Paris- the beautiful city of art, love, and lights! My recent visit to the Louvre Museum was the pinnacle of my French excursion and I’m looking forward to sharing every detail with you as though we were sitting in a comfortable café together, having espressos. Such was my euphoria when I arrived at the Louvre. It is not simply any museum; rather, it is the Louvre Museum in Paris, France, where tremendous fine arts and countless marvelous historical scripts are located. I’ve heard so much about it, yet I cannot even describe the splendor that awaited me at the entrance.
Thus, as I passed through the large glass pyramid entrance, I could feel the anticipation building up in me. And add the fact that there are so many best things to do near Louvre Museum just made it better! Allow me to guide you through this wonderful experience, from the marvelous galleries to the picturesque places surrounding this wonderful structure.
Table of Contents
ToggleFinding the Best Out of the Ordinary
Bizarre Cafes and Interesting Shops
While I was walking around the Louvre Museum, I found a cute little place that goes by the name Café Marly. With its terrace having a view of the Louvre’s front side, I had to stop here for a bite. The chef Croissant did not sound bad to me, I got an almond Croissant and a cup of coffee. Wow, what a treat!
With my new energy, I walked into the narrow dense streets close to the Louvre, where I found many small shops that sold interesting keychains and handmade items. I was even forced to interact with the owners of the shop about their story because each store had a unique story behind it.
The Louvre’s Artifacts
Masterpieces from Around the World
Now come, let us discuss the real highlight of this article – the actual internals of the Louvre Museum. I made the mistake of not having done enough research on the exhibits in the museum and thus when I went to see the Louvre for the first time I felt incredibly lost. I felt quite dumb, considering how many times I’d read about global events, such as the unveiling of the Mona Lisa which has always appeared to be far off. Yet again, staring at it makes me fascinated considering how old it is and the things it must’ve witnessed in its lifetime.
The attention to detail on the different faces of the Mona Lisa piqued my interests in what other paintings lay around it that had just as much, if not more detail. Other than the mona Lisa, I grew fond of other works possessed by the museum, such as Mother with her Child or the impressive Napoleon at his examination which showed me the love and frenzy the artist had for his work. I also recommend booking a guided tour of the Louvre Museum to enjoy all the artistic pieces in their intimacy as many details, which would otherwise go underappreciated.
Exploring All the Senses
The buzz of the crowd was palpable, the faint sounds of excitement and the soft thumping of footfalls against the marbled floor resonated around me. The beams of a sun filtering in through glass of the apex of the building brought a sense of radiance through the space and displayed the artwork in a beautiful light. I often took a moment or two to observe the beauty surrounding me, but this time it was different as I was able to feel the weight of history inside the museum.
Tips to Have a Wonderful Experience
How to Go to the Louvre Museum
If you are planning on visiting the Louvre Museum then do read on, as this guide covers crucial points.
- Show your Ticket: I get it if you’re on the fence and wondering whether to purchase online tickets for the Louvre museum, however I would advise you to book them as it saves time. The museum ticket online is approx 17 lavish euros and I promise each and every dime worth it!
- Transportation: Yes indeed it is pretty much close to every famous tourist spot in Paris, and indeed it wasn’t an issue for me as I took the Metro to Palais Royal which was fluent. And if you’re up to some walking, the area in between ‘The Eiffel Tower and Louvre Museum‘ is stunning as it takes you through green Tuileries Garden.
- Best Time to Visit: I noticed that if I come early in the morning or later in the evening (the Louvre Museum at night is something else!!) I would skip the lines. If possible, go on weekdays for less hassle.
Budget-Friendly Tips
There are ways to explore the Louvre without hurting your pocket! Apart from the free first Sunday of every month, there are a number of affordable activities located a stone’s throw away from the Louvre. After visiting the museum, I took a nice stroll by the Seine River, where I met gamesters and painters, which was so much fun as it was free.
Looking Back at My Adventure
The Louvre Museum was an epic experience for me as it is not only filled with art but so much history and culture that one can only imagine. When I exited the museum, I walked out a different person as I had a lot more respect for the amount of creativity put into this world.
If you are gearing up for your own adventure make sure to look through planning out the best things to do near the Louvre Museum for yourself. Apart from the museums, you will find beautiful restaurants and even secret gardens to enjoy. And if you’re looking for a perfect place to stay, great lodging accommodations such as hotels in Paris near the Louvre Museum are quick and easy to find which will be ideal after an action packed day of traveling around.
My Best Chosen Hotels And Restaurants
Recommended Hotels
Hotel Name | Type | Price Range | Standout Features |
Hôtel Regina Louvre | Luxury | €250 – €500 per night | Stunning views of the Louvre, elegant decor |
Hotel du Louvre | Mid-range | €200 – €350 per night | Historic charm, located right next to the museum |
Le Relais du Louvre | Budget-friendly | €100 – €200 per night | Cozy atmosphere, close to attractions |
Hotel La Tamise | Boutique | €150 – €300 per night | Stylish rooms, great location near Tuileries Garden |
Recommended Restaurants
Restaurant Name | Cuisine | Price Range | Standout Features |
Café Marly | French Café | €15 – €40 per meal | Beautiful terrace overlooking the Louvre |
Le Fumoir | French Bistro | €25 – €60 per meal | Elegant ambiance, perfect for dinner |
La Palette | Traditional French | €10 – €30 per meal | Charming local spot with a great atmosphere |
Le Grand Véfour | Fine Dining | €50 – €150 per meal | Michelin-starred restaurant with historic significance |
Why is Louvre Museum Worth Visiting?
To begin with, I shall say that my visit to the Louvre Museum was nothing short of being a fairytale. The culture, the history, the sheer magnitude of art was just mind-blowing, and I can only encourage all those who would like to go to Paris to make it a point to visit the Louvre. This is because whether you are an art lover or just want to appreciate western civilization, the art galleries provide a lot to the audience.
To the tourists about to make their visit –plan well, do not forget to have the look outside, and be patient inside the museum. Every single wall has a tale to tell. My journey at a particular event at a particular time in a specific location has a lot to motivate anyone who wishes to be a part of the crowds at this historical gem and probably even find a few crowds of their own!
FAQs
1. What are some of the great activities that one can do in close proximity to the Louvre Museum?
Amongst the better activities one can always do so include Tuileries Garden, hit the close by boutiques and cafes, and a stroll along the Seine river.
2. Where and how can I purchase tickets for the Louvre Museum?
Buy tickets on their official website. I find it easy as Louvre Museum online tickets and make my waiting hours shorter.
3. Can you tell me the entrance fee I should expect while visiting the Louvre museum?
The first Sunday of every month is designated as ‘Free Entry Day’ and in other cases fees may range around €17 especially when acquired online.
4. Tell me more about the Louvre Museum. What are some cool things I should know?
The largest Art Galleries that is also located in Paris is none other than the Louvre which was built in the late 12th century. The art museum is also referred to as a historic building and it served as a stronghold.
5. If I’m lost while walking around the museum would it be difficult to come back to the original starting point?
Navigating inside the museum should not be an issue, as a result of the visible signs throughout the center, and there is also a Louvre Museum map provided as soon as you walk into the building.