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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.

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The Best Louvre Tours To Take in 2024 and Why

Sean Finelli Last Updated: January 17, 2024

Who should go on a guided tour of the Louvre? Everyone! The Louvre in Paris is the largest museum on Earth and contains an immense amount of important artwork from around the world—it even houses 25% of all Da Vinci paintings. Visiting is a must but don’t be fooled — there’s more to seeing the Louvre than looking at the collection. In this article, we share the best Louvre tours to take and why.

Pro Tip: Planning what to do on your trip to Paris? Bookmark this post in your browser so you can easily find it when you’re in the city. Check out our guide to Paris for more planning resources, our top Paris tours for a memorable trip, and how to spend a weekend in Paris .

Should You Take a Louvre Tour?

Yes! The Louvre is the largest single-complex museum in the world and houses one of the most impressive collections in the world. Originally built as a fortress in the 12th century, the museum is filled with  famous works of art to see today.

A solo trip to the museum can be overwhelming, but there are plenty of great  guided Louvre tours  to help you fully appreciate the history and importance of the treasures within.

You can join a Louvre tour with no more than 15 people, which elevates the experience so much. Take it from a former tour guide, a smaller group makes it easier for the tour guide, which in turn makes it better for you. Don’t trust us, trust the reviews!

Not ready to book a tour? Find out if a Louvre Museums tour is worth it .

Top 5 Louvre Museum Tours

A museum of this calibre deserves in-depth exploration. You may not have the time to see the best of the Louvre on your own or the knowledge of a passionate tour guide to get the most from your Louvre visit. No problem!

We’ve created several top Louvre tours that include skip-the-line tickets but provide different durations and varying experiences from fewer crowds to customizable group sizes. See which tour is right for you.

Secrets of the Louvre Museum Tour with Mona Lisa

Semi-private tour of the louvre museum’s treasures, louvre at closing time tour with mona lisa and venus de milo, louvre museum and eiffel tower combo tour, private louvre tour in paris with skip the line tickets.

With skip-the-line tickets, you can breeze past the queues in our popular Louvre Museum tour , discover the mystery behind Mona Lisa’s smile, and experience one of the world’s greatest art collections accompanied by a passionate and knowledgeable guide. You won’t get overwhelmed with all the art since you’ll see the best pieces with your guide!

You’ll be led through a 3-hour tour of the Louvre and get a detailed look at the Mona Lisa with a guide well-versed in her history. You’ll also see the Louvre’s beautiful sculptures, such as the famous Venus de Milo and the Winged Victory of Samothrace .

A former royal palace, a visit to the Louvre would be incomplete without seeing the crown jewels of France. In this tour, you’ll get up close and personal to these precious royal jewels on display in the Louvre’s Galerie d’Apollon. They are a glittering spectacle you won’t want to miss.

Highlights:

• 3-hour tour
• Skip-the-line tickets
• Renaissance and French art
• Passionate art-loving guide
• Small group of 15 people max

Not ready to book a tour? Check out our  Louvre Guide for more resources.

Prefer to tour a museum with a smaller group at a lower price than a private tour? This is the tour for you. With a maximum of six people on your tour, you’ll have a chance to interact more with your guide.

As the world’s largest museum, the Louvre can be overwhelming to visit, which is why going with a guide is an absolute must. They’ll take you on a journey from Greek and Roman statues to the Renaissance period and beyond. The most important works by Raphael, da Vinci, and more are what you’ll see and understand as you listen to the stories behind them.

• Small group of 6 people max

This one is special. Seeing the Louvre in the late afternoon before closing time with fewer crowds makes for one of the most unique experiences you can have in Paris. In this 2-hour tour, you’ll skip the line and head into the Louvre before closing time for a more peaceful experience in one of the world’s greatest museums. 

Your art-loving guide will bring you through the fascinating history behind the Mona Lisa and the famed Louvre sculptures. There’s a lot to see in France’s national museum, and you’re going to want to see it all. If that sounds good to you, then the Louvre at Closing Time tour is for you.

• 2-hour tour
• Fewer crowds
• Group size of max 15 people

Want to check three items off your Paris bucket list in one day? You can on our Louvre Museum and Eiffel Tower day tour . Meet your guide at the Louvre, skip the notoriously long lines, and explore some of the world’s most important works of art. You’ll hear stories of intrigue and history as you walk through the fortress-turned-museum to see Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa , the Greek statue Winged Victory of Samothrace , Delacroix’s  Liberty Leading the People , and many more.

