Paris Wine Museum (Musée du Vin Paris)

The Basics

Descend into the vaulted cellars of the Wine Museum, and explore the various exhibition areas on a self- or audio-guided tour. The standard entrance fee includes a glass of wine or grape juice. Wine lovers can add on different options, such as an expert-led AOC wine tasting, or a sampling of wines paired with regional cheeses or pastries. Alternatively, reserve a table at Les Echansons restaurant—all bookings include entrance to the museum.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Wine Museum is open to all ages, but alcohol is served only to those over age 18.

• Audio guides are available in multiple languages, including English.

• The museum has a restaurant (open for lunch only), gift shop, and temporary exhibition area.

• The museum is wheelchair accessible.

How to Get There

Located on Charles Dickens Square, the Wine Museum is across the river from the Eiffel Tower. Look for the signs as you approach—the museum entrance can be a little tricky to find. The closest metro station is Passy (Line 6).

When to Get There

The museum is usually open Tuesday through Saturday, and is rarely overcrowded. Saturday morning is generally the quietest time to visit. For the full experience, time your visit to enjoy lunch at Les Echansons, or expand your knowledge of wine by signing up for one of the museum’s master classes, held most Friday and Saturday evenings.

Highlights of the Wine Museum

More than 2,000 artifacts are on display at the Wine Museum, including winemaking equipment spanning the ages and waxwork displays offering a glimpse into the historic winemaking process. Learn how cognac and Champagne are made; admire the sizable collection of bottles, corkscrews, and wine glasses; see artifacts dedicated to Bacchus, the god of wine; and find out what Napoleon’s favorite wine was.

Ways to explore

There are various ticket options to visit the Paris Wine Museum, with group discounts available, as well as the option to upgrade and include tastings with three glasses of wine. Wine-tasting classes are available and can be booked directly with the museum.

Visitors can get information about the exhibits and wine from an audio guide, which is available in several languages, including English. The route through the museum takes around an hour, and visitors follow waxwork figures of historical French characters (Balzac, Pasteur, Napoléon) to learn some French winemaking history.

Accessibility

The museum and restaurant are considered wheelchair accessible, with accessible restrooms.

Age limits

The museum has more of interest for wine drinkers, but children can visit, and kids ages 9 and under enter for free.

What to pack

Cash or cards to buy wine

What to wear

Comfortable shoes

Not allowed

Nothing in particular

Amenities

Audio guide, restaurant (reservations advised), restrooms, shop, visitor support desk

Address

The Paris Wine Museum in Paris’ central 16th arrondissement. You can walk to it from the Eiffel Tower by crossing the river.

Driving

While there is a nearby parking lot at Pont de Grenelle - Maison de la Radio, driving in downtown Paris isn’t recommended due to heavy traffic and expensive parking charges. Follow the lead of the Parisiens and travel to the Paris Wine Museum by public transportation instead.

Public transportation

Take the metro to Passy (line 6), or the RER rapid transit train to Avenue du Président Kennedy - Maison de Radio France (line C), or the central Paris bus route No. 32 to Passy - La Tour.

Best times to visit

You can visit during the general opening hours from midmorning until early evening.

Best days to visit

The museum is open Wednesday through Saturday. As with most Paris museums, weekdays are quieter than weekends. Friday evenings are lively with food and DJs.

Best months to visit

The Paris Wine Museum is open year-round. The off-peak months in Paris, between September and May, are quieter for most attractions.