You can’t visit Paris without seeing two key icons: the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. If you want to know more about visiting the Eiffel Tower, see my other post: The Best Way to View The Eiffel Tower. In this post, I am focusing on the Louvre and what to expect on your visit.
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Basic Info
Location
The Louvre is easy to find as it is along the Seine, next to the Arc de Triomphe. The museum is along Rue de Rivoli, just east of the Jardin des Tuileries. If you prefer using a GPS, here is the address: Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France. You will know you have arrived when you see the iconic Pyramide de Louvre!
Note – when you are looking at the map of the museum, you will notice you need to go downstairs to enter the building. Also, pay attention to the different ways floor levels are designated in France vs the US. In the US, the ground floor is called the “first floor”, but in France the ground floor is “the lobby” or “floor zero”. Level 1 on the Louvre map is what Americans would call the second floor, and level 2 on the map is what Americans would call the third floor. It’s an easy change to understand once you are aware of it.
Hours
The Louvre is closed on Tuesdays, and the rest of the week it is open from 9:00am to 6:00pm. I recommend getting there earlier rather than later as some rooms close early (at 5:30pm) and you want to be able to take your time. There is a lot to look at!
Cost
You can purchase tickets online for €17 (about $21 US) or in person for €15 (about $18 US). If you purchase tickets online you will get in faster, so it may be worth the extra couple of dollars. During my visit, the citizens of Paris went so strike so they let everyone in for free. I would not count on that happening while you are there, so buy your tickets online if you can!
How Much Time Do I Need?
I would anticipate spending about 2 hours in the Louvre if you want to see everything. If you are just wanting to see a few key things you could probably go through in an hour. It really depends on your group and how interested you are in art.
Tour Options
There are a variety of tours available at the Louvre in both English and French. Audio tours are also available and should be booked ahead of time. When looking at different tour options, keep in mind that some of them are priced for individuals and some are group prices. This may play a role in helping you decide which tour is best for you. Take a look at all the Louvre tour options here. You can also check out tour options directly on the Louvre site. I did not personally take a tour during my visit, but I wish I would have. Learning more about the artwork would have made me appreciate it more.
What To Expect
The Louvre is an enormous museum full of amazing artwork! I do not know much about art myself, but I could appreciate the attention to detail and size of many pieces of work. Many people, including myself, have at least heard of the Mona Lisa. I initially did not have any expectations for this painting until I had walked around for a little while. The paintings and statues are magnificent and enormous, so I expected the Mona Lisa to match. The Mona Lisa is actually very small which I had not anticipated.
I was, however, pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed the statues and Egypt sections of the museum! I had not known the Louvre even had an Egypt section until I saw it myself. The Great Sphinx of Tanis was incredible! That section of the museum is a bit darker to care for the artwork, and I think it adds an eeriness which fits the section well. If anyone asked me what my favorite part of the Louvre was, I would definitely have to say the Great Sphinx of Tanis.
Have you been to the Louvre? Do you agree with my review of it? Let me know in the comments!
Anna’s Pick of the Week
When I am getting ready to visit a new location, I check out blogs and travel books about my destination. You’ve started your research, now continue it with this travel e-book on France written by Charlie the Traveler! Learn about other museums, landmarks, wine tasting locations, and more! Get your copy here!
