Louvre Museum: Tickets

With the standard Louvre Museum ticket, you choose a specific date and time slot to enter. This ticket lets you skip the line at the ticket desk, but you will still need to go through security at the Pyramid. Plan your visit accordingly to enjoy a smooth entry.

Best for: Independent, well-organized travelers who have booked their trip in advance and feel comfortable exploring the museum on their own.

Key Benefits

• The most straightforward and affordable way to secure your entry
• Guarantees access on the day and time of your choice
• Freedom to explore the vast museum at your own pace

Louvre hosted entry and fast-track tickets offer a significant upgrade in convenience. A designated host meets you near the Louvre Museum and guides you through a dedicated group entrance that is less crowded.

This ensures that your initial entry goes smoothly. Confusion is minimized and waiting time at the security check is often reduced. It is an effective way to make the most of your visit.

Best for: First-time visitors, families with children, and anyone who wants to minimize stress and queues on the day of their visit.

Key advantages:

• A stress-free start to your visit, avoiding the confusion of the main Pyramid queue.
• Often provides a faster entry process than standard timed entry
• The host can provide a brief orientation and answer initial questions

A guided tour ticket to the Lou vre is the best way to master the immense Louvre. The ticket includes admission and often allows you to use a special group entrance.

An expert art historian will lead you on a guided tour lasting between 1.5 and 3 hours. You'll focus on famous masterpieces such as the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and the Winged Victory.

Best for: Visitors with a tight schedule who want to see the highlights, and for anyone who needs last-minute tickets to the Louvre when they sell out.

Key benefits:

• Navigate the world's largest museum efficiently (without getting lost!)
• Get fascinating stories and historical context about the art you see
• Often the only way to secure a Louvre ticket on sold-out dates

Combo deals offer standard, timed admission to the Louvre Museum along with another classic Paris activity: Seine River cruises, boat rides, or the Eiffel Tower.

City passes and combination tickets offer a convenient way to plan your day, letting you explore the Louvre and other must-see attractions without any hassle. Some options also include access to public transport, helping you make the most of your time in Paris.

Best for: First-time visitors to Paris, couples, and families looking for a classic, hassle-free sightseeing day.

Key benefits:

• Outstanding value for money if you plan to visit several museums over 2, 4, or 6 days
• Maximum flexibility to hop from one attraction to another
• The convenience of a single pass for all your cultural visits

When you visit the Louvre, its U-shaped layout becomes immediately apparent. The museum is divided into three main wings: Denon, Sully, and Richelieu. These surround the iconic glass Pyramid, your central point of reference.

The Denon Wing is the busiest section of the Louvre Museum. Here you'll find masterpieces of Italian painting and large-scale French works. It's a must-see for anyone visiting the Louvre for the first time.

Mona Lisa

Admire the world's most famous painting, created by Leonardo da Vinci. Be prepared for the large crowds surrounding the painting — smaller than expected — but its mysterious smile remains captivating in person.

Winged Victory of Samothrace

Marvel at its striking position atop the Daru Staircase. This breathtaking statue stands in one of the museum's most grand settings, creating a spectacular sight.

Liberty Leading the People and The Raft of the Medusa

These two giants of French Romanticism command attention through their immense size and powerful storytelling. Both works offer a glimpse into the political and emotional intensity of their era.

Step into a world of history in the oldest part of the Louvre. This area transports you through the centuries and houses incredible collections of Greek and Egyptian antiquities, and in its basement, the very foundations of the original medieval fortress.

Venus de Milo

Witness the mystery of this famous statue, believed to be a depiction of Aphrodite. Known for her beauty and missing arms, the Venus de Milo is an icon of ancient art.

Great Sphinx of Tanis

Feel the presence of ancient Egypt with this formidable guardian. Stand before the Sphinx and imagine what life in ancient Egypt might have been like.

The Medieval Louvre

Descend into the depths of the medieval crypt. Walk alongside the original moat and the foundations of the 12th-century fortress. Built by King Philip Augustus, this part of the Louvre evokes a very different era.

