Museum etiquette guide

The Louvre allows photos but not flash; the Orsay allows photos but no tripod; the Pompidou allows tactile art only in the kids' section. Voice level, eating, pets, selfie sticks, all have per-museum variants. This tool gives the rules for each museum.

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What this tool actually solves

Each French museum has its own "règlement intérieur" (internal rules). A unified rule is impossible — the Louvre's photo rules are different from the Orsay's, which are different from the Pompidou's. Plus the "voix basse" (alto-floor) soft-voice rule is socially enforced everywhere but written nowhere.

How to read the result

Each museum result has: photo rule, voice rule, food rule, pets, touch, special bans (tripods, selfie sticks, etc.), and the "cultural" tips visitors miss.

Limitations

Rules change. Special exhibitions sometimes add temporary photo restrictions; conservation work may close specific rooms. Always check the museum website the day of the visit.

FAQ

Can I take photos of the Mona Lisa?

Yes — no flash, no selfie stick, no tripod. The 30-second crowd queue at the Salle des États means your photo will have 15 strangers in it. A 50mm lens gets you close enough for a clean shot.

Are sketch pads allowed?

Mostly yes. The Louvre allows pencil sketching; charcoal and oils are forbidden. Orsay and Pompidou allow both. Some smaller museums ask you to apply at the desk first.

About

1 of 38 tools in France Trip Toolkit. Independent. Based on the published règlements intérieurs of each museum as of 2024–2025.

Privacy

No tracking.

Disclaimer

Estimate only. Always check the museum's website the day of your visit.