Musée d'Orsay, Auditorium

With the richest collection of impressionist paintings in the world, it’s easy to forget that the Musée d’Orsay is a relatively recent creation, and that the building, a train station converted in 1986, is also a top venue for classical music. There's an auditorium seating 347 on the lower ground floor, made entirely from wood, giving it an intimate atmosphere and excellent acoustics. It’s also used for film projections. There’s also the Salle de Fêtes, the former ballroom of the Hôtel d’Orsay, with its classy mirrors and chandeliers, giving any event held there a grand air. The musical themes are eclectic, with the season 2012-13 welcoming Italian music, Finnish singers, and the more modern compositions of Bizet, Ravel and Fauré.