Take to the river Seine for a different perspective of Paris as you cruise past the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Notre Dame, and more of the city’s top sights. And finally, the moment every visitor to Paris awaits—a visit to the iconic Eiffel Tower. Skip the line, head to the elevator, and enjoy the incredible views from 377 feet up on the second floor. It’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

• 6.5-hour tour
• Skip-the-line tickets and guided tour of the Louvre
• 1-hour guided riverboat cruise on the Seine
• Skip-the-line elevator tickets to the Eiffel Tower second floor
• Guided transportation included 

In Paris with a generous budget? Want to see the museum on your terms? Our private tour of the Louvre is a great way to geek out at the museum with an interesting and cool guide. Your knowledgeable and English-speaking guide will focus on what interests you and spend more time where you have the most questions.

In this 3-hour private tour, you skip the line for an intimate tour of the Louvre with just your group and your guide. The private tour is perfect for anyone interested in a highly-personalized experience, for anyone with limited mobility, or for anyone wanting an in-depth understanding of the world’s most impressive museum and the history of these great works of art.

• Highly-personalized experience
• Only your party

Great Paris Tours

Likely to Sell out

Privileged Access Eiffel Night Tour with Seine River Cruise

Sometimes the most amazing moments happen by chance. Other times, they are orchestrated by professionals. In this case, you’ll have an evening to remember as you cruise the Seine for an hour, sipping champagne and taking in the sites like Notre-Dame, the Louvre, and more. Afterwards, follow your guide past the long lines and take the elevator to the Eiffel Tower’s second floor for an unforgettable view.

Likely to Sell Out

Skip the Line Palace of Versailles and Gardens Tour from Paris

Versailles isn’t that difficult to get to by train, but why deal with the stress on your own? Our guide will meet you in central Paris, purchase your train tickets, and ensure you get off at the right stop in Versailles. With skip-the-line tickets, you’ll bypass the crowds and get right into this incredible palace as your guide explains the most incredible (and controversial) history of France’s favorite palace.

Not ready to book a tour? Check out our helpful Paris Guide for more resources.

Where To Stay in Paris

With a city as magnificent as Paris, it can be hard to find the perfect hotel at the perfect price. Explore the best hotels and places to stay in these incredible neighborhoods in Paris.

About Sean Finelli

Sean is a co-founder and owner of The Tour Guy and its subsidiary The Roman Guy. He studied finance and statistics, but that is his "Dr. Jekyll" side! His "Mr. Hyde" is in love with travel, art, history, and culture. Sean has read libraries of historical text and believes that all internet content should come from books. A practice he follows!

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The 5 Best Louvre Tours [2024 Reviews]

As the largest museum in the world, it goes without saying that the Louvre is one of the largest tourist attractions in Paris – if not, the world.

Here, you can find some of the world’s most famous masterpieces on display, including da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, Winged Victory of Samothrace, Venus de Milo, Liberty Leading the People, and  much  more. There’s so much art inside the Louvre, that it would literally take days to see every single piece.

With that being said, it can be easily overwhelming to know where to go or what to see if you’ve never been before. That’s why we’re here to bring you the top tours of the Louvre available!

Be sure to see our reviews of Day Trips to Normandy , Eiffel Tower Guided Tours and Paris Catacombs Tours .

Best Tours of the Louvre Museum

Quick answer: the 5 best guided louvre museum tours for 2024.

• Best Private Tour: Louvre Inside Out: Private Skip the Line Tour
• Best Budget Tour: Louvre Museum Tour
• Best Guided Tour: Louvre Museum Skip-the-line Access Private Guided Tour
• Best Small Group Tour: Louvre Museum Small Group Guided Tour
• Best Value Tour: Paris Louvre Museum Must See Skip the Line Private and Tailored Guided Tour

Louvre Tour Reviews

1. best private tour: louvre inside out – private skip the line tour.

• Duration: 2 hours
• Departure: Louvre Pyramid, 75001
• Departure Time: From 9:00 AM to 5:30PM
• Includes:  Guided tour of the museum with a licensed tour guide, private Tour – Only your travel party & your guide, make on-the-spot changes to the tour, local tips & recommendations

Let’s start things off on the right foot with the Louvre Inside Out: Private Skip the Line Tour . This 2-hour tour is a great way to see the most famous pieces of art inside, while also learning from a guide that’s very knowledgeable on the museum.

The Louvre does attract quite a few crowds, so this really takes the stress out of the equation so you can just focus on the experience.

Meet your private guide with the rest of your group at the Louvre pyramid. Normally, there’s quite the line outside, going down inside of the museum. However, you won’t have to worry about waiting around.

