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Should You Take a Louvre Museum Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Tickets?

Are you wondering if you should take a guided tour of the Louvre Museum when you visit Paris?

For a lot of visitors, the best and easiest way to explore the Louvre , view its iconic treasures such as Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa, and bypass the notoriously long security lines where wait time without a skip-the-line ticket can be up four hours is to join a guided tour. 

Book Your Louvre Museum Tickets Now: Our Top Picks

• Louvre Masterpieces Tour with Reserved Tickets - Most popular choice 
• Louvre Museum Skip-the-Line Guided Tour - Small group tour
• Louvre Museum Timed Entry Ticket - Ticket only; no tour

Guided tours of the Louvre can also be a lot more fun and informative than going on your own, especially when you're visiting for the first time.

Even if you've visited the Musée du Louvre (as it is called in French) on your own, seeing it through the eyes of an expert guide can provide new insights and a richer experience.

Even though the Louvre now limits daily admission to 30,000 visitors (down from 45,000/day pre-pandemic), that's still a lot of people crowding around the most popular exhibits.  Tours led by expert guides provide plenty of benefits to help you get the most from your visit.

Being part of a tour group means you get fast-track priority entrance into the museum, the expertise of someone who knows where the most famous masterpieces are located and how to whisk you quickly through the masses of other visitors to get to them, and insights and interesting stories about the art that make the whole experience fun and entertaining. 

As a bonus, most tours let you continue  exploring on your own after the tour ends.

In this article, we provide tips on how to choose the best Louvre tours, how the skip-the-line process works, highlights of what you might see on a guided tour, and a few more things to see and do in the museum and nearby Paris locations after your official tour ends.

More Ways to See the Louvre Museum :

Top photo: Pyramid and reflecting pool in front of the Louvre, (c) Paris Discovery Guide

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Which Louvre Museum Guided Tour Should You Choose?

Tour booking platforms such as Get Your Guide and Viator offer a huge variety of Louvre Museum tours - in fact, the choices can be overwhelming.  Which are the best Louvre tours for you to consider?  First, think about the kind of experience you want to get from your tour.

If you want to be able to hear your guide and perhaps ask questions, book a small group tour.  Although the  Louvre normally limits tour groups to just 6 people  plus the guide in order to minimize disruption to other visitors, tour companies can bring in much larger groups by paying an additional fee - which is why you'll sometimes see huge groups of 25 or more people struggling to hear their guide through headsets.  

To avoid this kind of experience, look for tours with  "small group"  in the tour description and check the maximum group size.  If you're not 100% certain that your plans will not change, look for a tour that offers free cancellation and full refunds up to 24 hours in advance.

Here are two highly-rated small group tours to consider:

• 2-Hour Louvre Museum Skip-the-Ticket-Line Guided Tour - You'll see masterpieces such as the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo as well as lesser-known sights, including an Egyptian sphinx and mummies and the Royal Crown jewels in the Apollo Gallery
• Louvre Museum: 3-Hour Comprehensive Tour with Skip-the-Line - Includes most of the art covered in the 2-hour tour above, plus you'll see additional paintings and sculpture as well as Napoleon III's lavish apartments.   Please note:  This tour can also be privatized  for your group of 5 or fewer participants

If you have limited time and are looking for a faster-paced experience where you won't be doing quite as much walking, here is another highly-rated option (although with up to 20 participants, it's not a small-group tour):

• Must-Sees of the Louvre Museum: 1.5 Hour Guided Tour - Skip the lines and see the Mona Lisa, Winged Victory, Venus de Milo, and other famous masterpieces on this whirlwind "Top 10" (or more) tour

If you'd prefer a private tour for just you and whoever you bring with you, the Louvre Museum Skip-the-Line Access Private Guided Tour pairs you with an expert guide who will speed you through the entrance, show you iconic masterpieces and lesser-known gems, and give you an unforgettable experience while sharing fascinating information about what you see.

Visiting the Louvre with children or teens?  Consider a private tour designed for families.   The cost for a family of up to 4 people is only slightly higher on a per person basis than a small group tour, and you get the advantage of a guide with expertise in keeping kids engaged and entertained by the art while giving the adults an informative and relaxing experience. 

More Guided Tours of the Louvre

How skip-the-line access works for guided tours.

Meeting Your Tour Group

When you book your small group or private tour, you'll receive instructions about where to meet up with your guide.   

Most tours meet at a designated spot such as in front of one of the Paris souvenir stores on Rue de Rivoli, which runs along the Louvre's north side.  You'll be given the name of the store and the address when you book your tickets. 

At the designated time, your guide will arrive, make introductions, and verify that everyone is present. You'll walk together to the Louvre. 

Your Louvre Museum Tour Begins

All tours include tickets to the Louvre for a specific time slot.  If your group arrives a few minutes early, your guide may give you a brief orientation to the Louvre's ornate exterior architecture.

Up close, the Louvre is so enormous and ornate that it feels almost overwhelming and slightly incomprehensible - yet your guide can quickly explain the architectural styles, ornamentation, and even the symbolism of a few of the statues and carvings while filling you in on the building's origin as a fortress and then a fortified castle begun in 1190 by Phillip-Auguste, its evolution and reconstruction as a royal palace in the 14th century, and its conversion during the French Revolution to become the French national gallery and museum .  

