Exploring the world-renowned Louvre Museum is a must for any visit to Paris. With a timed-entry ticket, visitors can enjoy the museum’s unparalleled art collections, from the captivating Mona Lisa to an array of diverse treasures. An optional audio guide provides deeper insights, enhancing the experience. After the museum tour, a serene Seine River cruise awaits, offering panoramic views of the city’s iconic landmarks. This package caters to wheelchair users, with pre-booking required during the Olympic & Paralympic Games due to traffic restrictions around the Louvre. The stage is set for an unforgettable journey through art and the enchanting waterways of Paris.
Key Points
• Obtain a timed-entry ticket to access the Louvre Museum’s iconic art collections, including the renowned Mona Lisa painting.
• Enhance the Louvre experience with an optional audio guide that provides in-depth insights into the museum’s priceless treasures.
• Set out on a 1-hour sightseeing cruise along the Seine River, offering panoramic views of Paris’ renowned landmarks.
• The Louvre Museum and Seine River cruise departure point are located in different areas, requiring transportation between the two.
• Pre-booking tickets is mandatory during the Olympic & Paralympic Games, and the package is wheelchair accessible.
Louvre Museum Experience
Upon arriving at the world-renowned Louvre Museum, visitors can marvel at the vast art collections housed within its iconic walls.
The museum’s timed-entry tickets grant access to three distinct wings, where they can behold priceless treasures like the Mona Lisa and countless other masterpieces. An optional audio guide enhances the experience, allowing guests to delve deeper into the stories behind these captivating works.
The Louvre’s opening hours are conveniently scheduled, with entry available from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM on most days, and until 8:00 PM on Fridays. Closed on Tuesdays, visitors must plan their visit accordingly to make the most of this unparalleled cultural experience.
Mona Lisa and Treasures
At the heart of the Louvre’s priceless art collection, visitors are captivated by the enigmatic gaze of Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, one of the most famous paintings in the world. This small, yet intensely lifelike portrait enchants onlookers with its mysterious half-smile, drawing them into the work’s timeless allure.
Beyond this iconic masterpiece, the museum’s vast halls house an astonishing array of treasures, from ancient Greek and Roman sculptures to the lavish interiors of French royal palaces.
Highlights include:
- The exquisite Venus de Milo, a masterpiece of ancient Greek art
- The towering winged victory of Samothrace, a stunning marble sculpture
- The palatial grandeur of the Apollo Gallery, with its gilded opulence
- The serene beauty of the Winged Victory of Calais, a marble figurehead
- The ornate Crownlike Tiara of the King of Siam, a stunning ceremonial headdress
Three Diverse Art Collections
The Louvre Museum houses three distinct art collections that captivate visitors with their breadth and depth, spanning ancient civilizations, medieval Europe, and the French royal past. Visitors can explore the museum’s world-famous ancient Greek, Roman, and Egyptian galleries, admiring iconic masterpieces like the Venus de Milo and the Winged Victory of Samothrace. The medieval and Renaissance galleries showcase the artistic triumphs of Europe, from illuminated manuscripts to religious altarpieces. The Louvre’s French collection is equally impressive, boasting lavish royal apartments and stunning Napoleonic coronation paintings. Traversing these three diverse wings, visitors are left in awe of the Louvre’s unparalleled cultural treasures.
| Collection | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Ancient | Venus de Milo, Winged Victory of Samothrace |
| Medieval & Renaissance | Illuminated manuscripts, religious altarpieces |
| French | Royal apartments, Napoleonic coronation paintings |
Optional Audio Guide
Enhancing one’s Louvre Museum experience, the optional audio guide provides deeper insights into the museum’s prized artworks and artifacts, allowing visitors to explore the compelling stories behind each masterpiece at their own pace.
With the guide’s expert narration, guests can uncover hidden meanings, historical contexts, and fascinating anecdotes that bring the Louvre’s vast collection to life.
The audio commentary covers:
- The enigmatic smile of the Mona Lisa
- The mythological symbolism of the Winged Victory of Samothrace
- The architectural grandeur of the Louvre’s ornate halls
- Insider tales of the museum’s famous former residents
- Revealing insights into the creative visions of iconic artists
This immersive audio experience elevates the Louvre visit, transforming it into a truly captivating journey through the annals of art history.
Museum Opening Hours
On Mondays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, the Louvre Museum opens its doors to visitors at 9:00 AM, with the last entry accepted at 4:00 PM.
On Fridays, the museum extends its hours, remaining open until 8:00 PM for those seeking a later visit.
The museum is closed on Tuesdays, as well as on January 1, May 1, and December 25.
This schedule allows art enthusiasts ample time to explore the museum’s vast collections, including the iconic Mona Lisa and other priceless treasures.
Whether visiting early or late, visitors can enjoy the Louvre’s renowned galleries and uncover its wealth of cultural and historical wonders.
Seine River Cruise
Complementing the Louvre Museum experience, visitors can opt for a captivating 1-hour sightseeing cruise along the iconic River Seine.
As they glide past the city’s renowned landmarks, including the majestic Eiffel Tower, the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral, and other historic sites, an informative audio guide provides insightful commentary to enrich the experience.
The cruise departs from the Bateaux Parisiens pier at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, allowing for easy access.
Passengers can marvel at:
- The sweeping panoramic views of Paris’ skyline
- The stunning architecture lining the river banks
- The charming bridges that connect the Left and Right Banks
- The tranquil flow of the Seine as it winds through the heart of the city
- The iconic monuments that have captivated visitors for centuries
Cruise Departure Point
The Seine River cruise departs from the Bateaux Parisiens pier at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, providing visitors with easy access to embark on their sightseeing journey.
Located at Port de la Bourdonnais, the departure point is conveniently situated along the riverbanks, allowing cruisers to admire the iconic landmark as they board.
The cruise’s central location makes it simple to reach, whether you’re coming from the nearby Louvre Museum or exploring other parts of the city.
With an audio guide available to enhance the experience, travelers can sit back, relax, and take in the stunning views of Paris’s renowned monuments as they float along the serene Seine River.
Logistics and Accessibility
Visitors should keep in mind that the Louvre Museum and the Seine River cruise departure point are situated in different areas, necessitating transportation between the two locations. Exploring both attractions in a single day requires planning to ensure a seamless and efficient experience.
Visitors may encounter traffic restrictions around the Louvre Museum and the Tuileries Garden, so factoring in extra time is advised.
During the Olympic & Paralympic Games from July 1 to September 8, pre-booking tickets is mandatory.
The package is wheelchair accessible, catering to visitors with mobility needs.
Recap
Enjoy the Louvre’s artistic marvels, from the enigmatic Mona Lisa to the museum’s diverse collections.
Complement this enriching experience with a serene Seine River cruise, offering captivating views of Paris’ iconic landmarks.
This package caters to all, with wheelchair accessibility and timed-entry tickets ensuring a seamless experience during peak visitation periods.
