In the Marais district get away from the non-ending 18th-century embellishment and discover some of the finest 20th-century Scandanavian design and furniture. A modernist oasis.

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Escape the culture vultures at the Louvre or Musee d'Orsay - head out to the 16th district for the Musee Marmottan.

There, in a peaceful mansion, you'll find the largest Monet collection anywhere. See the entire range of his work, culminating in the Giverny Nympheas, displayed in a wonderful circular gallery.

Admire works of many other Impressionists, including one of the few women, Berthe Morisot, Manet's sister-in-law. Easy to get to (four buses, metro), opposite a delightful park, near good, cheap restaurants - a day out of Paris, in Paris!

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If you are under 26, you can visit the Louvre for free on Friday evenings. In an expensive city, this is more than just helpful euro-pinching.

You can arrive as the setting sun catches the top of the glass pyramid (making for the perfect ‘I heart Paris’ portrait) then dash to all the best bits while everyone is making their way out.

As you stand tête-à-tête with the Mona Lisa, you might finally realise what all the fuss is about.

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The Priory is a former hospital dating from the end of the 17th century. It was later used as a religious retreat. In 1913 the painter, Maurice Denis, who was deeply religious, as well as being a leading theorist of Post Impressionism, acquired the building and its grounds.

The Priory now houses a small but good collection of French art from the period 1880 to 1940, including Symbolism and Post Impressionism, especially the work of the Pont Aven artists and the Nabis.

The gardens are very beautiful and show sculpture by Bourdelle and Maillol. It's a quiet and contemplative sort of place except when the primary schools are in for an afternoon of art.

2 Rue Maurice Denis, 78100 St Germaine-en-Laye, west of Paris. Metro/RER from Chatelet to St Germaine-en-Laye. Then 10 minute walk through the town. There is said to be a bus but I never saw it.

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Contemporary art gallery with great exhibitions - opens from noon to midnight and has a nice bar and restaurant and a great book shop. In summer there are seats outside and you can sip beer and look straight across at the Eiffel Tower. Sometimes bongo-players and fire blowers converge provide impromptu and frantic dancing opportunities.

Nearest metro: Iena

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This museum is off the beaten track but well worth the visit. It has probably the greatest array of Monet's work anywhere in the world. Much less crowded than the Louvre, you have time to appreciate the art.

2, rue Louis-Boilly, 75016, Paris; www.marmottan.com

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Saves queues! Buy from FNAC (book/music store). Small booking fee but worth it. Visit after 6pm when there are less crowds and it's cheaper too.

Branches throughout Paris

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