Next, you'll go walk around to the building's western and slightly newer facade, where you'll pass through security and enter the museum.

Skipping the Long Security Lines & Getting Priority Access through a Group Tour Entrance

Most groups head down a special tour group-only entrance through the Richelieu Passage - a broad hall with ornate vaulted ceilings and lined with arcades and expanses of glass giving you glimpses into the museum.

After making a quick turn through a specially marked group entrance and walking down a short flight of stairs, you'll pass through a security checkpoint where you have to open our bags for a quick inspection.  Normally there's no line  at all.  It's a total breeze compare to going through the much, much busier public entrance at the Pyramid in the museum's courtyard or through the Carrousel du Louvre shopping mall.

After passing through the checkpoint, you'll almost immediately enter a large group reception room and from there, you'll pass through another door and walk out onto the museum's vast entry hall on the "Level 0" floor under the pyramid.   Again, totally fast and easy.

Now, to be realistic, occasionally there are delays, particularly as you're passing through security, and you will have to wait a bit - but again, the tour group process is much faster than entering on your own.

What Will You (Usually) See during a Guided Group Tour of the Louvre?

With so many different tour options for seeing the Louvre with a guide, it is impossible to predict exactly what you will experience - but in general, most group tours take you to see several of the most famous masterpieces such as Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa painting, Greek sculptures such as the Venus de Milo and Winged Victory of Samothrace, plus rooms containing massive French paintings such as Delacroix's Liberty Leading the People .

You may also visit the Pavillon de l'Horloge where you can see the museum's medieval foundations and moat, bits of one or two other collections, such as the Egyptian Galleries in the Sully Wing, the French Royal crown jewels in the breathtaking Apollo Gallery, and possibly Napoleon III's sumptuous apartments.   And don't forget that along the way, you can see some of the museum's most breathtaking treasures simply by looking up.

In small group tours such as the Louvre Museum: 3-Hour Comprehensive Tour with Skip-the-Line and sometimes in the shorter 2-Hour Louvre Museum Skip-the-Ticket-Line Guided Tour , guides have the flexibility of somewhat customizing the itinerary to suit your group's interests. 

Even if the museum is packed with other visitors on the day of your tour, your guide will help you dodge the masses to prevent you from feeling jostled and will also position you to have excellent views of the art.  And because guides know all the museum's short cuts and hidden stairways, they'll get you from one exhibit to the next much faster than you could navigate on your own.

After after you pass through security and under the Pyramid on the ground floor, your guide will take you up an escalator to Level 1 and may point out the museum's three wings:  Sully, Richmond, and Denon. 

Each wing has an entrance where where you will scan your ticket in order to enter.  Occasionally you may encounter a short line, but even if you do, the entrance process normally takes less than a minute.  Each time you move from one wing to another through this central entry hall, you will need to show your ticket, although you can also go from wing to wing by winding your way through the galleries.

So, what will you see?  Here are exhibits that may be included, although keep in mind:  they may differ based on museum conditions (such as crowds), the tour guide's preference, your group's interests, and the length of your tour.

The Mona Lisa & Other Italian Renaissance Masterpieces

On the way to see Leonardo da Vinci's famous Mona Lisa in the Denon Wing, your guide may take you through the Grande Galerie filled with stunning Italian Renaissance masterpieces by Titian, Raphael, da Vinci, and others, pausing to linger in front of some of the most stunning.

The Louvre has the largest collection of da Vinci paintings in the world, and your guide may point out some of them along the way.

The Louvre's most famous painting of all, da Vinci's Mona Lisa , his portrait of Lisa Gherardini, wife of a Florentine merchant, holds center stage in a gallery lined with other wonderful Italian paintings but they get mostly ignored. 

The massive lines of people focus only on trying to glimpse La Jaconde , as the famous painting is known in Italian.

Because of the crowds, the museum guards keep the lines moving as quickly as possible. 

Once you reach the front, you get 30 seconds in front of the Mona Lisa, which most people spend by taking a selfie. 

Occasionally, if the wait is too long, the tour guide may suggest that you see the painting on your own afterwards, which is usually a good idea because you're not wasting tour time by standing in line.

Want to See Only the Mona Lisa?

Museum officials estimate that up to 40% of all visitors see only one piece of art at the museum:  the Mona Lisa. 

If that's you or if you don't have enough time to see more than this one masterpiece, you may want to check out a quick Only the Mona Lisa experience.  Your guide will whisk you through security as you skip the entrance line and take you directly to the line to see the famous portrait, which will usually save you some time and perhaps frustration compared with finding it on your own.  Please note: this is not a guided tour. 

Another alternative, of course, is to get a priority entrance ticket (or use a Museum Pass ) and come on your own.

Venus de Milo, Winged Victory, Cupid's Kiss, & Other Greek Antiquities

The Louvre's immense and always-popular Greek Antiquities Gallerie contains some of the world's most famous sculptures from this period.

You are likely to see the three most famous sculptures - Venus de Milo , the Winged Victory of Samothrace, and Psyche Revived by Cupid's Kiss - and hear about the myths and legends embodied by the art.

At the sculpture of Venus de Milo, your guide may share information about why the statue is missing its arms.

Even if the Winged Victory of Samothrace statue of Nike, Goddess of Victory, is surrounded by large tour groups, your guide may position your group so that you can see the statue from all sides.

