Museums in France - statistics & facts
France is famous for its culture. From its exquisite art to its world-famous cuisine and architecture, there is a reason it was the most visited country in the world in 2023. That year, France was also home to some of the most visited museums worldwide, including the likes of the Louvre and the Musée d'Orsay. While its most popular museums were found in Paris, the nation has also got much more to offer than its capital city. For example, in 2024, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes was the French region with the most museums.
It would appear that people prefer to share the experience of visiting museums in France. In 2023, families accounted for over 30 percent of museum visitors in France, making them the most common type of visitors, alongside couples. Comparatively, only 18 percent of visitors went alone.
Given that France has no lack of prestigious attractions, succeeding in boosting the international profile of its less internationally famous museums and galleries could help the country further strengthen its position as a global leading travel destination.
How many people visit museums and monuments in France?
The number of visitors to French national monuments totaled nearly 12 million in 2023, exceeding pre-pandemic levels. In contrast, attendance at national museums in France surpassed 30 million but remained slightly below the pre-pandemic figures. That said, attendance of young visitors at national museums reached a six-year peak.It would appear that people prefer to share the experience of visiting museums in France. In 2023, families accounted for over 30 percent of museum visitors in France, making them the most common type of visitors, alongside couples. Comparatively, only 18 percent of visitors went alone.
How many people visit the Louvre every year?
In 2023, there were just under 150 museums and similar cultural institutions in Paris, with the 16th arrondissement recording the highest number, including sites like the Louis-Vuitton Foundation and the Marmottan Monet Museum. It is, however, in the 1st arrondissement that travelers will find not only the most visited cultural institution in the country but also in the world: the Louvre Museum, which welcomed around nine million visitors in 2023. While it would be impossible to put a price on the Louvre’s invaluable collection, admissions to the museum generated almost 100 million euros that year, making up the largest share of the self-generated income of the Louvre.Given that France has no lack of prestigious attractions, succeeding in boosting the international profile of its less internationally famous museums and galleries could help the country further strengthen its position as a global leading travel destination.