Thanks to your skip-the-line privileges, you’ll get right to the fun! Just remember that you will have to pay for your entrance fee separately, but just getting the entrance inside is very quick and easy.

Once inside, you’ll realize just how expansive it is. It’s not all squished into a few different rooms or hallways. They have everything spaced out – offering the kind of room that these masterpieces deserve.

However, this also means that there’s quite a bit of walking involved and it can be hard to decide where to start first!

Your guide will take the lead, showing you the most famous artwork first. This includes the Nike of Samothrace, Venus de Milo, Mona Lisa, The Coronation of Napoleon, and so much more. There are also other pieces of history laid out on display, such as the French crown jewels!

While the tour itself lasts 2 hours, you can still choose to look around at your own pace or go back to certain pieces that you’d like to get a second look at. There are also various restaurants, cafes, and gift shops inside that can be fun to check out!

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience, other paris experiences you may enjoy:, 2. best budget tour: louvre museum tour.

• Duration: 2-3 hours
• Departure: Arc du Carrousel
• Departure Time:  From 9:00 AM to 5:30PM
• Includes: All entrance fees, professional guide, skip-the-line tour, small group size

Our next tour has. a lot of flexibility with ability to choose your tour length of 2 or 3 hours and group size of between 10-30 people. The Louvre Museum Tour is the perfect way to get yourself acquainted with Parisian culture, as so much of it is intertwined with the Louvre and the artwork it has on display.

With so much to see, this is one of the most seamless ways to become oriented and see some of the “big” ones. Now, there are plenty of tour guides at the Louvre.

However, not all of them have expert guides which means you won’t learn very much about the artwork and history of the Louvre.

We found it easy to ask the guide whatever you want, and as they are so knowledgeable, you’re almost always going to get a good answer. Once again, you don’t have to wait in the sometimes very long lines that extend out from the Louvre.

You and your group get to follow your guide right into the depths of this immense piece of architecture that once served as a fortress hundreds of years ago.

Your guide will talk to you about the history of the building, and perhaps even take you to see the parts where the original medieval moat structure lies inside.

It’s also served as a royal residence, which you’re also able to see – complete with the original lavish furniture! Home to almost 40,000 pieces of art, you will beeline to the most famous ones while your guide offers a historical and cultural narration.

Even if you consider yourself an art expert, you’re sure to learn (or at least see!) something new on this tour. This is surely unlike any other museum you’ve ever been in before!

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3. best guided tour: louvre museum skip-the-line access private guided tour.

• Duration: 2.5 hours
• Departure: Louvre Pyramid , 75001
• Departure Time:  From 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM
• Includes: Skip-the-line museum tour, professional guide, private tour guide, wheelchair-friendly tour

With our next tour, we bring you yet another 2.5-hour excursion that’s perfect for getting your feet wet in this legendary museum.

The Louvre Museum Skip-the-Line Access Private Guided Tour will have you feeling like you have a Parisian local friend who’s also majored in art history showing you all their favorite artwork!

The guides are so good at what they do, that they even manage to keep children entertained – and that’s not easy to do at a massive art museum.

Start out by meeting your guide outside the museum and skip past the lines so you can go straight into exploring all this incredible art and history! Take a moment to look around the pyramid inside and outside, as they’re truly stunning!

We will be honest: just being at the Louvre is overwhelming with the sheer quantity of options and people around.

These guides make it such a breeze, and makes you feel like you’re the only people in the room.

As this is a private tour, your group will really just be you and whomever you’re traveling with/bringing along for the ride. If you’re wondering if you should bring children along, know that it’s perfect for all ages.

Some of the guides even bring their own headsets so you can hear them perfectly among the crowds while still being able to enjoy the artwork and wander around a bit.

Even if you don’t consider yourself to be very knowledgeable about art, the guides make it easy to understand and create an engaging experience. This is really what you’re paying for, and it’s more than worth it!

4. Best Small Group:  Louvre Museum Small Group English Guided Tour

• Departure: 6 Rue de l’Amiral de Coligny , 6 Rue de l’Amiral de Coligny, 75001 Paris
• Departure Time: 10:00 AM, 1:30 PM, 5:00 PM
• Includes: Professional guide, Louvre Museum Skip the line access

The Louvre Museum Small Group English Guided Tour is yet again another excellent selection that consistently receives raving reviews! Lasting 2 hours, it’s one of the top ways to see this museum while still being able to work its way into a busy schedule.

