That being the case, it might just be worth your while to stop by la Musée de l’Orangerie (www.musee-orangerie.fr). Paris, as the centre of art world throughout the 19th century, was the creative base for artists such as Monet, Cézanne, Sisley, Renoir and Pissarro, who developed new artistic techniques in painting and launched Impressionism and Post-Impressionism, which became the most important and influential styles of the period. Dedicated to showcase the candid glimpses of impressionist artists, the gallery – chosen as an display location by Monet himself due to the airy, light-filled rooms and serene setting – boasts a sizable collection of paintings. The Musée de l’Orangerie has been displaying some of Monet’s Water Lilies (Nymphéas) since 1926, although they have been moved around the world several times in bits and bobs. There are, in existence, about 250 pictures of the water lilies, and interestingly many of them were painted when Monet suffered from cataracts, which gives you quite an insight into his perception at the time of painting. A recent refurb of the place has moved some of the floating flowers: there are currently eight of paintings spread over two rooms on the upper floor of the gallery, and they are now displayed under direct, diffused light, showing them as Monet intended and to their most ethereal effect. Visiting the water lilies room is quite a peaceful feeling – sitting, surrounded by these works, you can almost feel yourself to be in Monet’s gardens, whence his inspiration came. Impressionism being what it is, the effect is quite surreal and very beautiful. Apart from that, the gallery also houses work by names no less impressive: Picasso, Matisse, Renoir, Rousseau, Cézanne and Sisley, to name but a few. Make no mistake – this is one seriously impressive collection, and anyone interested in this period of art history should make their way over.

Here’s some practical info for you. A standard, full-price ticket is €7, with concessions at €5, applying to students, kids, over 60s and anyone arriving after 5pm. There are also audio guides available, which are worth getting unless your knowledge of the art world is already superb, costing €5 or €3 for concessions. For those on a money-saving mission, like many of the Paris museums entrance is free on the first Sunday of each month, and for those on a museum-mission entrance is included in the Paris Museum pass. Likewise, you could buy a combined ticket for the Orangerie and the Musée d’Orsay, which costs €13 – this also allows you to take the priority queue for the Musée d’Orsay.

You can easily get here by Metro – lines 1, 8 and 12 stop at the Metro station Concorde – but to be honest, it’s such a nice walk from the Louvre through the Tuileries, or along the river, that it would be a shame to go any other way than on foot.