International Travel — Europe
Paris, France
Paris Attractions
The Louvre
— Mona Lisa
— Venus de Milo

The Louvre
The legendary Louvre houses some of the world's greatest art and sculpture, including the two most popular attractions — Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo.

Since the release of the movie "The Da Vinci Code" in 2006, people have flocked to the museum in droves, specifically to see the Mona Lisa which was featured prominently in the movie.

Mona Lisa
Wait until you see the crowds in front of the Mona Lisa (pictured top right) — it's a show in itself! The famed painting now sits behind a piece of bulletproof glass. The painting is a lot smaller than we envisioned it to be.

Even though no flashbulbs are allowed in the room that houses the Mona Lisa, they go off anyway. Expect this room to be very crowded, especially during peak tourist season. Nonetheless, it's worth all the pushing and shoving to see the Mona Lisa. As you look at her face, keep your eyes on the eyes in the painting — as you move, the eyes magically seem to move with you — her gaze is fixed on those observing her.

Venus de Milo
Visitors can get up close to admire the spectacular Venus de Milo. It draws crowds too, but not on the scale of the Mona Lisa.

Bypass Long Lines to Louvre
The large glass pyramid in the Louvre's courtyard is the "official" entrance to the museum. However, if you want to bypass the long lines, there is another entrance through the underground shopping center.

Look for the two stairwells leading down to the Carrousel du Louvre shopping complex. They are located on each side of the large arch, before the main entrance in front of the glass pyramid. Once inside, there are other lines, but these move fairly quickly.

Hours
Open Mon-Wed 9am-9:45pm
and Thurs-Sun 9am-6pm

Free Admission —
1st Sunday of each month
and on July 14th
Admission to the museum is FREE to all visitors on the first Sunday of each month and on the 14th of July (Bastille Day), except for the exhibitions at Hall Napoléon.
FREE admission at all times for youths under 18.

Closest Metro
Palais Royal-Musee du Louvre

Advanced Tickets
Advanced Tickets can be
purchased online directly from
the Louvre's web site.

Fun VIP Events @ The Louvre
Arrange for a Private Group Tour or host a VIP Reception at the world-famous Louvre.

More Info
The Louvre

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