Musee Marmottan Monet (Marmottan Monet Museum), Paris

Passy, once an autonomous village and residence of notable American diplomats Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson, was subsumed by the city of Paris in 1860 during the reign of Napoléon III. A leisurely stroll along its main avenues will reveal a parade of Paris's most magnificent Art Nouveau and Modernist edifices, including the illustrious Castel-Béranger and the Fondation Le Corbusier museum, a superlative model of the titular architect's pioneering style. The neighborhood also boasts one of the city's most unsung and preeminent museums – the Musée Marmottan Monet – which possesses a breathtaking compilation of Impressionist art and the most substantial repertoire of Monet's oeuvre in existence.

The newly-built basement gallery houses more than a hundred pieces, donated by the artist's son, Michel. Amongst these are the series 'Cathédrale de Rouen' (1892-96) and 'Impression: Soleil Levant' (1872), the canvas that helped coin the term "Impressionism". Meanwhile, the upper floors of the exquisite 19th-century mansion – which was once the private hunting abode of the Duke de Valmy – retains an air of refinement that befits its luxurious heritage. The sumptuous Empire furnishings adorning the salons overlook the enchanting Jardin du Ranelagh on one side and the secluded courtyard on the other. Additionally, a mesmerizing chamber of luminous medieval manuscripts awaits visitors.

To acquire a more comprehensive appreciation of the collection's historical and artistic significance, visitors are strongly encouraged to acquire an English-language audioguide upon admission. Furthermore, for the most ardent aficionados of Monet, a visit to the Promenade de Monet – a tribute to the celebrated artist's career – is an absolute must.

Why You Should Visit:
Small, accessible, reasonable, and amazing. Monet's son Michel donated his inherited collection to Marmottan, and if you're a Monet fan it's a great treasure!

Tip:
Visitors should not overlook the upper floors showcasing the works of lesser-known artists from an earlier generation. These works are a worthwhile prelude to experiencing the quantum leap of Monet's art, allowing for a more holistic and comprehensive perspective of his oeuvre and providing a renewed sense of vitality to the remarkable artistry of this luminary artist.