Gauge a deeper understanding of France’s rich heritage when you explore the museums of Paris. The capital is the country’s epicentre of culture and its museums are deeply rooted in its charm.

Creatives have been drawn here for centuries, mesmerised by this destination’s allure. Which makes it no wonder that there are so many art museums in Paris. The same can be said for history – the City of Love has it by the bucket load.

Supposedly, there are more than 100 museums hidden within the arrondissements. Each celebrates something different – from fashion to photography. Here’s our pick of Paris’ museums you must add to your itinerary:

1. Louvre
2. Centre Pompidou
3. Musée Rodin
4. Musée des Arts Décoratifs
5. Musée National Picasso
6. Musée de l'Orangerie
7. Musée d'Orsay

1. Louvre

The Louvre in Paris is an icon of the city. And rightly so. Behind the 16th-century façade of the once royal palace, you’ll find more than 380,000 objects and 35,000 works of art to contemplate – it’s the largest of its kind in the world. You could spend a full day exploring the exhibits which feature heavy hitters such as Michelangelo, Raphael and Rembrandt.

Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa is an obvious highlight, while the ancient statue Venus de Milo should also be at the top of your must-see list. You’ll also find paintings, vases, ceramics, sculptures, mummies and jewels, some of which date back to 4,000 BC.

2. Centre Pompidou

Next up, the eye-popping architectural marvel that is the Centre Pompidou – it’s home to one of Paris’ top art museums. Though this one takes a change from the norm and is dedicated to contemporary works. Movements such as cubism, surrealism and fauvism are all explored here.

3. Musée Rodin

Sculpture lovers, this one is for you. The beautiful rocaille mansion, Hôtel Biron, where French artist Auguste Rodin once lived has been transformed into a museum devoted to his works. Head to the 7^th arrondissement and into the 18th-century property to take a chronological journey through his masterpieces. You can also see The Thinker and The Gates of Hell nestled among the manicured gardens.

4. Musée des Arts Décoratifs

While this museum may be located within the west wing of the Louvre, known as Pavillon de Marsan, it’s an institution in its own right. Discover a fabulous range of decorative arts that span the medieval period to the present day. Flamboyant carpets, gilt ceilings and lavish furniture are all on show, featuring styles such as art nouveau, rococo, chinoiserie and gothic.

5. Musée National Picasso

Another of Paris’ many art museums, the Musée National Picasso celebrates Spanish artist and Parisian resident Pablo Picasso. His oeuvre here contains more than 5,000 works, with paintings, sculptures, engravings and illustrations on display. Amble around the collection inside the Hôtel Salé to get a better idea of the artist’s creative process.

6. Musée de l'Orangerie

Impressionist fans, the collection of Monet’s works hidden within the walls of this museum will knock your socks off. His cycle of eight Water Lilies are on show here, along with pieces by Matisse and Renoir. The building itself is astounding too, built in the mid-19th century as a winter shelter for the orange trees fringing the garden of Tuileries Palace.

7. Musée d'Orsay

France’s stellar reputation for art continues at this Paris museum. Housed inside a gorgeous art nouveau former train station, the country’s national collection of works is focused on those from 1848 to 1914. Homegrown legends all have masterpieces on show – we’re talking Monet, Renoir and Manet, neighbouring works by international stars such as Van Gogh.

Paris’ museums are undoubtedly a highlight of any trip to the City of Love. Discover them all when you book a getaway to the French capital.