It goes without saying that one of the top museums to visit during your stay in Paris is the renowned Louvre, home of course to the Mona Lisa.
Originally a fortress, the Louvre museum has been at its location since 1793. What's more, it boasts 6 million visitors every year.
What can you do to help make your visit the best it can be? Consider the following hints and tips, from the ideal times to visit, which entrance to use, and places to eat nearby if you don't want to eat museum food.
1. Admission
Tickets are 10 Euros which provides you with an all day pass. Free admission includes the first Sunday of every month and every Friday evening from 6 PM to 9:45 PM for those under 26 years of age; always free for those under 18 years of age.
2. Best time to visit
If you want to avoid crowds, try to arrive before the museum opens at 9 AM to get in line. This way you will be able to enjoy a few quieter moments in the galleries before the masses arrive.
Remember: the Louvre is closed on Tuesdays. Days that museums close differ from place to place - so it's important to check before you make your plans.
3. Entrances
There are many entrances to the Louvre. Where you will see the longest lineups is at the famed Pyramids in the courtyard. Try instead the entrance via the Galerie du Carrousel, the shopping center to the west of the Louvre (in the same building) as entry is usually quite fast.
Purchased tickets are necessary though - available from self-serve kiosks as soon as you enter the Galerie du Carrousel from 99, rue de Rivoli, as you get off the down escalators.
4. Ways to get there
Depending on where you are staying, you might be able to walk as the Louvre is centrally located in the 1st arrondissement.
If taking the Metro, take line 1 to Palais Royale, Musée du Louvre. You will know that you are at the right Metro stop by one of the most stunning station designs and displays (see photo below).
If you want to take advantage of Tip 3 to enter the Louvre via the Caroussel du Louvre, get off the subway at Palais Royale, Musée du Louvre; turn left; and head towards that entrance. Follow the signs after that.
If you are walking and want to enter the Louvre via the Caroussel du Louvre, enter at 99, rue de Rivoli (street level).
5. Places to Eat Nearby
• Le Fumoir
Le Fumoir is a restaurant and bar located directly east of the Louvre that is an excellent option and despite its location, it's often frequented by locals (even better!) It has a set menu offered at both lunch and dinner with a great atmosphere with salads, pastries and drinks at other times. Open everyday from 11 AM to 2 AM.
6 rue de l'Amiral-Coligny
1st arrondissement
• Le Flore en L'Ile
Le Flore en L'Ile is a classic cafe on the edge of Ile Saint Louis and within walking distance of the Louvre. You will find typical french fare for lunch or dinner.
It is well-known for its Berthillon ice cream served during summer months.
42 Quai D'Orleans (at Rue de Jean du Bellay)
4th arrondissement (Metro: Pont Marie)
By Margaret Li on Saturday, March 12, 2011 @ 11:17 PM
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