Louvre Museum

Before stepping into the vastness of the Louvre Museum, travelers should craft a simple plan. The sheer number of artworks—nearly 35,000 on display—means even the most enthusiastic guest can't possibly see it all in one outing. With lines often curling around the entrance, a little prep can save hours. Knowing the best entrances, booking timed tickets ahead, and setting priorities for must-see pieces make the difference between an overwhelming blur and an unforgettable journey through art and history.

• Best time to visit: Early mornings on weekdays or Wednesdays and Fridays after 6 p.m. (when the museum is open late) offer calmer halls.
• How to get there: Metro lines 1 and 7 to Palais Royal–Musée du Louvre station. Buses and bike-sharing stations also stop nearby.
• Accessibility: Elevators, ramps, and loaned wheelchairs are available. Families with children will find stroller-friendly routes, and nursing rooms are provided.
• Average visit duration: 2 to 4 hours for highlights; allow a full day to explore at a more leisurely pace.

The Louvre Museum stretches across three historic wings filled with treasures that span millennia. While the Mona Lisa’s mysterious smile draws crowds, every gallery holds wonders—some renowned, others overlooked. Travelers who explore beyond the postcards find haunting Greek statues, forgotten medieval moats, and luminous Dutch paintings. Between masterpieces, sunlight filters through hidden courtyards and sculpture gardens, creating moments of quiet beauty.

• Mona Lisa: Da Vinci’s enigmatic portrait sits behind glass in the Denon Wing, drawing visitors from across the globe.
• Venus de Milo: Beloved for its beauty and mystery, this ancient Greek statue graces the Sully Wing, surrounded by other classical marvels.
• Egyptian Antiquities: Mummies, hieroglyphs, and the Seated Scribe; an atmospheric trek through time in the museum’s basement.
• Napoleon III Apartments: Step into gold-drenched rooms adorned with crystal chandeliers and period opulence – a lesser-known highlight.
• Cour Puget and Cour Marly: Airy sculpture courts flooded with natural light, perfect for photography and peaceful pauses.
• Underground Medieval Remains: Foundations of the original 12th-century fortress lay hidden beneath the museum, offering a glimpse of Paris’s roots.
• Guided tours: Themed walks reveal stories behind the artwork, from ancient civilizations to French royalty.