The Louvre, a sprawling edifice overlooking the Seine River, stands as one of Paris's most iconic landmarks. Renowned for its extraordinary collection of artworks, it is also among the most visited museums globally. A trip to Paris isn’t complete without exploring the world's largest art museum and marveling at its awe-inspiring exhibits. The Louvre has an astounding 800 years of history that charts its ascendancy to global prestige. Boasting some of the finest artworks ever created, the museum can be overwhelming to navigate on your own. So, if you'd like to skip the hassle of plotting your own course and have a remarkable experience seamlessly, opting for a guided tour is a brilliant choice. Read about all the guided tours available at the Louvre Museum.
Is a guided tour of the Louvre Museum worth it?
Absolutely. The main advantage of choosing a guided tour is the priority access through timed entries, eliminating the need to wait in the long lines that come with regular entry tickets. There are two types of guided tours: an audioguide tour that lets you explore at your own pace, and a small group tour where you meet an expert guide at the entrance. Both options offer unique and enriching ways to experience the Louvre Museum, ensuring that you can fully immerse yourself in its incredible art collections without the stress of navigation or scheduling.
Enjoy flexibility
One of the best features of guided tours is that you can choose one according to your own convenience. The museum opens to the public at 9am every day. Headout offers a variety of Louvre guided tours with different timings to suit your convenience. You also get to choose from different types of Louvre guided tours such as priority access tours, small group guided tours, skip-the-line tours, etc, allowing you to enjoy a largely personalized experience.
Make the most of your trip
Just as it's one of the world's most visited museums, the Louvre is also one of the largest, sprawling over approximately 60,600 square meters and showcasing over 35,000 artworks. Divided into eight departments, the museum features sculptures, artifacts, and paintings that can easily overwhelm even the most enthusiastic art lovers. Combine that with the usual bustling crowds, and you’ve got quite a challenge on your hands. To really make the most of your visit without feeling lost or stressed, choosing a Louvre guided tour is the way to go. It'll simplify your experience, with a professional guide to navigate you through this massive art labyrinth while you just enjoy the visual feast.
Take advantage of your guide’s expertise
Guided tours are led by professional, experienced guides who are adept at navigating both the Louvre’s extensive collections and its bustling crowds. They know the best routes to take and tips to dodge the masses, enriching your visit with fascinating stories and insights. For example, during archaeological excavations in 1984, the foundations of the Louvre’s medieval fortress were unearthed and are still visible today. Whether it’s detailing the Louvre's history as a royal palace or explaining the significance of the contemporary Pyramid entrance, your guide ensures a seamless and engaging experience. So why not let them handle the details while you soak in the artistic wonders?
Enjoy a hassle-free experience
Other than making sure that your camera is charged, you have nothing else to worry about. From purchasing the tickets to navigating through the crowd, your guide will do all the hard work. They will also make sure that you get to see all the must-see works of art at Louvre. All you have to do is meet your guide at a pre-decided meeting point.
Opt for a VIP small-group or private guided tour
Skip the lines and dive straight into the wonders of the Louvre with a VIP guided tour. This exclusive experience, limited to just 6-10 participants, begins with a personal welcome from an art history expert. Your English-speaking guide will lead you through the museum's highlights, from Greek and Roman sculptures like the Winged Victory of Samothrace and Venus de Milo, to iconic paintings such as Leonardo da Vinci's St. John the Baptist and Mona Lisa. The tour also covers masterpieces by Jacques-Louis David and Eugène Delacroix, and a stunning set of Crown Jewels. This intimate, enriching journey promises unparalleled access to the Louvre's finest treasures.
What To Expect Inside Louvre Paris
The best of Louvre guided tours
We have compiled a list of the best Louvre guided tours to get you started. Depending on your budget, the time you are willing to spend and other factors, you can pick one that meets all your criteria.
Skip The Line at Louvre Museum
Louvre guided tour deconstructed: Your experience
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The Louvre houses a massive collection of artworks with so much to see. These are some of the major attractions your guide will take you through.
The Mona Lisa and Other Italian Renaissance Art Pieces
Your guide will take you through the Grand Galerie, filled with magnificent Italian Renaissance masterpieces by Titian, Raphael, da Vinci, and others. Some of the most breathtaking works will be highlighted during your journey to see Leonardo da Vinci's famous Mona Lisa in the Denon Wing. The Louvre contains the world's greatest collection of da Vinci paintings, and your guide will definitely highlight some along the route.
Greek Antiquities
You'll see the three most famous sculptures - Venus de Milo, the Winged Victory of Samothrace, and Psyche Revived by Cupid's Kiss - as well as hear about myths and legends embodied in the art. Your guide will also tell you why Venus de Milo doesn't have arms in the sculpture.
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Egyptian Antiquities Gallery
The Egyptian Antiquities Gallery at the Louvre is home to some of the most iconic and well-preserved ancient Egyptian artifacts in the world. The collection includes monumental sculptures, reliefs, and paintings from the Old Kingdom through the Roman period. Highlights include the Great Sphinx of Tanis, the Temple of Dendur, and the Tomb of Ramses III. Visitors can learn about the history and culture of ancient Egypt through the Louvre's extensive collection of art and artifacts.
French Pantings Gallery
Located in the Richelieu wing of the Louvre, the French Paintings Gallery (Salle des États) is one of the largest and most important painting galleries in the world. It houses an extensive collection of French paintings from the 12th century to 1848, including works by some of the most renowned painters of all time such as Nicolas Poussin, Jacques-Louis David, and Eugène Delacroix.
Apollo Gallery
The Apollo Gallery is one of the most popular attractions at the Louvre. Located on the first floor of the museum, this gallery is home to some of the most famous paintings in the world. Artemisia Gentileschi's Judith Slaying Holofernes, for example, is a work that never fails to impress. The notable paintings in the Apollo Gallery include Nicolas Poussin's The Rape of the Sabine Women and Raphael's Portrait of Pope Julius II. With so many masterpieces on display, it is no wonder that the Apollo Gallery is one of the most popular attractions at the Louvre.
