What to do in Orsay

Activities, attractions and tours

A historic building with flags, a cobblestone courtyard, and surrounding trees.

Places to Visit in Orsay

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Orsay, Île-de-France while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Orsay attractions from NZ$56, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Orsay tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 89 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Orsay. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

Activities

Versailles Bike Tour group led by guide

Versailles Bike Tour with Entry timed Entrance to Palace

NZ$213
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Versailles Bike Tour with Entry timed Entrance to Palace
Tootbus Paris : Versailles Half-Day Tour from Paris

Tootbus Paris : Versailles Half-Day Tour from Paris

NZ$131
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Tootbus Paris : Versailles Half-Day Tour from Paris
Small-Group Palace of Versailles Half-Day Guided Tour

Small-Group Palace of Versailles Guided Tour from Paris Max 15 Guests

NZ$322
per adult
84% of travellers recommend
Small-Group Palace of Versailles Guided Tour from Paris Max 15 Guests
Versailles Palace Skip-the-Line Entrance and Breakfast

Versailles Palace Skip-the-Line Entrance and Breakfast

NZ$123
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Versailles Palace Skip-the-Line Entrance and Breakfast
Tea Time and Admission to the Palace of Versailles for 2 People

Tea time and access to the Palace of Versailles for 2 people

NZ$139
per adult
Tea time and access to the Palace of Versailles for 2 people
Versailles: Bike Tour on a premium Dutch bike

Versailles: Bike Tour on a premium Dutch bike

NZ$76
per adult
Versailles: Bike Tour on a premium Dutch bike
Versailles Audio Guided Full Day Tour from Paris

Versailles Audio Guided Full Day Tour from Paris

NZ$174
per adult
72% of travellers recommend
Versailles Audio Guided Full Day Tour from Paris
Jewels of Versailles in-app audio tour

Jewels of Versailles in-app audio tour (WITHOUT A TICKET)

NZ$14
per traveller
Jewels of Versailles in-app audio tour (WITHOUT A TICKET)
Magnificent Versailles in-app audio tour

Magnificent Versailles in-app audio tour (WITHOUT A TICKET)

NZ$14
per traveller
Magnificent Versailles in-app audio tour (WITHOUT A TICKET)
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Top places to visit

1. Eiffel Tower

It may seem hard to believe now, but the 10,000 tonnes of the Eiffel Tower's ironwork, Paris' most recognisable landmark, were earmarked for a dismantling in 1909. Built in 1889 to mark the World Fair, which was held in Paris on the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution, the Tower only had a 20-year licence. Now it is hard to imagine Paris without it. Not that many were keen to imagine Paris with it, back at the time of its construction. Three hundred prominent Parisian artists and writers signed a petition against it, saying it was “a giddy, ridiculous tower dominating Paris like a gigantic black smokestack.”
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2. Louvre Museum

The Louvre Museum is one of the few museums in the world that can say it started with 'people power'. Literally. One of the first decrees of the new National Assembly, after the French Revolution, was that this former palace of the King be turned into a national museum, for all of France to enjoy. Much of its initial exhibition, in 1793, came from church and royal property 'liberated for the people' during the revolution. That tradition of being the natural home for France's national treasures continues to this day.
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The Louvre Museum's courtyard with the iconic glass pyramid.

3. Champs-Élysées

You can't get more prime-retail than the Champs-Élysées. Once a lush gathering of meadows and market gardens north-west of Paris, it is now a glittering avenue into its heart, that's paved with retail gold. But although it is thick with designer stores, elite purveyors of French luxury and flashy brand-name outlets, it manages to maintain a formal, grand elegance. This is Paris, after all. Elegance was penned into its genes from the moment it was marked out as the Grand Cours in the 17th-century.
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A wide boulevard lined with historic buildings, trees, and a clear blue sky.