Look closely at the sculpture's details.  Which viewing angle do you think its creator might have had in mind?

Of course, there's a lot more to see in these galleries beyond just the famous statues.  If you're on the 3-hour tour, your guide may show you other favorites.  If not, you can always return on your own after the tour ends.

The Great Sphinx in the Louvre's Egyptian Antiquities Gallery

The Louvre's Egyptian Antiquities Gallery is huge - another area where hours can pass like a heartbeat as you admire the extensive collection of mummies and other artifacts.

Most tours pause only long enough to examine the magnificent Great Sphinx of Tanis, sculpted from granite possibly as long ago as the Old Kingdom period in 2600 BC.  With the head of a king and the body of a lion, the sculpture is over 5 feet long and carefully crafted with precise details.  If you're going to see only one thing in this fascinating gallery, the sphinx is a fantastic choice.

Medieval Art in the Italian Galleries

Some tours may pause briefly in the room with medieval Italian paintings where the guide might give a mini-lesson about how art (and painters' skills) changed between the Medieval and Renaissance periods.

For example, look at the beautiful Madonna and Child painting by Florentine artist Cimabue (above). What aspects do you find striking or unusual from a 21st century perspective?

Famous French Paintings

Most tours stop by the French Paintings Gallery, which features huge canvases by famous 18th and 19th century French painters depicting important moments in French history.  Unless you happen to know a LOT about the details of French history, these paintings can be hard to fully appreciate.

This is where your guide's expertise can help these paintings come alive.  For example, one of the most famous of these paintings, Delacroix's Liberty Leading the People , can be hard to fully appreciate - but a knowledgeable guide can quickly and succinctly explain the historical, revolutionary, and philosophical details depicted in the painting and also point out the symbolism, allegorical references, and other nuances.

Perhaps best of all, your guide will do this in a lively and entertaining way - a useful skill when you're trying to explain a painting about the July Revolution of 1830 (no, that is not the French Revolution triggered by the storming of the Bastille in 1789 - it was a second but also important revolution against the monarchy) to a tour group of non-French people.

Apollo Gallery (Galerie d'Apollon)

The Galerie d'Apollon is without a doubt one of the museum's most exquisite rooms. 

Gilded walls, superb tapestries, a fantastically embellished vaulted ceiling, and more ornamentation than you can imagine provides the perfect setting for display the French Crown Jewels collection.

As brilliant as the gems are, the gallery almost outshines them.

Most of the longer tours take you to see this room and the jewels in it - not a quick stop because there's so much to absorb.

Napoleon III's Apartments

Last but certainly not least, another spectacular attraction normally included only with the longer tours - because it's not a quick visit - is the dazzling series of rooms known as Napoleon's Apartments. 

Contrary to what you might believe from the name, Napoleon III never lived here himself but he did order the rooms created as part of his major expansion of the Louvre's Richelieu Wing in the 1850s.  His Minister of State used the rooms to entertain and no doubt impress visiting heads of state.  

The rooms practically drip with gold, crimson, mirrors, and sparkling crystal chandeliers.  Elaborately painted ornate ceilings complete the look. 

The apartments outshine even the over-the-top opulence of Louis XIV's Versailles Palace - but then Louis was a mere king whereas Napoleon III was France's Second Emperor, like his famous uncle, Napoleon Bonaparte, who was the first to bestow this title upon himself. 

Incidentally, that's why this ornate, over-the-top style, which you can also see at the similarly dazzling Palais Garnier (Paris Opera House), is called "Second Empire."

More about top attractions to see in Paris's 1st Arrondissement

What Can You Do in the Louvre After Your Tour Ends?

Your admission ticket from most guided tours good for the rest of the day, so you're welcome to explore the former palace on your own. 

Here are some ideas about what to see and do:

Time for a Break:  Tea on a Terrace 

Although the Louvre has a number of cafes and places to eat scattered throughout its three wings, Café Mollien offers a special experience because of its statue-lined outdoor terrace overlooking the Pyramid.

To find Café Mollien, look for a large elaborate staircase at the end of the French Paintings Gallery and walk up.  You'll spot Café Mollien on your right.

The cafe offers light snacks similar to what you'd find in a bakery - pastries, slices of quiche, and salads - along with hot beverages, water, soft drinks, beer, and wine.  But what makes it fantastic is the terrace seating overlooking the rest of the Louvre, its courtyard with the glass pyramid, and in the distance, Tuileries Garden.

The terrace is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the restorative powers of, for example, a cup of tea and a slice of lemon tart.

Cy Twombly Ceiling in the Salle des Bronzes

The magnificent blue Cy Twombly ceiling in the Salle des Bronzes located in the Sully Wing almost overshadows the 1,000 or so fascinating bronze objects normally on display here. 

The striking blue ceiling reflects an initiative by the Louvre to incorporate contemporary art and was created in 2010 by Cy Twombly, the first American artist to ever be asked to create a permanent installation in the museum.  The white strips along the edges contain the names (in Greek) of seven renowned Greek sculptors from the Classic period.

Decorative Arts Galleries

If you're interested in visiting the Louvre's Department of Decorative Arts, here's what you should know:   it is immense.   It occupies the entire second floor of the Richelieu Wing and part of the Sully Wing including the Apollo Gallery, and has seven sections devoted to specific periods of French history  from the  Middle Ages through the 19th century. 

