop restaurant at Quai Branly.

Interested in a guided tour? I offer guided tours of the Musée du Quai Branly’s permanent collections. Feel free to contact me!

Opening hours: The Musée du Quai Branly is open daily (except Mondays) from 10:30 AM to 7:00 PM, with late-night openings until 10:00 PM on Fridays.

5/ The Guimet National Museum of Asian Arts (Paris – 16th arrondissement)

Less famous than other Parisian museums yet incredibly rich, the Musée Guimet—founded in 1889—houses the most significant collection of Asian art in Europe and the world. Born from Émile Guimet’s late-19th-century vision of creating a museum dedicated to religions, it brings together exceptional collections—acquired through expeditions, scholarly research, and donations—that continue to foster appreciation for Far Eastern civilizations, including those of China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Tibet, India, and Afghanistan.

My tip for staying cool: both the permanent collections and temporary exhibitions are housed in air-conditioned galleries. It is also less crowded there than in other museums.

Opening hours: The Musée Guimet is open daily except Tuesdays, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Did you enjoy this article? Feel free to share other Parisian museums in the comments that serve as cool havens during a heatwave or the summer months!