What to Do After the Musée d’Orsay

You’re done with Orsay and still have hours left. Good news: this part of Paris is packed with solid next moves that don’t require planning gymnastics. Here are the options that come up all the time and for good reasons.

1. Walk Straight Into the Tuileries

The simplest option is often the best one.
Exit Orsay, cross the river, and you’re in the Tuileries. Flat paths, open space, plenty of benches. Easy walking after time indoors. From here, you can drift toward the Louvre courtyard or stop whenever you feel done.

2. Use the Batobus Instead of Walking

Right next to Orsay is a Batobus stop.
Hop on and let the Seine do the work. A popular route is Orsay → Jardin des Plantes → ride back toward the Eiffel Tower.
Adult passes are €23 for 24h or €27 for 48h. It turns transport into part of the day, not a chore.

3. Get Off at Jardin des Plantes

If you take the Batobus east, get off at Jardin des Plantes.
The gardens are large and calm. At the far end are the Arènes de Lutèce, free Roman ruins hidden in plain sight.
From there, walk up via the Escalier Végétalisé on Rue Rollin. You’ll land in a real neighborhood, not a postcard zone.

4. Rue Mouffetard Done Properly

From the Rollin steps, you’re close to Rue Mouffetard.
This is where people actually suggest food stops, not chains. Gelati d’Alberto gets repeated mentions for gelato (not Amorino).
The street itself is lively without feeling staged.

5. Les Invalides For One More Museum

If you still want culture but less crowd pressure, walk to Les Invalides.
It’s rarely packed. The Musée de l’Armée is huge, but easy to pace.
Napoleon’s tomb is there too. You can do part of it and leave without feeling rushed.

6. The Seine Walk

Another low-decision option: Exit Orsay, turn toward the river, and walk in the direction of Notre-Dame. Stop when you’ve had enough.
This stretch gives you bridges, views, and constant exit points.

7. End the Day on the Water

Many people finish the Orsay day with a river cruise.
Some keep it simple, others book a dinner cruise.
Either way, it’s an easy way to close the day without more walking.