Musee du Louvre (Louvre Museum), Paris (must see)
The Louvre Museum, or simply the Louvre, is perhaps the most famous art museum in the world. Originally built as a fortress in the late 12th century, under King Philip II, it later transitioned into a royal residence under King Francis I, in 1546. The Louvre’s current palace structure developed through multiple expansions, although it ceased being a royal residence in 1682 when Louis XIV moved his household to Versailles.
In 1692, the Louvre became home to the Academy of Inscriptions and Fine Writing and the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture, which held public exhibitions, or “salons,” marking its early transformation into a public cultural space. During the French Revolution, it was formally established as a museum by the National Assembly, with an initial exhibition of 537 works, mostly from royal and church collections. Following its brief closure due to structural concerns, the Louvre reopened and rapidly expanded its collection under Napoleon Bonaparte, who renamed it Napoleon Museum. Though many seized artworks had to be returned after Napoleon's fall, subsequent monarchs continued to add to the collection, and acquisitions continued through donations and bequests during the Third Republic (between 1870 and 1940).
Today, the Louvre’s collection comprises approximately 500,000 objects housed in over 72,000 square meters of space, with 35,000 pieces displayed at any given time. Divided into eight departments—ranging from Egyptian and Near Eastern Antiquities to Paintings and Islamic Art—the museum showcases everything from sculptures and ornamental works of art to paintings and archaeological artifacts from around the globe. Key masterpieces here include the "Venus de Milo," the "Winged Victory of Samothrace," "The Raft of the Medusa," and, famously, Leonardo da Vinci's "Mona Lisa." For many, the chance to see the Mona Lisa is the main reason for visiting.
Beyond the high-profile pieces, the Louvre's lesser-visited Sully and Richelieu wings reveal the full extent of its treasures. The Richelieu wing is particularly celebrated for its elegant design, glass-covered courtyards, and grand architecture. Its centerpiece is the Napoleon III apartments, adorned with immense chandeliers, red velvet, intricate moldings, and lavish gilded decor—a testament to the opulence that impresses all who enter.
With almost 9 million visitors in 2023, the Louvre remains the most-visited museum globally, surpassing even the Vatican Museums. For those planning to visit, advance ticket purchases are essential, and using the quieter Lions Gate helps ease entry. For a more serene experience, Friday afternoons, when the museum stays open late, are ideal. Once inside, a map is crucial for navigating the expansive galleries, allowing visitors to prioritize the exhibits that resonate most.
In 1692, the Louvre became home to the Academy of Inscriptions and Fine Writing and the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture, which held public exhibitions, or “salons,” marking its early transformation into a public cultural space. During the French Revolution, it was formally established as a museum by the National Assembly, with an initial exhibition of 537 works, mostly from royal and church collections. Following its brief closure due to structural concerns, the Louvre reopened and rapidly expanded its collection under Napoleon Bonaparte, who renamed it Napoleon Museum. Though many seized artworks had to be returned after Napoleon's fall, subsequent monarchs continued to add to the collection, and acquisitions continued through donations and bequests during the Third Republic (between 1870 and 1940).
Today, the Louvre’s collection comprises approximately 500,000 objects housed in over 72,000 square meters of space, with 35,000 pieces displayed at any given time. Divided into eight departments—ranging from Egyptian and Near Eastern Antiquities to Paintings and Islamic Art—the museum showcases everything from sculptures and ornamental works of art to paintings and archaeological artifacts from around the globe. Key masterpieces here include the "Venus de Milo," the "Winged Victory of Samothrace," "The Raft of the Medusa," and, famously, Leonardo da Vinci's "Mona Lisa." For many, the chance to see the Mona Lisa is the main reason for visiting.
Beyond the high-profile pieces, the Louvre's lesser-visited Sully and Richelieu wings reveal the full extent of its treasures. The Richelieu wing is particularly celebrated for its elegant design, glass-covered courtyards, and grand architecture. Its centerpiece is the Napoleon III apartments, adorned with immense chandeliers, red velvet, intricate moldings, and lavish gilded decor—a testament to the opulence that impresses all who enter.