The Napoleon III Apartments in the Napoleon I to Napoleon III Galleries are the most popular with visitors due to their over-the-edge extravagance involving vast quantities of crimson velvet, crystal chandeliers, and gold, but there's much, more more to see beyond the apartments.  On a typically day, you'll have this area mostly to yourself.

The Medieval to Renaissance Galleries are a close second in popularity, and a "must" if you love tapestries.

Another fantastic section contains the Louis XIV to the Revolution Galleries .  Wander through about the dozen or so sumptuously elegant rooms to immerse yourself in French aristocratic life in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Islamic Art Galleries in the Denon Wing

The Islamic Art Galleries opened only in 2012, and are the Louvre's new installation.   The galleries occupy two lower floors in the Denon Wing, under an undulating golden roof of glass triangles that moves with the wind and filters in outdoor light.  You can see the neoclassical design of the museum's Cour Visconti Courtyard through the mostly-glass walls. 

The 2,500 or so objects on display here span a dozen centuries (7th through 19th) and cover a wide swath of regions from Spain to India.   The collection is organized according to period and location, and is still growing. 

Trying to see everything all at once would be overwhelming.  After wandering around for a bit, a good strategy is to focus on displays devoted to art from a specific region and time period - for example, Egypt and North Africa created about a thousand years ago.

Pavillon de l'Horloge ("The Clock Pavilion)

Before the Louvre was an art museum, it was the palace for French kings and queens - and before that, it was a fortified castle during medieval times.

So our last suggestion for what to see inside the Louvre after your tour ends is the fascinating Pavillon de l'Horloge on Level 0 of the Sully Wing where you can see where the museum begin - or at least, its 12th century foundations.

The Pavillon de horology contains the remains of the moat that once surrounded the medieval fortress built by Philippe-Auguste from 1190-1202. 

After being filled in to make way for renovations in 1528, the moat was forgotten until the mid-1980s when a major archaeological excavation undertaken in preparation for constructing the glass pyramids uncovered it, along with hundreds of thousands of objects tossed into the moat through the centuries.

Recent renovations have opened up this area to visitors and in addition to walking around the foundations and moat walls of the original fortress, you can view a number of fascinating displays showing the evolution of the Louvre from fortress to the world's largest art museum.  You can easily spend a couple of hours in this gallery.

Something special to look for:  on many of the stones, you can see carvings of small symbols such as hearts, squares, triangles, and other marks.  These are the individual "signatures" carved into the stones by the original stonemasons who constructed the moat - very cool to see over 800 years later!

The Perfect Ending to Your Louvre Tour: Tuileries Garden

Once you leave the museum, there's one more part of the Louvre complex you may want to visit if you have time:  Tuileries Garden, located to the west of the museum toward Place de la Concorde. 

Jardin des Tuileries (Tuileries Garden) dates back to 1564 when Catherine de Medici created it on the site of an old tile factory ( tuileries is the French word for tiles ) after her husband, King Henry II, died after being injured during a jousting match.

Today, Tuileries Garden is open to the public free of charge and is one of Paris's loveliest parks with pools, fountains, numerous statues, plenty of comfortable seating, and lush flower gardens.  It's the perfect spot to rest your feet after hours of walking around the Louvre - or anytime!

How to Choose the Best (for You) Louvre Museum Guided Tour

• Decide what you want - Small (6 or less) group or large group?  Public tour (agenda will be set by the tour guide) or private tour (tour guide will typically customize the itinerary based on your interests)?  Do you want to be able to cancel (with full refund) or reschedule if necessary?
• Choose a less crowded day if possible , especially during peak seasons.   The Louvre is closed on Tuesdays; Mondays and Wednesdays are usually the most crowded weekdays, and Saturdays and Sundays are even busier.  So schedule your tour for a Thursday or Friday if possible.  But if you can't, don't worry - tour guides are experts at dodging crowds.
• Want to explore the Louvre on your own after your tour ends?  The Louvre closes at at 9:45pm on Wednesdays and Fridays and 6pm on other days - so make sure your tour ends early enough to allow you the amount of time you want.  If not, look for another tour.
• Book through a booking agency such as Get Your Guide or Viator that has 24x7 customer support staff who speak your language - This makes canceling or rescheduling a booking, asking a question, or getting other help or information much easier!
• Do you have any questions about the tour?   Call the customer service number and ask!
• Read online reviews carefully - No tour is ever going to get 100% 5-star ratings, assuming they have more than just a handful of reviews - but you might want to give preference to tours that get 4 stars or better.
• Are you bringing your kids on the tour?  If so, book a family-oriented tour designed to keep kids entertained and engaged, which you can find for many venues including the Louvre.  Your kids will absorb more information with this approach and even more important, be much happier - and so will you.

Recommended Tours - Choose the One that's Best for You

• 2-Hour Louvre Museum Skip-the-Ticket-Line Guided Tour
• Louvre Museum: 3-Hour Comprehensive Tour with Skip-the-Line
• Must-Sees of the Louvre Museum: 1.5 Hour Guided Tour
• Paris Louvre:  2-Hour Private Tour for Families & Children - Start with the Mona Lisa and then continue on to see other special exhibits in a fun and family-friendly manner
• Louvre Museum Skip-the-Line Access Private Guided Tour
• Only the Mona Lisa Guided Entry

Or book a priority entrance ticket or use a discount pass such as the Museum Pass and explore on your own.

