No trip to Paris is complete without a visit to the Louvre museum where you’ll find over 35,000 works of art including the Mona Lisa & Venus de Milo. Follow our guide to The Louvre including tips and tricks to help you beat the queues for this popular attraction.
1. The Louvre; Free Entry
There are a number of ways that visitors can secure free entry to The Louvre that includes the following;
- Children under the age of 18 years.
- 18-25 years old (European Union nationals & non-European legal residents in France).
- Disabled person and their companion.
- The first Friday of each month after 6pm, (except July & August).
- 14 July each year, (Bastille Day).
- There are other possibilities for EU citizens so worth checking the full list eligible for free entry before your visit.
You will need specific proof of ID/entitlement so worth checking exactly what documentation you will require to pick up free entry.
2. The Louvre; The Paris Pass
Take advantage of the Paris Pass that offers entry to over 75 top Paris attractions including the Louvre. For those looking to visit a number of top tourist settings, such as the Palace of Versailles, Arc de Triomphe & Musee d’Orsay, the Paris Pass can offer great value for money for those planning a few days away.
Capturing the Mona Lisa
The Louvre Guide; Beat The Queues
1. Check out the lesser known entrance at the Lions Gate, (Porte des Lions) in the southern wing of the Louvre. Whilst the queues constantly build at the main entrance by the glass pyramid, this side entrance is often deserted and is also the closest entrance for the Mona Lisa! Please note that this gate is not always open, (closed select days, contact +33 (0)1 40 20 53 17 for further information), but it’s certainly a quicker route in for those with pre-purchased tickets. You’ll find this entrance marked with two lion statues set close to the River Seine.
2. Most guide books suggest getting to this popular attraction early to avoid the queues so often a later visit can pay off. Worth noting that the Louvre opens late every Friday until 9.45pm, so for a less crowded experience, consider a late night opening.
3. Worth noting that the Louvre is closed every Tuesday throughout the year.
4. To avoid being overwhelmed with the sheer size of The Louvre, (particular with children in tow), plan in advance what you would like to achieve from your visit & then stick to it.
5. Both the Mona Lisa & the Venus de Milo are well signposted throughout the museum; follow the signage or just simply follow the crowds!
6. The closest Metro station is Palais-Royal_Musee de Louvre, (Metro line 1).
7. Did you know that the Louvre has an underground auditorium that holds regular classical music concerts? There is an add-on for these concerts but ticket prices are very reasonable and a novel way to enjoy this popular venue.
Follow our Eiffel Tower Guide packed with tips and trick to make the most from your visit.
Louvre; Museum; Porte des Lions
