Best Time to Visit the Louvre

The Louvre Museum in Paris is one of the most visited museums in the world. It is home to over 35,000 works of art, including the famous Mona Lisa painting.

With so much to see, it can be overwhelming to plan a visit. One important factor to consider when planning a trip to the Louvre is the time of year to visit.

The best time to visit the Louvre Museum is during the off-season, which is typically from November to March. During this time, the crowds are smaller, and visitors can enjoy the art without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

However, it’s important to note that the weather in Paris during these months can be cold and rainy, so visitors should be prepared for inclement weather.

Louvre Museum

If visitors prefer to visit during the high season, which is from April to October, they should plan to arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the crowds. It’s also recommended to purchase tickets in advance to avoid long lines.

The Louvre Museum is open every day except Tuesdays, and visitors should plan to spend at least half a day exploring the museum to fully appreciate its vast collection of art.

Best Time to Visit

In general, the months of November through March are the least crowded at the Louvre Museum. At this time, there are fewer people in attendance, so museum goers may take their time and really take in the exhibits without feeling rushed.

When planning a visit to the Louvre, it is important to consider the best time to go to avoid crowds and long lines. Here are some things to keep in mind when deciding when to visit.

High Season vs. Low Season

The Louvre is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, so it can get very crowded, especially during the high season. The high season runs from April to September, with July and August being the busiest months.

If you want to avoid the crowds, it is best to visit during the low season, which runs from October to March. However, keep in mind that some exhibits may be closed during this time.

Visitors at the Louvre Museum

Best Days and Times to Visit

The Louvre is open every day except Tuesdays, and it is busiest on weekends. If possible, it is best to visit on a weekday. The museum is open late on Wednesdays and Fridays, so these can be good days to visit if you want to avoid the crowds.

The Louvre is also less crowded in the morning and late in the afternoon, so consider visiting during these times.

Time Slots and Evening Hours

The Louvre offers timed tickets that allow visitors to skip the line and enter the museum at a specific time. This can be a great option during the high season when lines can be very long.

Additionally, the museum is open late on Wednesdays and Fridays, with evening hours until 9:45 pm. This can be a great time to visit if you want to avoid the crowds and see the museum in a different light.

Crowds in front of Leonardo DaVincis Mona Lisa at the Louvre Museum

In summary, the best time to visit the Louvre is during the low season and on a weekday. Consider purchasing timed tickets or visiting during evening hours to avoid the crowds. Keep in mind that the Louvre is closed on Tuesdays and some exhibits may be closed during the low season.

Planning Your Visit

When planning a visit to the Louvre, it is important to consider several factors to make the most out of your experience. This section will cover the different aspects of planning a visit to the Louvre, including tickets and entrance, guided tours and audio guides, and the museum layout.

Tickets and Entrance

To enter the Louvre, visitors must have a valid ticket. Tickets can be purchased online, at the museum’s ticket counters, or from authorized resellers.

It is recommended to buy tickets in advance to avoid long lines at the ticket counters. Visitors can also purchase tickets that include access to temporary exhibitions.

Inverted pyramid in the shopping mall Carrousel du Louvre

The Louvre has three entrances:

  • The Pyramid entrance
  • The Carrousel du Louvre entrance
  • The Porte des Lions entrance

The Pyramid entrance is the most popular and is located in the main courtyard.

The Carrousel du Louvre entrance is located in the underground shopping center of the same name and is a good option for visitors who want to avoid crowds. The Porte des Lions entrance is located on the south side of the museum and is mainly used by groups and visitors with special needs.

Guided Tours and Audio Guides

The Louvre offers several guided tours and audio guides in different languages. Guided tours are led by expert guides who provide in-depth information about the museum’s curatorial departments and works of art.

Audio guides are available in several languages and offer a self-paced tour of the museum’s highlights. Visitors can also download the Louvre’s official app, which includes a map and information about the museum’s collections.

Map and Museum Layout

The Louvre is a massive museum with over 380,000 objects on display. To make the most out of your visit, it is recommended to plan your route ahead of time. The Louvre’s official website offers a museum map and information about the museum’s layout.

The museum is divided into three wings:

  • The Richelieu Wing
  • The Sully Wing
  • The Denon Wing

Each wing is further divided into different curatorial departments, such as Egyptian Antiquities, Greek, Etruscan, and Roman Antiquities, and Paintings.

Visitors should plan their visit to the Louvre in advance to make the most out of their experience. They should consider buying tickets in advance, choosing the right entrance, taking advantage of guided tours and audio guides, and planning their route using the museum map and layout.

Art Collections and Masterpieces

Paintings and Galleries

The Louvre is home to an impressive collection of paintings, including masterpieces by some of the world’s most renowned artists. Visitors can view works by Leonardo da Vinci, such as his famous Mona Lisa, as well as paintings by Vermeer, Rubens, and Rembrandt.

The museum’s galleries are organized by period and style, allowing visitors to easily navigate and appreciate the art. The Apollo Gallery, for example, is a stunning display of French Baroque art, featuring works by artists such as Charles Le Brun and Antoine Coysevox.

Sculptures and Artworks

The Louvre is also known for its impressive collection of sculptures and artworks. The Winged Victory of Samothrace, a Hellenistic sculpture depicting Nike, the Greek goddess of victory, is a must-see for visitors. The sculpture is displayed in the Daru staircase, which was designed specifically to showcase the masterpiece.

