Le Louvre — Attraction in Paris

It seems ludicrous to write a review about the Louvre, but I've done dumber things. Like writing a review about Nothing, Arizona, when there was literally nothing. The opposite is true here as the Louvre is everything an art museum should be. With over 35,000 pieces and over nine miles of exhibition space, it can be overwhelming, but some pre-planning helped make the most of the three-plus hours my husband and I spent here.

First things first, buy time-stamped tickets as soon as you know when you'll be in Paris. That's what we did, and it allowed us to go at the earliest time possible to avoid the worst of the crowds. Check to see if the Porte des Lions is open. Far less used than the glass pyramid, that's the side entrance closest to the Denon Wing where most of the famous works are. Currently Google Maps states it's temporarily closed, but it's worth checking.

Well before coming here, you should decide what the essential works are you want to see. Meandering the Louvre without a plan will tucker you out, and seating is at a premium. My husband and I wanted to see the acknowledged Top 10 works on a navigational path that allowed us time to browse with minimal backtracking. We started on Level 1 of the Denon Wing and sprinted to Room 711. That's where Leonardo da Vinci's "Mona Lisa" hangs.

It's small, under glass, and you can see it only from a restricted distance. But believe me, the crowd you see first thing in the morning reflects the best time to check this masterpiece off your list. Flip around and enjoy the museum's largest painting, "The Wedding Feast in Cana" by Veronese. Head to the back of the room and make a right to approach "The Winged Victory of Samothrace" in Room 703, a truly majestic sight.

This was where Audrey Hepburn floated down the steps in her red gown and gossamer shawl in "Funny Face". Walk beyond the mythic statue and make a right into the glorious Room 705 where you get up close to the resplendent French Crown Jewels. Walk back out and head to Room 702 where you see "The Coronation of Napoleon", a massive historical recreation by Jacques-Louis David. Continue to Room 700 and see two masterpieces.

The uplifting "Liberty Leading the People" by Eugene Delacroix and the darkly tragic "The Raft of the Medusa" by Theodore Gericault. Go downstairs to Room 403 on Level 0 still in the Denon Wing. That's where we saw the beautiful neoclassical sculpture, "Psyche Revived by Cupid's Kiss" by Antonio Canova. Walk over to Room 345 and join the admiring crowd ogling the Venus de Milo.

At this point, we allowed ourselves to roam among the Roman, Greek, and Egyptian antiquities. It's an expansive space and hard to maneuver if you're looking for pieces in particular. We found the Great Sphinx of Tanis in Room 338 of the Sully Wing and eventually the Code of Hammurabi from ancient Mesopotamia in Room 227. It's as mythic as the Rosetta Stone. We recommend strolling through the sculpture courtyard.

It was quite a collection of magnificent pieces in an atrium-like setting. We weren't aware there was an Angelina on the premises, and it wasn't the zoo the original one is off the Tuileries Gardens. We managed to enjoy their fabled hot chocolate and a light brunch without waiting for a table. We did all of that in a little over three hours and still felt there was so much more to discover and explore. Yes, the Louvre is the...

Visiting the Louvre Museum in Paris is not just a trip to a museum — it’s a journey through thousands of years of human history, art, and civilization. I spent nearly 6 hours here and still felt like I had only scratched the surface. Whether you're an art enthusiast, a history buff, or simply curious about one of the most iconic museums in the world, the Louvre is an unforgettable experience. ✨ Highlights: Of course, the Mona Lisa is a must-see. It's smaller than expected, but the crowd and the energy around it speak volumes about its importance. Go early if you want a decent view without too many heads in the way! The Winged Victory of Samothrace and Venus de Milo are breathtaking in person. The scale, detail, and emotion carved into these ancient masterpieces are simply beyond words. The Napoleon III Apartments were a total surprise — extravagant, ornate, and transporting. If you ever wondered how royalty lived, this section of the Louvre is your answer. The Egyptian Antiquities collection is massive and beautifully curated. Mummies, sarcophagi, statues, and ancient artifacts are laid out in a way that tells a coherent story of the time. 🏛 Architecture: The building itself is as impressive as the art it houses. The Louvre Palace is grand, elegant, and immense. Walking through its vast corridors, marble staircases, and vaulted ceilings feels like being in a movie. Don’t forget to look up — many ceilings are painted masterpieces in their own right. 🖼 Layout & Navigation: The museum is HUGE. It’s easy to get lost, but honestly, that’s part of the fun. Grab a map or download the Louvre app ahead of time. The museum is divided into three wings — Denon, Sully, and Richelieu — each with its own treasures. Planning your route ahead of time can help you make the most of your visit. ⏱ Tips for Visiting: Arrive early. Lines can be long, especially during peak tourist seasons. Booking tickets online in advance is highly recommended. Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be walking a lot. Don’t rush. Prioritize what you want to see, and be okay with not seeing everything in one visit. Bring water and snacks. The café options inside are pricey and get crowded fast. 🎟 Ticketing & Entry: Security was efficient, and the entrance through the glass pyramid is iconic and smooth. Once inside, everything is well-signposted. Staff were friendly and helpful, though it’s a busy place, so be patient. 🌍 Overall Impression: There are museums, and then there is the Louvre — a living archive of human creativity and history. No matter how much you prepare, nothing compares to standing in front of some of the most famous artworks in the world and feeling their power in person. I would return again in a heartbeat, maybe focusing on just one wing per visit next time. This place is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience — or maybe a dozen times in a lifetime if...

The Louvre is MASSIVE! You could easily spend a whole week trying to absorb all that you can from each of the exhibits - unfortunately no one has time for that. Initially, I tried to read all I could about the exhibits as I moved through the museum, but quickly realised I wouldn't have time to see everything.

Personally, I would recommend setting out a few pieces that you really want to see, I.e., the Mona Lisa, Raffaello works, Monet and Venus etc..., once you've seen what you really want to see, you can relax, take your time and enjoy the rest of the art/sculptures.

Some tips for seeing the Mona Lisa - 1. Use the toilet before you go, once you're in the jumble of people, you're in. 2. Try to stay central in the mob - if you're pushed to the side, you may miss the front on view of the painting and you'll have to fight your way to the middle when you reach the front (not fun). 3. You'll have to be somewhat quick to get the pictures you want, selfies etc and then a bit of time to soak in the art before the guards hurry you away.

The map for the louvre is a bit useless. Its a labyrinth. The map just adds to the confusion. Find the art you want to see, enjoy it, relax and then aimlessly wonder around soaking it all in while trying not to double back on yourself - you'll probably enjoy it more rather than having your head buried in a map.

Have plenty of water on hand. There's no water stations and food places are sparse (and likely overpriced).

Toilets, however, are everywhere! So don't feel pressed to pee as soon as you get through security. Especially for women, some of the more obscurely placed toilets will have no line - while those in obvious places are queued back 20...