Paris Louvre Museum: Small Group Masterpieces Tour

Summary

Walk through art history in Paris with stories behind the Louvre’s icons

You’ll join a small group in Paris for a guided walk through the Louvre Museum’s most famous works — from Venus de Milo to Mona Lisa — hearing stories that bring each piece alive. Led by an expert local guide, you’ll skip confusion and crowds before enjoying free time to explore more corners of the world’s largest museum at your own pace.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the hush — not silence exactly, but that soft shuffle of feet echoing under stone arches in the 1st Arrondissement. Our guide, Camille, waved us over by a marble column and grinned like she had a secret. She started us right away on this small-group tour of the Louvre Museum, leading us through those endless hallways (honestly, it’s easy to feel lost here) toward the Venus de Milo. I remember catching a whiff of old stone and something sweet — maybe someone’s perfume? — while Camille told us how Venus lost her arms. She made it sound almost casual, like losing your keys.

We zigzagged past crowds and paused at the Winged Victory of Samothrace. The way light hit her wings made everything else blur out for a second. Camille leaned in and whispered some old myth about sailors and storms — I can’t recall every detail but it stuck with me more than any textbook ever did. There was this kid nearby trying to sketch her on a crumpled bit of paper; his pencil kept squeaking against the page. That felt real somehow.

Of course, we ended up at the Mona Lisa — or “La Joconde,” as Camille called her (she even tried to get us to say it right; Li laughed when I butchered it). The crowd was thick but our guide knew how to snake us through for a decent look. It’s smaller than you think, honestly. But there’s this weird magnetism about her smile that makes you stand there longer than you planned. After that, we were set loose to wander on our own — I actually got lost for a bit near some medieval foundations and didn’t mind at all.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Guided tour of Louvre masterpieces

• Introduction to Louvre Palace history
• View Venus de Milo sculpture
• See Winged Victory of Samothrace
• Admire the Mona Lisa painting
• Free time to explore museum

Top questions

How long does the small-group Louvre tour last?

The guided portion covers main masterpieces and then you have free time; exact duration isn’t specified but plan for several hours total.

Is museum entry included in this Louvre tour?

Yes, your €22 entrance ticket is included with your booking.

How many people are in each group?

The group is limited to 6 participants for a more personal experience.

Does this tour include seeing the Mona Lisa?

Yes, viewing Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa is part of the main itinerary.

Can I stay in the Louvre after the guided tour ends?

Yes, you’re free to spend more time exploring other sections after your guide finishes.

Is hotel pickup included for this Louvre Museum tour?

No hotel pickup is included; public transport options are nearby instead.

Is this small-group tour wheelchair accessible?

No, unfortunately wheelchairs are not permitted on this specific tour route.

Are there age discounts for entry tickets?

Yes, visitors under 18 and EEA residents under 26 can enter free with valid ID/proof of residency.

What’s included

Your day includes entry tickets worth €22 per person into the Louvre Museum, an expert local guide leading your small group (no more than six people), plus plenty of time after your guided walk to keep exploring on your own if you want. Public transportation is easy from nearby stops so getting there isn’t stressful either.