There are various start times, so you have quite a bit of flexibility to fit it into your morning, afternoon, or evening.This tour features very small groups which cap out at just 6 people! This makes it very easy to move around and get more personalized attention from your experienced guide.

If you have any questions about the museum itself, or a piece of art, artist, etc. we’ve yet to hear something that they don’t know. As the most visited museum in the world, crowds are to be expected. By going on a self-guided tour, you may not get to see everything you wanted in just 2 hours.

While maps are included with your entrance fee, it’s so expansive that it’s difficult to create an efficient roadmap if you’re doing it without experience.

Small group tours remedy that, and if there’s something in particular you’d like to see, your guide can help make it happen.

Did we mention that the guides are also fluent in French, English, and Spanish? This means you can communicate more effectively, as well as understand what they’re teaching you better.

As you have already paid for entrance, feel free to walk around and check out everything you want at your own pace after the guided tour portion.

5. Best Value Tour: Paris Louvre Museum Skip the Line Private & Tailored Guided Tour

• Duration: 1.5 hours
• Departure Time: From 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM
• Includes:  Professional guide, Louvre Skip the Line Access, private tour

Perhaps you’re on the hunt for an even shorter Louvre tour? Maybe you really want to see the Louvre and the Mona Lisa, along with some other famous works of art but have a packed schedule.

If that’s the case, then the Paris Louvre Museum Must See Skip the Line Private and Tailored Guided Tour is just for you! As the name suggests, this 1.5-hour tour is fully customized to what you want to do and see.

You’ll get to make the most of things with the skip-the-line ticket so you can jump right into these masterpieces and learning about the history behind them. Meet your guide at the Equestrian Statue of King Louis XIV which stands right in front of the Louvre’s pyramid.

Make sure to snap a few photos, pretending you’re touching the tip of the pyramid as it’s practically a rite of passage. Then, speed through the entrance with your guide and the rest of your small group and head straight to the most famous attractions.

Of course, if you prefer to take a look at those hidden gems that attract less visitors, you can do that to.

The guides are very knowledgeable in the artwork here, and will know exactly where to take you. Their fascinating stories and impressive knowledge of the artwork and the various buildings was so fantastic and made the whole experience that much more exciting.

Thanks to the small group, private tour, you have their full attention and can ask them pretty much anything you’d like, too!

One Day Itinerary for the Louvre Museum

Being the Louvre is one of the largest museums in the world, knowing what to see is the biggest problem. Here is a curated list of the 10 must see pieces of art that you can see in a few hours!

• The Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci : As you make your way through the crowds to see her and you see enigmatic smile of the woman that is so captivating it’s easy to see why people have been obsessing over it for centuries. Take a moment to admire the intricate details in the painting from the delicate folds of her clothing to the sfumato technique used in her face.
• Winged Victory of Samothrace : This stunning marble sculpture of the goddess Nike in my opinion is one of the most beautiful works of art in the world. When you finally reach the top you’re greeted by the breathtaking sight of the Winged Victory of Samothrace. The detail in the carving is amazing.
• Venus de Milo : This ancient Greek statue of the goddess of love is a true masterpiece of classical art. The graceful curves of her body and the expression on her face are what make this statue famous. The missing arms just add to the mystery and allure of this ancient work of art.
• The Raft of the Medusa by Théodore Géricault : This enormous painting is a epitome of Romanticism. It shows the survivors of a shipwreck clinging to a raft in the middle of the ocean. The emotions of the people on the raft are are vividly portrayed.
• Liberty Leading the People by Eugène Delacroix : This painting is a celebration of the French Revolution and the triumph of liberty over oppression. The figure of Liberty is depicted leading the people forward, her arms raised in victory. The color and composition of the painting is amazing.
• The Wedding at Cana by Paolo Veronese : This ginormous oil painting is a treat for the eyes. The painting is alive with movement from the guests mingling and dancing to the servants bustling around in the background. Every detail is meticulously painted from the intricate patterns on the clothing to the expressions on the faces of the guests.
• The Winged Bulls of Khorsabad : These massive sculptures were originally part of the palace of the Assyrian king Sargon II. They depict mythological creatures with the bodies of bulls and the wings of eagles and they are truly awe inspiring in their size and detail.
• The Coronation of Napoleon by Jacques-Louis David : This large painting shows the coronation of Napoleon Bonaparte as the Emperor of France. The colors of the painting are so vivid, it looks like he will walk out of the paining!
• Psyche Revived by Cupid’s Kiss by Antonio Canova : This beautiful marble sculpture depicts the moment when Cupid revives Psyche with a kiss. The fluidity of the carving and the emotion conveyed in the figures is truly amazing.
• The Code of Hammurabi : This ancient Babylonian stele is one of the earliest examples of written law in the world. The carving depicts the Babylonian king Hammurabi receiving the laws from the sun god Shamash. The laws are written in cuneiform script and cover a wide range of topics from property rights to punishments for crimes.

