Paris Louvre: Guided Tour of Must-See Artworks & Fast Entry

Summary

See Paris art legends up close with stories that stay with you

You’ll walk palace corridors where royalty once strolled, stand face-to-face with icons like Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo, and catch those quiet moments when sunlight hits ancient marble just right. With your entrance ticket and local guide included, expect stories that stick long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

I thought I knew what to expect at the Louvre, but honestly, nothing really prepares you for that first step inside. The place is huge—like, I got lost just looking up at the ceilings. Our guide, Camille, waved us over and handed out little headsets (which I never realized would be so helpful until I heard how echoey it gets). She started with a story about how the museum was once a royal palace. I kept picturing kings walking these same marble floors—kind of wild when you think about it.

The Mona Lisa was smaller than I’d imagined. There’s this soft hum from the crowd, everyone craning their necks or holding up phones. Camille managed to get us close enough that I could see the cracks in the paint—she called it “craquelure,” which sounds fancier than it looks. Someone asked if da Vinci ever meant her to smile like that. Camille just grinned and said, “That’s Paris for you—always a mystery.”

We drifted through rooms filled with ancient Greek statues and Egyptian relics (the smell is sort of old paper mixed with polished stone—hard to describe). The Venus de Milo stands there all serene and armless; I tried to mimic her pose but nearly dropped my headset. Camille laughed and told us about how she was found buried on an island, which made me wonder what else is hiding under all these floors. By the time we reached Winged Victory, sunlight was slanting through a high window and everything felt kind of golden for a second. It’s funny—I still think about that light.

If you’re thinking about a day trip to the Louvre from central Paris, this tour covers so much without feeling rushed. Includes your entrance ticket and all those little details you’d miss wandering alone (plus you don’t have to worry about getting lost in those endless halls). My feet were tired by the end but my head was buzzing—so yeah, worth it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Guided tour of Louvre masterpieces

• Visit Mona Lisa and learn secrets
• See Venus de Milo and Winged Victory
• Explore Italian Renaissance artworks
• Discover ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome
• View great 19th-century French paintings
• Walk through former royal palace corridors
• Listen to expert guide stories
• Explore other fascinating artworks

Top questions

How long does the Louvre guided tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours.

Is entry to the Louvre Museum included in this tour?

Yes, your €22 entrance ticket is included for adults.

Are children free on this Louvre tour?

Infants aged 0-3 are free; visitors under 18 enter free but need valid ID.

Will we see the Mona Lisa on this guided tour?

Yes, seeing the Mona Lisa is part of this guided tour itinerary.

Is there a lot of walking involved during this tour?

The tour involves a reasonable amount of walking; comfortable shoes are recommended.

Are headsets provided during the guided tour?

Yes, headsets are provided so you can always hear your guide clearly.

Can I cancel my booking if my plans change?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund; missed tours aren’t refundable.

Does this tour include stories about lesser-known artworks too?

Yes, your guide will share stories behind both famous and lesser-known treasures in the Louvre.

What’s included

Your day includes fast-track entrance tickets to the Louvre Museum (with free admission for kids under 18), use of personal headsets so you catch every story from your guide as you wander through world-famous galleries together—and plenty of time spent face-to-face with masterpieces like Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo before heading back out into Paris again.