The Richelieu Wing offers a quieter escape within the Louvre. It is known for its glass-roofed sculpture courtyards and its insight into the palace's royal history.

Cour Marly and Cour Puget

Here you'll find light-filled courtyards brimming with grand French sculptures. These spaces feel like an outdoor garden brought inside.

Napoleon III Apartments

Visit the private residence of one of France's most powerful leaders. The opulent red-and-gold décor, crystal chandeliers, and lavish furnishings are a reminder that the Louvre was once a great palace.

• The Louvre Museum is open every day from 09:00 (9:00 am) to 18:00 (6:00 pm)
• The museum is always closed on Tuesdays, as well as on January 1, May 1, and December 25
• For a truly unique experience, visit the museum on Wednesdays or Fridays, when it stays open until 9:00 pm

By metro:

• Take lines 1 or 7 to the "Palais Royal-Musée du Louvre" station
• Take line 14 to the "Pyramides" station

By bus

• Lines 21, 27, 39, 67, 68, 69, 72, 74, 85 or 95

Tickets:

• The main entrance through the Pyramid is iconic, but it tends to be very crowded
• Consider entering through the Carrousel du Louvre entrance. Located in an underground shopping mall, it is far less busy
• Another option is the Porte des Lions entrance, which is closer to the Denon wing

• Advance booking required: All visitors, including pass holders and those entitled to free admission, must book a time slot online.
• Baggage policy: Visitors will have their bags checked before entering. Bags larger than 55 x 35 x 20 cm are not permitted and must be stored in the free lockers. Do not bring large luggage.
• Getting around: When you visit the Louvre, its U-shaped layout quickly becomes clear. The museum is divided into three main wings: Denon, Sully, and Richelieu. These surround the iconic glass Pyramid, your central point of reference.

Buying tickets for the Louvre Museum is easier than ever. You can purchase tickets digitally directly on the official website, or through trusted third-party vendors. When booking online, pay by credit or debit card.

You can also buy tickets at the Louvre Museum's ticket windows. There, you can pay by cash or card.

If the official website shows that Louvre tickets are sold out for your preferred date or time, check with other online vendors.

You can also book a guided tour, which often includes admission. You'll also benefit from the expertise of an art specialist who will guide you through the world's largest museum.

Weekends are typically the busiest days at the Louvre.

For a more relaxed experience, go on a Wednesday or Thursday morning, or on a Friday evening, when the Louvre is open until 9:00 pm.

Louvre Museum tickets go on sale on a rolling basis, typically up to 3 months in advance.

It's best to book at least one month ahead of your visit to ensure you can get in on your preferred date and time.

Yes, the Mona Lisa is part of the permanent collection and is included with all Louvre ticket options.

The painting is located in the Salle des États gallery, in room 711 of the Denon wing, level 1.

To see the painting, you will join a queue inside the gallery that will allow you to take photos and get a close look at the world's most famous painting.

All visitors must have a valid ticket to enter the Louvre. All tickets are timed-entry, allowing admission within a 30-minute window.

Even with a free admission ticket, you will need to make a reservation online before your visit.

Yes, you can buy Louvre Museum tickets on the day of your visit.

However, queues to purchase tickets are likely to be long, and there is a chance that tickets for that day may be sold out.

To get last-minute Louvre tickets, you can search online among third-party vendors, or book a guided tour that includes admission.

Some Paris city passes also include Louvre Museum admission, along with other Parisian attractions — a great option if you're planning to spend several days in the city.

Allow at least 3 hours if you want to see the highlights of the Louvre Museum.

If you're short on time, consider booking a guided tour. In 1 to 3 hours, depending on your preference, your guide can help you navigate the Louvre's vast collection.

If you want to explore beyond the highlights, you could easily spend a full day — or even several days — taking in all the treasures the Louvre has to offer.

Yes, you may take photos and videos for personal use, without flash.

Selfie sticks and other filming equipment are not permitted inside any of the galleries.