4. Arc de Triomphe

Triumph is what Napoleon asked for, and triumph is what he got. The Arc de Triomphe is a monumental slab of architecture, commissioned by the Emperor in 1806 to glorify his victories. But it has since taken on a life of its own. While this grand arch was to be a marker of Napoleon's battlefield successes, in the 200 years since its foundations were laid, it has been a monument to peace, defeat and personal loss, as well as victory. Leaders, enemies and armies of four French Republics have paraded underneath (or around) its 49-metre high arch.
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The Arc de Triomphe in Paris, surrounded by trees and flags.

5. Notre-Dame

Notre Dame didn't just spring from the Seine fully-formed. But as a supremely-balanced icon of Gothic architectural perfection – and spiritual anchor to all of Paris' many-faced glories – it's hard to imagine something this sublime being the work of mere mortals. The blocks, buttresses, gargoyles and windows of Notre-Dame de Paris are, however, most certainly mortal handiwork. One-hundred and eighty-two years of masonry, sculpting and leading, to be precise. The result is an artistic and religious treasure that has bought visitors to this island on the Seine for seven centuries.
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Notre-Dame Cathedral with its twin towers, rose window, and statues.

6. Palais Garnier

Treat yourself to an evening of classical entertainment at the Paris Opera (Opéra National de Paris). Admire the handsome architecture and luxurious interiors of Palais Garnier, the home of this historic French opera company. Learn about the 300-year-old past of the Paris Opera via art collections, multimedia displays and museum exhibits.
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The facade of the Academie Nationale de Musique with ornate sculptures and columns.

7. La Défense

Almost 10 kilometres from the centre of Paris – and what feels like a world away from its timeless, cloistered white-fronted streets – La Defense is a thrusting vibrant reflection of modern-day France. It was built in order to meet the needs of a growing number of international businesses who wanted to be based in Paris, but couldn't find the space. By placing the corporate skyscrapers outside of the old town, it was hoped to keep Paris 'très belle'. Now La Defense has become something of an attraction in itself – if only for the jolting contrast between the two faces of Paris.
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A public square with a large sculpture of a fish, a modern building with advertisements, and people walking around.

Recommended things to do in Orsay

Number of things to do
89
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Jewels of Versailles in-app audio tour (WITHOUT A TICKET): NZ$56
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Orsay

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Orsay

A forest with sunlight filtering through the trees.

Les Ulis

A historic building with a clock, a flag, and a well-maintained garden.

Palaiseau

A field of wheat with red poppies and daisies.

Gif-sur-Yvette

Frequently asked questions

Is Orsay worth visiting?
Orsay offers a unique mix of local charm, attractions and culture. Whether you're into history, outdoor activities or regional cuisine, there are many things you'll enjoy here.
How do I spend a day in Orsay?
When you've checked off major attractions like Palace of Versailles and Grand Trianon, spend the rest of your day experiencing Orsay's retail and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Orsay?
Don't go home without checking out Palace of Versailles, rated the top tourist attraction in Orsay.
Is three days enough to stay in Orsay?
Three days will give you enough time to check out the leading city sights, like Musée de la Toile de Jouy, Linas-Montlhéry Autodrome and Le Grand Dôme. The average stay in Orsay is three days. If you feel the urge to extend your getaway, Paris isn't far away.
Is Orsay a walkable city?
With popular neighbourhoods and top attractions within walking distance of the city centre, Orsay is a good place to discover on foot. Have fun wandering between Le Grand Dôme and Abbey of Saint-Louis-du-Temple. Then take a stroll through Ardennes, located 2 kilometres from downtown, and Champagne, which is roughly 2 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Orsay with kids?
Planning what to do in Orsay with kids has never been so easy. Whether you're holidaying with teenagers or toddlers, there's no shortage of family-friendly tours and activities to keep them happy here.

What to do in Orsay for adults?
There's no shortage of things to do in Orsay, with entertainment for adults of all ages. Finish your day off at Petites Écuries or École Polytechnique.
Are there free things to do in Orsay?
One of the best ways to discover free things to do in Orsay is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on vibrant neighbourhoods, parks and other highlights you can enjoy without getting your cash out. Musée de la Toile de Jouy is one place that doesn't charge an entrance fee.