Tips to Better Enjoy Your Visit to the Louvre

• Hours of operation : The Louvre is open everyday except Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. On Wednesdays and Fridays the museum is open until 9:45 p.m.
• Tickets : We recommend you go on a guided tour otherwise you can buy tickets in advance or at the museum. We recommended that you purchase tickets in advance as the Louvre gets very busy and you will probably have to wait in line for a ticket.
• Security : Security measures at the Louvre are similar to those at airports. Prohibited items include weapons and large bags or backpacks.
• Audio guides : Audio guides are available for rent at the museum and provide an interactive tour of the exhibits and give some background behind the artwork.
• Must-see exhibits : Some of the more famous works of art at the Louvre are the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo and the Winged Victory of Samothrace.
• Dining : There are lots of restaurants at the Louvre including several cafés, a brasserie and a gourmet restaurant.
• Accessibility : The Louvre is accessible to visitors with disabilities, there are elevators and ramps available.
• Go early : Beat the crowds by going as soon as the museum opens. You won’t have to wait to see the more famous displays.
• Have a list : You should have a list of art that you must see and goto them first then go back and see everything else. See my one day itinerary above.

Tour Guides

The Louvre Inside Out: Private Skip the Line Tour is our Editor's Choice for the best Louvre museum tours

Robert Baker

Related articles, the 5 best stonehenge tours from london [2024 reviews], the 5 best wine tours from florence [2024 reviews], the 7 best vatican tours ⛪ [2024 reviews], the 5 best seine river dinner cruises [2024 reviews].

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Walk into art itself.

Embark on an unforgettable journey at the Louvre where 'immense' and 'glorious' merely hint at the splendor within. Discover the enigma of Da Vinci's Mona Lisa and immerse yourself in the grandeur of the world’s largest art collection.

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Reserved Access: Louvre Museum Masterpieces Guided Tour

Explore the world's most important art collection and a must-see museum for any visit to Paris. From the Mona Lisa to the Venus de Milo, this Louvre tour takes you through the artistic ages with insight from an expert local guide.

Small Group Louvre Museum Masterpieces Guided Tour

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Private Comprehensive Louvre Masterpieces Tour with Mona Lisa

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Tour Guide in Paris

To discover the louvre masterpieces.

Hello, we are Professional tour guides, experts in Art & History.

Our specialty is the guided tour of the Louvre Museum.

Our guided tours in the Louvre Museum

Louvre extended tour

Discover all the masterpieces of the Louvre Museum in a fun highlights tour.

See together the Mona Lisa, the Fortress, the Venus de Milo, the Winged Victory, the Red rooms and the biggest paintings.

Educational game

Experience a unique moment with your family in the Louvre Museum where kids can play detectives, while learning their basics of Art & History in a fun and pedagogical visit.

2 Hours + booklets + gifts for the kids

The Louvre extended guided tour includes the classic Masterpieces and one more in-depth Louvre section of your choice : 

Add particular painting or artist or a temporary Louvre exhibit.

3 Hours + 1 theme or 1 exhibit

Melanie & Emma &Flora

Melanie from the school of the louvre.

Raised in the historical city of Strasbourg, Mélanie moved to Paris to pursue her passion, earning her Master's degree in History of Art from the esteemed École du Louvre. 

This rigorous program created the basis for her profound understanding of Western art history, with a specialized focus on Greco-Roman and Oceanian art. Over her 13 years in Paris, she not only fell in love with the city and its history but also honed her skills as a licensed guide.

Emma is a State-Licensed Tour Guide

I love to share my passion of History and Art History with my guests during their trip to Paris. 

I curate guided tours in the Louvre and Orsay Museum . 

I hold qualifications in Art & History from University College of Dublin and from the prestigious La Sorbonne University of Paris.

I am an official educator and researcher at various cultural organisations. I have worked with many national museums in France, in Ireland and in the UK - including the Louvre, Orleans House Gallery and the Arts Service of the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, where I managed to be part of a dynamic team of educators.I designed educational programs for a wide range of age groups and backgrounds. I currently give lectures in Museum Studies at the Sorbonne Nouvelle in Paris Center. 

