Museums & galleries
Louvre Museum
Louvre Museum
The Louvre is France's national art museum, set inside a former royal palace on the right bank of the Seine. Its collection spans ancient civilizations through 19th-century European painting and sculpture, and the scale of the building itself, along with the glass pyramid at its entrance, is part of the experience.
Getting there
From central Paris, the museum is easily reached by metro (Palais-Royal–Musée du Louvre station sits right at the entrance) or on foot from most points along the Seine. Coming from Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), plan for around 45–60 minutes by RER B and metro, or longer by taxi depending on traffic.
How much time to allow
The Louvre is too large to see in full on one visit. A focused visit hitting a few major galleries takes at least 2–3 hours; those wanting a broader look at multiple wings should allow half a day.
When to go
The museum draws large crowds, especially around the most famous works and near the pyramid entrance. Mornings, right when it opens, tend to be calmer than afternoons. Weekends and school holiday periods are busiest.
Nearby
- Palais-Royal (0.3km) – a short walk away, easy to pair before or after.
- Beaux-Arts de Paris (0.5km) – across the river, suited to those interested in art academies and student work.
- Pont Neuf (0.6km) – a pleasant stop for river views on the way to or from the museum.
- Musée d'Orsay (0.7km) – complements the Louvre well for visitors continuing into 19th-century art, though it deserves its own separate visit rather than being rushed on the same day.
Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors
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