Touching Art: Exploring the Louvre in Paris

Лувр – дворец королей французских
И попасть в него – высшая честь!
Он сверкает звездою искусства
И творений, шедевров не счесть.

The Louvre in Paris is a gigantic museum in the heart of the city. It’s so enormous that it’s hard to even imagine its size. Even if you jog through it, it’s impossible to cover all the exhibition halls in a day, as each one is packed with artworks.

And then there’s the Mona Lisa – you can’t miss her. The Mona Lisa is the main attraction for all travelers – she’s like the magnet and the core of the entire Louvre. Acid has been thrown on her, stones hurled, and she has been stolen. Yet, she continues to gaze calmly from the walls of the Louvre, inspiring and captivating viewers.

The Mona Lisa is such a coveted painting for millions of tourists, especially after the release of the film “The Da Vinci Code.” The hall where she is displayed is always crowded, just packed! Camera clicks, selfies, Instagram broadcasts.

The incredible depth of colors, the dimensional background, and the prominently featured Gioconda. No, she is not beautiful, but there is something magical in her face, her gesture, her barely noticeable smile. An incredible femininity and grandeur, calmness and tranquility. She seems to say, “Everything will be alright,” sending you off warmly on your journey called life.

Besides priceless paintings, the museum houses stunning furniture and tapestries, clocks and statues, jewels, and royal rooms, each of which is also a work of art.

The stone corridors of the palace are replaced by incredibly beautiful staircases. The building itself, both inside and out, looks impeccable. Walls, ceilings, stairs, columns – everything is magnificent!

The breathtaking rooms and dining halls, where Napoleon and his entourage once spent their time, seem to have the most luxurious interiors in the world. Venus de Milo or the goddess of love Aphrodite, the Gioconda, Nike, Ramses… the names alone are dizzying. You see all the world’s masterpieces right before your eyes!

The Apollo Gallery is the most stunning room, whose intricately painted ceiling might cause neck strain from staring.

Cameos have always fascinated me, and nowhere else can you find as many old cameos as in the Louvre. They are all unique. You just can’t stop marveling at the beauty that ordinary people can create.

If you were to take all the art out of the Louvre, the ceilings, walls, floors, and windows would become exhibits themselves. Stained glass windows and mosaic walls are enchanting. I am quite far from being an art connoisseur, but even I found these walls interesting, let alone professionals.

By the way, the Louvre Pyramid was inaugurated on March 30, 1989, and it remains the most controversial element. Some say that modern architecture is an insult to the museum. But to me, it fits perfectly into the ensemble, looking quite harmonious, balancing the highly detailed façade of the palace with its minimalism.

If you plan to visit Paris and are looking for new places, check out my posts on planning a trip to Disneyland, visiting the majestic Versailles, and of course, Paris itself, focusing on the most photogenic locations in the French capital.

Must-See Highlights in Louvre.

With over 35,000 works of art, it’s impossible to see everything in one visit. Here are some must-see masterpieces:

Mona Lisa: Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic portrait, located in the Denon Wing, Room 711.

Venus de Milo: The famous ancient Greek statue, found in the Sully Wing, Room 346.

Winged Victory of Samothrace: This Hellenistic sculpture is located at the Daru staircase in the Denon Wing.

Liberty Leading the People: Eugène Delacroix’s masterpiece is in the Denon Wing, Room 700.

The Coronation of Napoleon: Jacques-Louis David’s monumental painting, also in the Denon Wing, Room 702.

Location of the Louvre in Paris. And useful recommendations.

The Louvre Museum is located in the heart of Paris, France. Specifically, it sits on the right bank of the Seine River in the 1st arrondissement, near the Palais Royal and the historic Pont des Arts.

Address: Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France.

Nearest Metro Stations: Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre (Lines 1 and 7). This station is the closest and provides direct access to the museum.

From Charles de Gaulle Airport: RER B Train: Take the RER B train from the airport to Châtelet-Les Halles, then transfer to Metro Line 1 heading towards La Défense and get off at Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre.

I highly recommend traveling by car, as it is the most convenient and direct option. If you don’t have a car, you can rent one at very reasonable prices here. Check Aviasales to find the cheapest flights to Paris if you are traveling from another country.

Best times to visit: To avoid the biggest crowds, plan your visit for weekdays, particularly in the early morning or late afternoon. The Louvre opens at 9 AM, so arriving early can help you get a head start on the crowds. Additionally, the museum stays open until 9:45 PM on Wednesdays and Fridays, offering a less crowded evening experience.

Ticketing and entry: It’s highly recommended to buy tickets in advance online to skip the long queues. The official Louvre website offers e-tickets, which can be displayed on your smartphone.

Louvre membership: For frequent visitors or those planning to spend several days exploring, consider purchasing a membership for unlimited access.

Entrances:

Pyramid entrance: The main and most iconic entrance, but also the busiest. Expect long lines, especially during peak hours.

Carrousel du Louvre Entrance: An underground entrance accessible via the shopping mall; often less crowded.

Porte des Lions Entrance: Near the Seine, this entrance is less known and can be a quicker way in, especially in the mornings.

After exploring the Louvre, consider visiting nearby attractions:

Tuileries Garden: Just outside the museum, perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Musée d’Orsay: Another world-class museum, located just across the Seine.

Place de la Concorde: A historic square a short walk from the Louvre, leading towards the Champs-Élysées.

Best hotels near the Louvre in Paris.

If you’re planning a trip to Paris and want to stay close to this cultural gem, here are some of the best hotels near the Louvre that offer comfort, luxury, and an unforgettable Parisian experience.

Hôtel Regina Louvre: Hôtel Regina Louvre is a historic luxury hotel that boasts a prime location right across from the Louvre Museum and the Tuileries Garden. This elegant hotel, established in 1900, offers a blend of classic Parisian charm and modern amenities. Guests can enjoy beautifully appointed rooms, many with views of the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre. The hotel also features an on-site restaurant, La Terrasse, where you can savor exquisite French cuisine.

Grand Hôtel du Palais Royal: Nestled in a quiet street just steps away from the Louvre, the Grand Hôtel du Palais Royal is a boutique hotel that offers a serene retreat in the heart of Paris. This chic hotel combines contemporary design with classic elegance, providing a luxurious and comfortable stay. Guests can relax in the stylish rooms and suites, enjoy a meal at the hotel’s restaurant, Le Lulli, or unwind at the wellness center, which includes a fitness room and a hammam.

La Clef Louvre Paris: La Clef Louvre Paris is an elegant five-star residence offering a home-away-from-home experience in the heart of Paris. This luxurious property features spacious suites and apartments with fully equipped kitchens, making it an ideal choice for longer stays. The sophisticated décor and high-end amenities ensure a comfortable and memorable stay. La Clef Louvre Paris is conveniently located near the Louvre, the Palais Royal, and other major attractions.

Visiting the Louvre is an unforgettable experience, offering a glimpse into the artistic and cultural heritage of humanity. With a little planning and these tips, you can make the most of your time at this extraordinary museum. Happy exploring!

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