Flora is a Guide-Interpreter

Flora is a qualified and experienced state-licensed Guide-Interpreter. She likes to guide but also to write during her free time about the cultural events happening in the Museums of Paris.

Flora can answer your questions about Paris

Flora is a native, born and raised in the heart of Paris.

She studied Art history for 5 years in the same university : La Sorbonne. 

Flora's mother is a tour guide as well and her family origins in Paris goes back to the 19th century.

Flora is very passionate about the city, she is very knowledgeable and has excellent guiding and communication skills. Ask her questions about Paris (restaurants, hotels, museums, itinerary...) and she will answer you efficiently.

Contacting our team

When you feel ready, you can send Flora a direct email to check our availibilities in order organize the private tour of the Louvre and seize the opportunity to ask her for recommendations.

combinations for a private guided tour

D'orsay highlights tour.

 The D'orsay Museum is the second best museum of France after the Louvre. 

Discover the exciting Art revolution of impressionists (1848 to 1914) and their vividly delightful & colourful paintings and striking sculptures in a stunningly renovated building from the 1900s.

2 Hours highlights

From Louvre to d'Orsay

By chance, d'Orsay is located near the Louvre and it is an excellent opportunity to visit both on the same morning.

To understand the History of Painting to the fullest, to see beautiful Art evolve chronologically, we offer a refreshing morning experience of Art history in Paris. 

4 Hours combination of 2 museums

Walk around the Louvre

The Paris Art & History walking tour starts next to the Louvre Pyramid. 

Learn about the History of Paris, its architecture and its Artists.  

We will discover what made Paris a great Art city since its inception to the medieval ages to the 19th century.

Paris History & Art history walk + 1 Atelier museum + 1 Church tour

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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

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Paris, France

The world’s largest gallery and the home of Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, the Louvre is without rival in the art world and is a must see when in Paris. Allow an entire day to explore its eight departments, not missing the Egyptian antiquities, Islamic art and various halls of sculptures. End your day with sunset by the Louvre Pyramid.

London, England

The British Museum

With some eight million works within its permanent collection, The British Museum is an illustrious European landmark. Admire objects brought back from the voyages of Captain James Cook and walk in the controversial presence of the Parthenon Marbles.

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Uffizi Gallery

The Tuscan capital is home to Uffizi Gallery, where the brushworks of art’s true masters can be found. Names like Raffaello, Leonardo, and Michelangelo fill Uffizi’s grand pink walls, whilst internal courtyards leading to the Arno River reveal the building’s architectural brilliance.

Best museums in Europe & Britain

When traveling Europe with Trafalgar, museum hopping is one of the best ways to understand the culture and history of the places you visit. You’ll find yourself critiquing ancient art and staring in awe at some of the world’s most prominent works. Here are some of our favorites.

Paella Valenciana

Saffron, snails, butterbeans and bomba rice are just some of the ingredients you might find in traditional Spanish paella. Despite originating from the coastal town of Valencia, Paella Valenciana is a variety without seafood. You'll love sitting back to enjoy a steaming plate over the sounds of Spanish jazz in a lively alfresco restaurant.

Beef Stroganoff

Now a staple dish in many parts of the world, beef stroganoff is best enjoyed in its birthplace in Russia with a vodka in hand. This simple dish of beef strips sauteed in a sour cream sauce offers a heart-warming taste of this country’s culinary heritage.

Bouillabaisse

The Mediterranean city of Marseille is where a French culinary icon can be found and devoured. The fragrant stew of bouillabaisse, commonly served with crusty white bread, boils up the finest local seafood and seasonal vegetables with the flavors of fennel, saffron and cayenne pepper.

Best food in Europe & Britain

Our trips to Europe gravitate around indulgent local mealtimes. With new cuisines and cooking methodologies found at every turn, this continent is simply delicious. 

What to pack for a tour in Europe

With such a large expanse of space to explore on a European travel tour, on some days, long journeys are unavoidable. The scenery will provide plenty of visual entertainment, while headphones can be used to listen to some local music or enjoy podcasts about European history, culture and politics when you're not enjoying the storytelling from your Travel Director.

A good book

Exploring Europe is best done at a relaxed pace with ample opportunity to absorb your surroundings. Dedicate a few days to sitting in a park or a cafe, alternating between reading and watching the world go by.

Versatile shoes

Within the space of one outing you may experience all kinds of terrain when in Europe. Pack shoes that can see you walking from an elegant restaurant to a cobbled footpath, with a stroll along the soft grass of a park in between.