How to See Special Exhibitions at the Louvre

Most Louvre tours do not include special exhibitions - but the good news is that you can see these on your own after your tour.  Almost all are free. 

Check out the major current and upcoming Louvre special exhibitions

More Ways to See the Louvre Museum

Where to stay near the louvre.

Near the Louvre Museum in the historic heart of Paris, you'll find so many other wonderful things to explore and experience - more famous museums and monuments, the Paris Opera House (Palais Garnier), world-class shopping in Parisian boutiques along Rue Saint-Honoré, fabulous cafes and restaurants - it's a fantastic part of the city to stay in, so if you're looking for a hotel or short-stay apartment close to the Louvre, check out our recommendations.

Map Showing More Paris Hotels & Short-Stay Apartments 

Want to see more Paris hotels and short-stay apartment rentals ?  Use this hotel map from Booking.com to find accommodations in all prices ranges based on your travel dates, and make your reservations:

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Guided Tour of the Louvre Museum (reserved access)

Guided tour

113 reviews

89,00 € / pers.

• Headsets when appropriate, so you can always hear your guide
• The best choice to learn about the world's greatest works of art
• Enriched guided tour experience with an itinerary deigned to optimize your visit
• 2 hour guided tour

Discover with your guide the world's largest museum. No need to stand in line! This guided tour offers the perfect opportunity to learn about the museum's huge collection and its greatest works of art, such as the Mona Lisa , the Venus de Milo , and the Coronation of Napoleon .

Before it became a museum in 1793, the Louvre had long been one of the principle palaces of the Kings of France. Located right in the heart of Paris, the Louvre's galleries stretch for 786,000 square feet. It is home to the world's largest collection of artworks, spanning more than 7,000 years from ancient civilizations to the 19th Century. The museum's collections are split into eight different departments: Egyptian antiquities, Greek, Etruscan & Roman antiquities, Near Eastern antiquities, Islamic art, Paintings, Sculptures, Decorative Arts, and Prints & Drawings. Spend time discovering these collections with your guide, who will show you some of the museum's most famous works and tell you about the stories that lie behind them. Marvel at the Mona Lisa, painted by Leonardo da Vinci in 1506, one of the most famous female portraits in the world; the Venus de Milo, a celebrated Greek sculpture dating from 100 BC depicting the goddess Aphrodite; or the giant 33-foot-long painting of the Coronation of Napoleon, painted in 1807 by Jacques-Louis David to commemorate the crowning of Napoleon Bonaparte in Notre Dame Cathedral.

After your tour, enjoy shopping for souvenirs such as posters, books, etc.

Please note :

• Group visits of up to 25 people
• Young people under 18, and under 26 if resident in the European Economic Area, are invited to select the children's rate in order to benefit from free admission to the Musée du Louvre.
• Proof of identity will be required for under-18s and 18- to 25-year-olds residing in a European Economic Area country.
• Large bags, strollers, and umbrellas must be left in the museum cloakroom
• Please note that this tour is not suitable for people with reduced mobility or wheelchairs.
• Elevators are not available during the tour
• The reserved access is subject to the Louvre museum procedures: The Vigipirate plan, the security control or an unforeseen crowd can slow down the entrance
• Exhibitions are not included in our tours
• For the smooth running of the tour and out of respect for all participants, please arrive at the meeting point 20 minutes before the start of the tour.
• Entrance ticket to the Louvre Museum
• Services of a tour guide
• Transfers to and from your accommodation
• The access to temporary exhibitions

People are talking about us

Our guide for the louvre was great. Seriously, it’s no joke navigating the group through this labyrinth of a museum topped with a maze of tourists. I thought he did a pretty neat job at giving us the flavours of the museum, showing us his favourite piece, telling us that his birthday is coming soon and he would like that diamond with the highest carat count for his present (so cute). He knows his art stuff too, and most importantly, able to communicate it to commoners like us.

We had a really nice day at the louvre We got the skip the line tickets so didnt had to wait for hours in the line to enter the louvre Our guide monty was super friendly and helpful. I strongly recommend monty as guide as he took really good care of the group All in all we were super happy with the tour and we cant wait to come again

Luisa Bonassi

I booked the visit to Eiffel Tower and to Louvre Museum on this website because I could not find the tickets on the attractions' websites. They are professional and can answer very fast to any question either by email or on the phone.

Edgar Camargo

The Louvre tour in Spanish was very informative and a pleasant experience with Emilie, our tour guide.

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Preparation of the tour

Address : Arc du Carrousel du Musée du Louvre. Meet in front of the Louvre Pyramid

75001 PARIS

Tuileries , Pyramides

Address : Louvre Museum

Organized by PARISCityVISION

Tour Code: GL

10 Tips For Visiting The Louvre (Paris, France)

T he Louvre, a treasure trove of art and history nestled in the heart of Paris, is a must-visit for any art enthusiast or traveler. With its vast collection spanning centuries and cultures, exploring the Louvre can be both exhilarating and overwhelming. To ensure you make the most of your visit, here are 10 essential tips to navigate this iconic museum.

