Paris Louvre: Mona Lisa & Highlights Guided Tour Ticket

Summary

See the Mona Lisa up close with a passionate art guide in Paris

You’ll walk straight into the Louvre with your ticket included and meet an expert guide who brings each masterpiece to life — from Venus de Milo to that quiet moment before the Mona Lisa. Expect small group energy, real stories behind famous faces, and time to soak up Paris’ most iconic museum at your own pace.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I didn’t expect to feel nervous just walking into the Louvre. Maybe it was the size — or maybe just knowing that inside, somewhere, was the actual Mona Lisa. Our guide, Camille, met us near that glass pyramid (it’s even bigger than I thought) and immediately started chatting about how Parisians love to debate which entrance is fastest. She had this way of making everything feel less intimidating, like we were just friends out for a stroll — except surrounded by 800 years of art.

The first thing that hit me was the echo of footsteps on marble and this faint smell — old paper? Or maybe it was centuries of varnish and dust. Camille led us right past a crowd (skip-the-line tickets are no joke) and into these endless galleries. She pointed out little details I’d never have noticed, like how Venus de Milo’s missing arms have inspired so many artists to “finish” her in their minds. At one point she asked if anyone else felt lost — I definitely did — but then she laughed and said even locals get turned around here.

Seeing the Mona Lisa wasn’t what I expected. There’s this quiet hush when you finally turn that last corner, almost like everyone forgets to breathe for a second. It’s smaller than you think but somehow more intense — her eyes really do follow you around (I swear). Camille told us stories about thefts and theories, some wild, some sad. Someone’s phone went off and we all jumped; it broke the spell but also made me grin because honestly, it’s still just a painting hanging on a wall… except it isn’t, you know?

We wandered through halls I’d never have found alone. Camille knew shortcuts and stopped to show us tiny things — like graffiti from when the Louvre was a palace. My feet were tired by the end but my head was buzzing with all these images and stories. I keep thinking about that moment in front of the Mona Lisa: crowded room, soft light on old paint, everyone craning their necks for one more look before moving on.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Guided tour of Louvre highlights

• Enter Louvre Museum
• See Mona Lisa painting
• View Venus de Milo statue
• Explore other famous artworks
• Learn stories from expert guide

Top questions

Is entry to the Louvre included in this guided tour?

Yes, your adult entrance ticket (22€ value) is included in the tour price.

Does this Louvre tour include seeing the Mona Lisa?

Yes, you’ll visit highlights including the Mona Lisa with your guide.

Are small children or strollers allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants and children can join; strollers are permitted inside the museum.

Is there public transportation near the Louvre meeting point?

Yes, public transport options are available nearby for easy access.

Who leads this guided tour of the Louvre?

An English-speaking expert guide with deep knowledge of art history leads your group.

Is lunch or food included during this tour?

No meals are included; your ticket covers entry and guided experience only.

Can visitors under 18 enter for free?

Yes, visitors under 18 (and EEA residents under 26) get free admission with valid ID.

What’s included

Your day includes skip-the-line entry to the Louvre Museum with an English-speaking art historian as your guide; your adult entrance ticket is covered in advance so you won’t need to queue or worry about logistics once you arrive.