A blank journal

With the wealth of inspiration tucked into every corner of Europe, you may find yourself compelled to write down notes or memories. At the very least to share recommendations with friends when you return home.

All climate clothing

No matter the time of year you travel, Europe can deliver a myriad of temperatures. From frosty cities of Scandinavia to the temperate hills of Portugal, layered clothing best suits the varying micro-climates across this continent.

Pack for sustainable travel

Consider your environmental impact when you next take a trip and go single-use-plastic-free by packing a reusable water bottle, a steel straw, your own shopping bags and refillable toiletry bottles.

Our Europe & Britain destinations

Bosnia Herzegovina

Czech Republic

Liechtenstein

North Macedonia

Netherlands

Northern Ireland

Switzerland

Other worldwide regions we visit

Africa the Middle East

Australia and New Zealand

North and Central America

South America

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Dance through the halls of the Louvre and yoga classes on offer throughout Paris 2024

Hang it in the Louvre? More like host it in the Louvre.

One of the most globally renowned museums in the world is getting into the Olympic spirit, with Paris 2024 right around the corner.

From yoga and dance to workout sessions, the Louvre will be a hub for Parisians and tourists as the city attempts to drum up the excitement for the first Olympic Games in France for 100 years.

“The Louvre is physically in the centre of Paris, it will be physically at the centre of the Olympic Games,” said museum chief Laurence des Cars .

With walls dawned in historic art, rooms will embody that of a sports hall in a project dubbed ‘Run in the Louvre.’

Visitors can enjoy a disco in the Salle des Caryatides, which is a former ballroom, while others can be at one with themselves during yoga at the Marly courtyard.

More about Paris 2024 at the Olympic Museum

“I was completely inspired by each space in the museum,” choreographer and dancer Mehdi Kerkouche said .

Kerkouche helped orchestrate the events, adding: “I really focused on very particular places in relation to what inspired me.

“[Yoga is held] in an absolutely sublime room which is a reconstruction of the gardens of Marly, where King Louis XIV laid to rest.

“So I wanted a zen space, a quiet space here.”

Classes are available from now until the end of both the Olympic and Paralympic spectacles.

From one landmark to another – Games enthusiasts can also visit the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, Switzerland.

Home to the most comprehensive collection of everything related to the Olympic Games throughout the years, plenty of things are ongoing over the coming months.

This includes a guided tour through each minor detail of what has gone into making the Paris 2024 showpiece, from the mascot to the Torch relay.

More information on the Olympic Museum can be found here .

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Louvre Museum Official Website

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Get inspired at the Louvre

Modern Invention, Ancient Legacy. 24 April – 16 September 2024

A New Look at Jan Van Eyck

The Madonna of Chancellor Rolin. 20 March - 17 June 2024

The MET au Louvre

Near Eastern Antiquities in Dialogue. 29 February 2024 - 28 September 2025

THE LOUVRE’S MASTERPIECES

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Visitor trails

Discover the masterpieces of the Louvre with trained guides who take you through the museum’s most impressive spaces.

The restoration of the Arc du Carrousel [ENG subtitles]

Video 7 min

Galerie Campana

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The Salle des Etats

Video 4 min

« Forêt » by Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker and Némo Flouret [EN subtitles]

Delve into the Louvre

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🇫🇷 Inspectons les œuvres du musée avec #LouvreALaLoupe ! Aujourd’hui, intéressons-nous à ce tableau de Luc-Olivier Merson actuellement présenté dans l’exposition « L’Olympisme. Une invention moderne, un héritage antique », le

Soldat de Marathon ! 🔍

🇫🇷 L’exposition « L’Olympisme. Un héritage antique, une invention moderne » ouvre ses portes ! 🏃

🏺 Dès aujourd’hui, venez découvrir les sources de cet événement mondial, les Jeux Olympiques ! Outre Pierre de Coubertin, diverses personnalités françaises et grecques sont à l’initiative de la plus grande et la plus suivie de toutes les manifestations sportives. 🤝

🇫🇷 Inspectons les œuvres du musée avec #LouvreALaLoupe ! Aujourd’hui, intéressons-nous à ce vase de fleurs ! 🔍

💐 Le peintre hollandais Jan Van Huysum utilise dans ce tableau (v. 1720-1740) les motifs traditionnels de la peinture de fleurs qu'il pousse à un haut degré de somptuosité décorative, à l'asymétrie joyeuse et aux coloris vifs.