1. Plan Ahead

Begin your Louvre adventure by planning ahead. The museum is colossal, and attempting to see everything in one visit can be daunting. Research the Louvre's layout, highlight the must-see artworks, and create a personalized itinerary. Prioritize your interests, be it Renaissance paintings, ancient sculptures, or Egyptian artifacts, to tailor your visit accordingly.

2. Purchase Tickets in Advance

Save valuable time by purchasing your tickets online in advance. The Louvre is immensely popular, and the lines can be exceptionally long. Opting for skip-the-line tickets allows you to breeze through the entrance and dive straight into the cultural wonders awaiting you inside.

3. Visit Off-Peak Hours

To maximize your enjoyment and minimize the crowds, consider visiting during off-peak hours. Early mornings or late afternoons on weekdays are ideal times to explore the Louvre with a bit more tranquility. You'll have a better chance to appreciate the masterpieces without the hustle and bustle.

4. Take Advantage of Guided Tours

Engage in the expertise of a guided tour to gain deeper insights into the Louvre's vast collection. Knowledgeable guides can provide historical context, fascinating anecdotes, and help you navigate the expansive museum efficiently. Some tours even offer exclusive access to certain areas, enhancing your overall experience.

BOOK NOW: Top Rated Louvre Skip The Line Guided Tour

5. Wear Comfortable Attire

Prepare for a day of walking and exploration by wearing comfortable clothing and footwear. The Louvre's sheer size requires a fair amount of walking, and comfortable attire will ensure you stay energized and focused on the art rather than discomfort.

6. Focus on the Highlights

With over 35,000 pieces on display, it's crucial to focus on the highlights to avoid feeling overwhelmed. The Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and the Winged Victory of Samothrace are among the Louvre's star attractions. Identify your must-see artworks and plan your route accordingly.

7. Bring Snacks and Stay Hydrated

Exploring the Louvre can be a time-consuming endeavor, and hunger or dehydration can dampen your experience. Pack some snacks and a reusable water bottle to keep yourself fueled and refreshed throughout your visit. There are designated areas where you can take a break and enjoy a snack.

8. Respect Art Etiquette

While admiring the masterpieces, it's essential to observe proper art etiquette. Refrain from touching the artwork, use flash photography, or creating disturbances. Respectful behavior ensures a pleasant experience for you and fellow art enthusiasts.

9. Explore Beyond the Obvious

While the Louvre's iconic pieces are undoubtedly breathtaking, don't hesitate to explore beyond the obvious. Wander through lesser-known galleries and hidden corners to discover hidden gems and lesser-known treasures. You might stumble upon artworks that resonate with you on a personal level.

10. Reflect and Relax

After immersing yourself in the richness of the Louvre, take some time to reflect and relax. Find a peaceful spot in the museum's expansive courtyard, the Cour Carrée, or nearby Tuileries Garden. Absorb the cultural magnitude of your visit and savor the memories created within the walls of this historic institution.

Conclusion:

A visit to the Louvre in Paris is an unforgettable journey through time and art. By planning ahead, utilizing skip-the-line tickets, and embracing these tips, you can transform your Louvre experience into a seamless and enriching adventure. Navigate the labyrinth of artistic wonders with confidence, and let the Louvre's magnificence leave an indelible mark on your travel memories.

RELATED READ: Must Have European Travel Essentials To Buy Before Your Visiting France

Secrets of the Louvre Museum Tour with Mona Lisa

Get to know venus de milo, liberty leading the people, and napoleon's coronation like never before.

This small group guided tour makes seeing the best of the world’s largest museum easy! With your passionate guide, you'll skip the line for a fascinating tour of the Louvre’s most famous attractions, including the Mona Lisa, Winged Victory of Samothrace, and even France’s crown jewels. With expert insights and stories that’ll bring the art to life, there’s no better way to see this unmissable museum!

• Meet your guide at the Louvre Pyramid
• Louvre Museum
• Liberty Leading the People
• Venus de Milo
• Winged Victory
• Coronation of Napoleon
• Raft of Medusa
• End your tour inside the Louvre

After meeting your friendly local guide at the statue in front of the Louvre pyramid, you'll be lead into the famous museum to begin your in-depth 3-hour tour. Along with your small group, you'll visit some of the world's best known artworks, including masterpieces such as Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa , Venus de Milo, and works by Raphael, Botticelli, Bernini, and many other renowned artists from history. To top things off, you'll even get to see France's collection of crown jewels.

Best of all, your guide is a true expert on the Louvre's extensive collection, so you'll learn the stories behind the art and gain insights that most tourists will never know. Whether you're an art enthusiast or a novice, you're sure to be spellbound by what you'll see in this world-famous gallery. Looking for a smaller group? Check out our Semi-Private Tour of the Louvre Museum's Treasures that has a maximum group size of 6.

Louvre Museum Tour Description

Your 3-hour tour includes:

Skip-the-line entry to the Louvre Museum

Guided tour of the Louvre's famous artworks and exhibits

Fun, English-speaking guide with art history expertise

Maximum group size of 18

Skip-the-Line Louvre Tour

Follow your expert Louvre guide into the world's largest museum and discover some of the most fascinating art exhibits in the world. The lines to get inside the museum can be long, but your guide will help you navigate the crowds to start exploring straight away.

