Musée du Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris

When my sister came to Paris for Christmas last year, she wanted to visit "the modern art museum", having seen images of it on a travel show before she arrived. Mistakenly, I took her to the Centre Pompidou. Where she had really wanted to go was the Musée du Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris, one of the museums always free to the public. (my bad!) Located at the Palais du Tokyo, across the river from the Tour d'Eiffel near Pont d'Alma, it is full of delightful surprises. Sculpture, ceramics, paintings, and the coolest furniture I have ever seen is arranged in minimalist fashion, the space open and uncrowded. The permanent collection is impressive without overwhelming the senses, and you can get your museum "fix" without a day long commitment or fighting crowds of tourists. For a lovely afternoon in Paris on a dime, allow me to suggest a visit to the Musée du Art Moderne followed by a stroll along the Seine and across the river toward the Tour d'Eiffel. A walk through the Jardin du Musée Quai Branly is always free, and great place to feel removed from the pace of the city while still being in the middle of it! A picnic on the Champs de Mars in the shadow of the Tower offers an ambiance that's unparalleled, and fortified by a baguette and cheese, fresh fruit and a beer, you have lived like a true parisian (for 10 euro or less)! Visit the "MAMVP" Tuesday-Sunday from 10h-18h at 11 avenue President Wilson, metro ligne 9 to Alma-Marceau. Closed Mondays and holidays.