Venus de Milo

Another highlight of the Louvre’s collection is the Venus de Milo, a marble statue of the goddess Aphrodite that dates back to the 2nd century BC. The statue is located in the Sully Wing, where visitors can also view other ancient Greek and Roman sculptures.

Other notable artworks in the Louvre’s collection include the Raft of the Medusa, a dramatic painting by ThĂ©odore GĂ©ricault that depicts the aftermath of a shipwreck, and the museum’s extensive collection of Egyptian antiquities, including the Sphinx of Tanis.

Overall, the Louvre’s collection of art and artifacts is truly impressive, and visitors can easily spend hours exploring the various galleries and exhibits.

Avoiding Crowds

When planning a visit to the Louvre, it’s important to consider the best time to go to avoid the crowds. With over 10 million visitors per year, the Louvre can become quite crowded, especially during peak tourist season. Here are some tips to help you avoid the crowds and make the most of your visit.

Rush Hours and Peak Times

The Louvre is open every day except Tuesdays, and it’s busiest during the summer months and on weekends.

Rush hour typically falls between 9:30am and 11:30am, and peak times are between 1:30pm and 4:30pm. If you want to avoid the crowds, try to visit during off-peak hours, such as early in the morning or in the evening.

Alternative Entrances

The main entrance to the Louvre is through the Pyramid, which can become quite crowded during peak hours. However, there are two other entrances that are less crowded: the Porte des Lions entrance and the Richelieu entrance.

The Porte des Lions entrance is located on the western side of the museum and is accessible via the Rue de Rivoli. The Richelieu entrance is located on the northern side of the museum and is accessible via the Rue de Richelieu.

Another option is to enter through the Carrousel du Louvre, an underground shopping mall that provides direct access to the Louvre. This entrance is located on the Rue de Rivoli and is open every day from 9am to 10pm.

Conclusion

By following these tips, you can avoid the crowds and make the most of your visit to the Louvre. Whether you choose to visit during off-peak hours or use an alternative entrance, you’ll be able to explore the museum’s vast collection without feeling overwhelmed by the crowds.

Accessibility and Mobility

Visiting the Louvre can be a daunting task for people with mobility issues. However, the museum has made significant efforts to ensure that everyone can enjoy its collections. This section will cover the accessibility and mobility options available at the Louvre, including wheelchair accessible entrances, restrooms, and amenities.

Mobility Issues

The Louvre is a vast museum, and visitors should expect to walk a lot. The museum has several elevators and escalators to help visitors move around the different sections. However, some areas of the museum may not be accessible to people with mobility issues due to stairs or narrow passages. Visitors with mobility issues are advised to plan their visit and check the museum’s website for information on accessibility.

Wheelchair Accessible Entrances

The Louvre has several wheelchair accessible entrances. Visitors with mobility issues can use the entrance at the Pyramid, the entrance at the Passage Richelieu, or the entrance at the Carrousel du Louvre. All these entrances have ramps and elevators to ensure that visitors can move around the museum without any issues.

Restrooms and Amenities

The Louvre has several restrooms that are accessible to visitors with mobility issues. These restrooms are located throughout the museum, and visitors can ask for directions at the information desk. The museum also has several cafes and restaurants where visitors can rest and enjoy a meal. Visitors can also indulge in some hot chocolate at the museum’s cafes.

In conclusion, the Louvre has made significant efforts to ensure that visitors with mobility issues can enjoy its collections. The museum has wheelchair accessible entrances, restrooms, and amenities to make the visit as comfortable as possible. Visitors with mobility issues are advised to plan their visit in advance and check the museum’s website for information on accessibility.

Tips and FAQs

Skip the Line and Free Entry

Visitors can avoid long lines at the Louvre by purchasing tickets online in advance. The museum offers several options for purchasing tickets, including skip-the-line tickets that allow visitors to bypass the ticket queues. It is recommended to purchase tickets online as early as possible to avoid missing out on preferred dates and times.

Additionally, visitors can enter the Louvre for free on the first Saturday of every month, as well as on Bastille Day (July 14). Visitors under the age of 18 and EU citizens under the age of 26 can also enter for free.

Louvre Guidebooks and Apps

The Louvre offers guidebooks in several languages that provide information on the museum’s collections and highlights. Visitors can purchase guidebooks at the museum’s bookshop or download the official Louvre app, which offers interactive maps, audio guides, and other useful information.

Pandemic Guidelines

The Louvre has implemented several measures to ensure the safety of visitors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Visitors are required to wear masks, maintain social distancing, and follow designated routes through the museum.

The museum has also reduced capacity and implemented enhanced cleaning procedures. Visitors are encouraged to check the museum’s website for the latest information on pandemic guidelines and restrictions.

FAQ

Q: Can I bring a backpack into the Louvre?

Yes, visitors are allowed to bring backpacks into the museum as long as they are no larger than 55cm x 35cm x 20cm.

Q: Are there lockers available at the Louvre?

Yes, the museum offers lockers for visitors to store their belongings.

Q: Can I take photos inside the Louvre?

Yes, visitors are allowed to take photos inside the Louvre for personal use. Flash photography and tripods are not allowed.

Q: Is there a dress code for visiting the Louvre?

There is no formal dress code, but visitors are encouraged to dress appropriately for a cultural institution. Revealing clothing and hats are not allowed.