Sculptures of the Louvre

The Louvre is not only filled with paintings but it also features many iconic sculptures. Of all the works in the Louvre, the Winged Victory of Samothrace and the Venus de Milo are some of the most admired. The life-size sculpture of the mythological Sleeping Hermaphroditus carved by Bernini is also an amazing piece of work. These incredible ancient sculptures only represent a fraction of the Louvre's Greek and Roman antiquities you'll get to explore and learn about with your guide.

The Mystery of Mona Lisa’s Smile

Why is the Mona Lisa so famous? For starters, Mona Lisa ’s expression has been often debated since its creation in the 16th century. Is she happy or sad or playful? Another intriguing thing about Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa is that it's the highest insured work of art at a whopping $800 million!

Renaissance Masters: Raphael, Leonardo Da Vinci, and more

The Mona Lisa is not Leonardo’s only work of art inside the Louvre, and your tour guide will show you more of da Vinci’s works as part of the Louvre’s Italian Renaissance collection.

Besides Leonardo da Vinci, the Louvre also contains works by Renaissance artist Botticelli, master of the 16th-century Venetian school Titian, and the grand scale artist Veronese. Raphael also has work featured throughout the Louvre, one being the famous painting depicting Saint George on a magnificent horse. 

Famous French Artworks

Although the Louvre is filled with the works of many international artists, you'll also see some truly iconic French masterpieces—after all, you are in France! The Louvre offers opportunities to visit works by Jacques-Louis David, Napoleon's personal painter, and Eugène Delacroix. Delacroix's most famous piece, Liberty Leading The People , is one of France's most beloved paintings, depicting the 1830 French Revolution. It was also the inspiration for one of the world's most famous landmarks: the Statue of Liberty in New York.

The Crown Jewels of France

Did you know that the Louvre is a former royal palace? With such a strong association to royalty, a visit to the Louvre is incomplete without seeing the crown jewels of France. The surviving French crown jewels are on display in the Louvre’s Galerie d'Apollon.

It was a tradition to have a new crown created for each coronation in France. With your guide's narration, it is easy to imagine the extravagance of the crowns created throughout history for each new king and queen.

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What you get with this tour

See what people are saying

420 total reviews

Imad was great

Great morning at the Louvre

We had a 9am tour with our guide Avi. He was extremely knowledgeable about all aspects of the Louvre collection and its history. The tour was very well organized and run. We successfully dodged most of the crowds and Avi’s great storytelling and deft sense of humor made it special. Great morning!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What to bring?

Comfortable shoes are encouraged since the tour involves 3 hours of walking. A small water bottle is also recommended.

Can we stay longer in the museum after the tour ends?

Once your group tour is finished, you must exit the museum with your guide.

What if I have concerns about my mobility on this tour?

This group walking tour does require you to be on your feet for 3 hours with a few stairs to navigate and some elevator access. If you have any doubts about your mobility, we suggest taking a Private Louvre Museum tour so we can better accommodate your needs.

Can I use my Paris Museum Pass to get a discount on our Louvre tour?

We pre-book all of our reservations and tickets for the Louvre Museum in advance, so personal museum passes are not valid for entry or a discount.

Free 24-hr cancellation on group tours! Learn more

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London & Paris

About this tour.

From cosmopolitan London to romantic Paris, cross the English Channel via train and take in the best of these iconic cities. Take a walking tour to Westminster to see Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, and witness the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. Personalize your stay in Paris by choosing to savor a thrilling dinner and cabaret show at the Paradis Latin theatre or indulge in a traditional brasserie dinner before sliding into the backseat of a retro Citroën classic car for a drive through the city’s chic boulevards. Dine at the Eiffel Tower and cruise the River Seine at night.

Your Tour Includes

• 2 Handpicked Accommodations
• 4 Choice on Tour Options

Included Highlights

• Buckingham Palace
• Covent Garden
• Eurostar Train

Your Tour at a Glance

7 Breakfasts

Travel Style

Customize your tour.

$1,399.00 pp

Optional Excursions

Starting at $65.00

Activity Level

• Level This Tour

For specific details about this tour's activity level and other info to know before you book your trip, click here.

Extension Style

Travel styles, highlights and inclusions.

Must-See Inclusions:

Embark on a tour of London with a local expert.

Cross the English Channel aboard the Eurostar Train.

Cultural Experiences:

Take advantage of a full day of leisure in both London and Paris.

• Cruise along the Seine against a backdrop of Paris' glittering skyline.

Discover London on a walking tour to Westminster and see the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace.

Culinary Inclusions:

Enjoy London’s culinary renaissance at a dinner featuring contemporary British cuisine.

Savor an exclusive dinner at the Eiffel Tower, featuring delicious cuisine and breathtaking views.

• Choices on Tour
• Arc de Triomphe
• Eiffel Tower Dinner
• Seine River Cruise

Book with Confidence

* With Insurance Purchased

• *No Hassle Refunds
• Traveling Well Safety
• No booking fee, *no change fees
• Top Rated Travel Protection

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Getting Prepared

Know before you go, travel tips, enhance your tour.

Pre and Post Tour Extensions

• Choice On Tour

Unique Experience

Cultural Experiences

Enhance Your Trip

• Tour Extensions

In Paris, you have the choice between 2 activities. Your first choice is to gain an overview of the French capital during a panoramic bus tour. With your local guide, take in the most iconic sights of Paris such as the Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Elysees, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Place de la Concorde. OR, join a local expert on a walking tour. Travel like a Parisian as you hop on Le Métro bound for the hilltop neighborhood of Montmartre and its iconic Sacré-Cœur basilica. Explore the winding streets, home to classical painters and cultural provocateurs and learn the history of this artistic village in the heart of Paris.