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🇫🇷 Inspectons les œuvres du musée avec #LouvreALaLoupe ! 
Aujourd’hui, focus sur la Sainte Marie Madeleine sculptée par Gregor Erhart. 🔍
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👼 Cette singulière figure nue, datant de 1515-1520, représente sainte Marie-Madeleine en ascète mystique. Selon la légende, la pécheresse repentie vivait retirée dans la grotte de la Sainte-Baume, vêtue de ses seuls cheveux. Elle était chaque jour enlevée au ciel par des anges pour entendre les chœurs célestes.
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⛪️ La sainte était à l’origine soutenue par des anges sculptés. Maintenue dans une structure ovale métallique, la statue en tilleul était suspendue à la voûte d’une église. Elle était visible de tous côtés, puisque son dos est aussi soigneusement sculpté et polychromé que sa face.
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☁️ Le génie du sculpteur allemand est de transcrire de manière inédite l’image traditionnelle de la sainte portée au ciel par les anges. Loin du canon gothique, menu et irréel, il dévoile des formes féminines épanouies, à peine dissimulées par la souple chevelure dorée qui coule sur le buste et qui se déploie dans le dos.
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🌎 Let’s inspect the works of the museum with #LouvreDetails ! 
Today, focus on Saint Mary Magdalene sculpted by Gregor Erhart. 🔍
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👼 This unusual nude figure, from 1515-1520, represents saint Mary Magdalene as a mystic ascetic. According to legend, the repentant sinner lived a secluded life in the cave of Sainte-Baume, clothed only by her hair. Every day she was raised up in the sky by angels to hear the heavenly chorus.
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⛪️ The saint was originally held up by carved angels. Encased in an oval metal structure, the wooden statue was suspended from the vault of a church. It must have been seen in the round, since the back is as carefully carved and colored as the front.
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☁️ The genius of the German sculptor was to interpret the traditional image of the saint being carried to heaven by angels in an unprecedented manner in sculpture. Far from the Gothic convention of a thin, unreal figure, he reveals feminine curves, scarcely hidden by the rippling mane of golden hair which spreads across her back.
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📷 © Musée du Louvre / Nicolas Bousser 
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#Louvre #MuséeDuLouvre

🇫🇷 Le mardi, c’est le #JourDeFermeture au musée du Louvre ! Dans l’aile Denon, le torse de Milet attend le retour des visiteurs. 👀

🌍 Tuesday is #ClosingDay at the Louvre! In the Denon wing, Milet’s torso awaits the return of visitors. 👀

🇫🇷 Inspectons les œuvres du musée avec #LouvreALaLoupe ! Aujourd’hui, penchons-nous sur cette célèbre œuvre de Rosso Fiorentino. 🔎

🏰 Rosso est appelé en 1530 par François Ier sur le chantier du château de Fontainebleau. Commandé par le connétable Anne de Montmorency dont il porte les armes, ce tableau se distingue par l’âpre vision du drame, résumé dans le geste pathétique de la Vierge défaillant au seuil du tombeau du Christ.

🇫🇷 Le mardi, c’est le #JourDeFermeture au musée du Louvre ! Dans l’aile Denon, la Victoire de Samothrace trône en haut de l’escalier Daru. 👀

🌍 Tuesday is #ClosingDay at the Louvre! In the Denon wing, the Victory de Samothrace takes pride of place at the top of the Daru staircase. 👀

🇫🇷 Inspectons les œuvres du musée avec #LouvreALaLoupe ! Aujourd’hui, intéressons-nous à cette sculpture en terre cuite de Félicie de Fauveau, assistée de son frère Hippolyte.

🕰️ Entrée dans les collections du musée en 2018, cette œuvre met en scène sainte Réparate. Elle fut réalisée en 1855, lors de l’épidémie de choléra qui toucha une grande partie de la population de Florence, y compris l’amie intime de Félicie de Fauveau, la grande duchesse de Toscane.  

🇫🇷 L’exposition « Revoir Van Eyck - La Vierge du chancelier Rolin » ouvre ses portes ! ⌛️

👀 Dès aujourd’hui, venez vous confronter à ce chef-d’œuvre restauré de Jan Van Eyck dans la salle de la Chapelle !

🇫🇷 Le mardi, c’est le #JourDeFermeture au musée du Louvre ! Dans l’aile Richelieu, l’Amour essayant une de ses flèches de Jacques Saly trône dans la galerie des Grands Hommes ! 👀

🌍 Tuesday is #ClosingDay at the Louvre! In the Richelieu wing, Jacques Saly’s Love trying out one of its arrows takes pride of place in the Galerie des Grands Hommes! 👀

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