With almost 9 million visitors in 2023, the Louvre remains the most-visited museum globally, surpassing even the Vatican Museums. For those planning to visit, advance ticket purchases are essential, and using the quieter Lions Gate helps ease entry. For a more serene experience, Friday afternoons, when the museum stays open late, are ideal. Once inside, a map is crucial for navigating the expansive galleries, allowing visitors to prioritize the exhibits that resonate most.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Paris. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Musee du Louvre (Louvre Museum) on Map
Sight Name: Musee du Louvre (Louvre Museum)
Sight Location: Paris, France (See walking tours in Paris)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Paris, France (See walking tours in Paris)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Paris, France
Create Your Own Walk in Paris
Creating your own self-guided walk in Paris is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Eiffel Tower Walking Tour
The 7th administrative district of Paris, a beacon of affluence and prestige, hosts an elite residential community and numerous national institutions of France, government offices, and diplomatic missions. This historical neighborhood is famed for its quintessentially Parisian architecture, vibrant cafés, restaurants, and gourmet shops that attract food enthusiasts from around the world.
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.6 Km or 2.9 Miles
... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.6 Km or 2.9 Miles
Paris Introduction Walking Tour I
Paris, the capital of France, has a history spanning over 2,000 years back to the Iron Age. The name “Paris” comes from the Parisii, a Gallic tribe that settled on the bank of the river Seine around the 3rd century BC. Having conquered the Galls, the Romans established on their land a garrison town known as Lutetia. By the end of the 5th century AD, it fell to the Franks and flourished under... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.1 Km or 3.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.1 Km or 3.2 Miles
St-Germain-des-Pres Walking Tour
This self-guided walk takes you to explore the 6th arrondissement, covering the quarter of St-Germain-des-Prés, the riverside districts and the areas nearby the Luxembourg Garden. It is one of the most expensive districts of Paris, home to posh boutiques, eateries and iconic cafes once favored by philosophers and legendary writers, the likes of Hemingway and Camus. The area is likewise renowned... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
The French Revolution Landmarks Walking Tour
The French Revolution had a huge impact on France's history as it gave rise to a radical democratic republic and resulted in quite a bit of violence during the infamous "Reign of Terror". Even though many of Paris’ buildings were damaged in the course of the bloody conflicts, the sites they occupied – which you can find on this self-guided tour – are of a great historical... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 7.3 Km or 4.5 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 7.3 Km or 4.5 Miles
Montmartre Walking Tour
Originally known as "Mons Martis" or the "Mount of Mars," Montmartre is a renowned Parisian neighborhood, celebrated for its historical and cultural significance. This picturesque district is a canvas of landmarks, each narrating a unique story.
Apart from its iconic sites, the area's charm lies in the atmosphere that embodies the Parisian spirit. Historically,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Apart from its iconic sites, the area's charm lies in the atmosphere that embodies the Parisian spirit. Historically,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Champs-Elysees Walking Tour
On this self-guided walk you will witness the grandeur of the 8th arrondissement of the French capital – one of its busiest and chic neighborhoods, thanks to the presence of Avenue des Champs-Elysées, Arc de Triomphe, and Place de la Concorde.
Your best plan would be to start with the Triumphal Arch and walk up to its viewing area for great sights down the Champs-Élysées – a lovely... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.7 Km or 2.9 Miles
Your best plan would be to start with the Triumphal Arch and walk up to its viewing area for great sights down the Champs-Élysées – a lovely... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.7 Km or 2.9 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Top 16 Vegetarian Restaurants in Paris
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10 Unusual Things to Do in Paris, France
If you've visited Paris, you've probably seen the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and Versailles. You probably whizzed through some world-class art, ate delicious food in restaurants with English menus, and bought crepes from a street cart. However, Paris has a lot of things to do that...
8 Best Food Markets in Paris for Authentic French Produce
The image of Parisians that you may have in your head as strolling through a colourful market with a basket on their arm, chatting to vendors and picking up fresh produce, is quite accurate. Most Parisians do visit local markets at least once a week to stock up on the freshest fruit, vegetables,...
15 Places for Tasting Best French Desserts in Paris
If you have a sweet tooth and it wishes to "eat your way" through Paris, this guide will show you how! Featured here are some of the most famous and prominent dessert spots in the French capital, where you can grab something sweet to enjoy. With 20 listed recommendations, you should be...
Paris Souvenirs: 19 Distinctively French Products to Bring Home from Paris
You can hardly have enough money and luggage space to get all the takes your fancy in Paris. Luckily, with a little bit of tasteful advice and experience, you can save yourself some time and effort and pick up just about the right amount of things worth taking home. Listed here are some of the hints...