In Paris, you have the choice between 2 evening activities. Your first choice is to cross into the Latin Quarter for an eventful dinner at the legendary Paradis Latin,* the city’s oldest cabaret theatre, complete with wine, champagne and a captivating show. Your second choice is to explore Paris’ culinary scene during a traditional brasserie dinner, before sliding into the backseat of a retro Citroën classic car for a drive through the city’s chic boulevards. * The Paradis Latin show features some tasteful nudity and may be considered unsuitable for children - consult your Tour Manager.

Extend your stay in London with a 2-night pre extension. A locally guided walking tour begins by on the London Underground tube before you explore along the River Thames discovering the iconic buildings of St Paul’s Cathedral, the Tate Modern Gallery and Shakespeare’s, ending at the food stalls of Borough Market. An included ticket to the Tower of London lets you peek into the city’s storied past independently uncovering the secrets of this 11th-century fortress. Spend ample free time exploring the best of London.

• Overnight Flight
• You’re on your way to London, where you will arrive early and enjoy an additional 2-night stay to explore your way.
• Arrive in dynamic London, a sophisticated, historic city metropolis with a timeless style of its own. The day is yours to explore independently.
• Navigate the city with a local expert. Using your included Oyster card, hop on the famous underground Tube. Take a walking tour along the River Thames, where you will see St Paul’s Cathedral, the Tate Modern Art Gallery and Shakespeare’s Globe. End at Borough market, London’s premier Food Market, dating back over 1000 years. You will love independently strolling the small, specialty produce stalls and sumptuous street food traders. Enjoy the afternoon to further explore the city.
• See London your way today! Be sure to take advantage of your included ticket to the Tower of London to peek into the city’s storied past and uncover the secrets of this 11th-century fortress. Later today meet your fellow travelers to start your tour.

Extend your stay with 3 nights in Amsterdam. Arrive via high-speed train before getting acquainted with the city during a locally guided food walking tour. Enjoy ample time at leisure, giving you the opportunity to peruse the city’s many iconic museums or take a cruise along the canals. This 3-night stay is ideal for taking in the art, architecture, culture, and picturesque canals of Amsterdam.

• Paris - Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Board a high-speed train and take off for Amsterdam, the thriving 800-year-old capital of Holland. After some time to settle in, meet up with a local guide to get acquainted with the Jordaan District of Amsterdam. Explore this charming neighborhood and learn of its rich multicultural roots during a walking food tour where you’ll taste traditional Dutch fare as you walk along the canals and historic homes between stops.
• Stroll through the city with a local expert. Get acquainted with the cozy lanes and quintessential Dutch houses as you wander along the canals that lead to Amsterdam’s museum district. Explore the Rijksmuseum with your local guide and experience works from the great Dutch masters such as Rembrandt, Vermeer and Van Gogh. Enjoy an afternoon on your own to do as you please. Perhaps you’ll choose to explore the Anne Frank House,* a museum dedicated to the memory of the young diarist who documented her time in hiding during WWII.
• The day is yours. Explore the narrow canals, stone bridges, and bike-brimmed roads at your leisure. Perhaps you’ll choose to see the city from a different perspective and embark on a canal cruise or spend some time relaxing at a café. Maybe take the train to The Hague to see the renowned Girl with a Pearl Earring in the Mauritshuis Museum.
• Amsterdam - Tour Ends
• Bid Amsterdam farewell as your tour comes to a close today.

Enjoy an interesting visit to the incomparable Palace of Versailles. The palace and gardens of Versailles reflect the extravagant tastes of King Louis XIV, the "Sun King." On this excursion, travel by coach to Versailles where your local guide will recount the history of the palace and lead you through the various rooms of the State Apartments. Of particular interest are the Queen's bedchamber and the famous Hall of Mirrors. You then have leisure time to explore the incredible gardens, some of the most famous in the world, which took over 40 years to complete.

Join us for a guided tour of the world-renowned Louvre Museum. Begin your exploration of the museum by entering through I. M. Pei’s famous Louvre Pyramid, a magnificent glass pyramid rising out of the courtyard of the Louvre. A local expert will provide commentary as you venture through the countless masterpieces that line the halls of the museum, including the Venus de Milo and the Mona Lisa.

Step into the formal world of the British Monarchy when you visit the stately and expansive Windsor Castle. His Majesty King Charles III uses Windsor as both a private home and as a Royal residence where formal duties of state are performed. Windsor’s 1,000 rooms comprise the largest inhabited castle in the world. It dates back to the 1070s, when William the Conqueror built the original wooden structure, now replaced by the grand stone edifices. Explore one of Britain’s most visited historic buildings, its precincts, and the State Apartments, which house a delightful collection of Royal art treasures. Enjoy time for lunch in the quaint town of Windsor before heading back to London. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit the castle that houses so much British history and lore is not to be missed!

Cruise along the Seine against a backdrop of Paris' glittering skyline.

Accommodations

Leonardo royal hotel london city, crowne plaza paris-republique, need more information.

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Exhibitions and Events - News and programming

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Exhibitions and Events News and programming

Exhibitions.

Discover the exhibitions at the Musée du Louvre.

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