Paris Louvre Private Tour: Skip Lines & Art Highlights

Summary

See the Louvre’s icons up close with a guide who knows every shortcut

You’ll slip past lines into the Louvre with your own guide, see icons like Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo up close, and hear stories behind both famous and oddball art. Your tour adapts to your pace and interests—whether you want highlights or hidden corners—and ends with tips for exploring Paris beyond the museum walls.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me was the quiet echo of footsteps on marble as we slipped past the crowds outside. Our guide, Camille, waved us through a side entrance—no fumbling with tickets, just a quick security check (she warned us it might take a bit longer in summer). I caught a whiff of old stone and something faintly sweet from someone’s perfume as we stepped into this maze of art. The light inside is strange—kind of golden but cool at the same time, bouncing off those impossibly high ceilings. Camille grinned when she spotted my wide-eyed stare and said, “Everyone gets lost their first time.” I believed her.

We started with the big names—Mona Lisa (smaller than I thought), Venus de Milo (her toes are chipped), and then zigzagged through quieter halls where nobody else lingered. Camille told stories about artists who never saw their work become famous. She pointed out details I’d have missed: chipped paint here, fingerprints there. At one point, she asked if we wanted to see Napoleon’s Coronation or something “a bit weirder.” We chose weird. There was laughter when I tried to pronounce “Winged Victory” in French—don’t ask me to repeat it.

I liked that she adjusted everything as we went—if we paused at a painting for too long, she didn’t rush us. My feet started to ache around hour two (marble floors aren’t forgiving), but honestly, I barely noticed until later because I was so caught up in her stories. She handed us tips for finding good coffee nearby after the tour—apparently you don’t want to settle for museum café espresso unless you’re desperate. When it ended, she left us near a sunlit window and said we could wander as long as we wanted. I still think about that hush after she walked away—the kind you only get in places full of old secrets.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private Louvre tour with expert guide

• Arrive at the Louvre museum
• Meet your expert private guide
• Explore famous paintings like Mona Lisa
• See Venus de Milo sculpture
• View the Coronation of Napoleon artwork
• Learn art history and museum insights
• Continue exploring museum at your pace

Top questions

How long does the Louvre private tour last?

You can choose between 2-hour highlights, 3-hour extended, or 4-hour deep dive tours.

Is skip-the-line entry included in this Louvre tour?

Your private guide provides optimized access; there may be a short wait at security but no ticket lines.

Are entry tickets to the Louvre included?

Yes, your €22 entrance ticket is included unless you qualify for free admission (under 18 or EEA residents under 26).

Can children join this private Louvre tour?

Yes, infants and small children are welcome; strollers and infant seats are allowed.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the Louvre private tour is wheelchair accessible.

What artworks will we see on this day trip?

You’ll see masterpieces like Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and Napoleon’s Coronation; other works depend on your interests.

Will our guide speak English?

Your licensed guide speaks English fluently and can customize explanations based on your background.

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

Yes, you’re free to continue exploring the Louvre at your own pace once your private tour finishes.

What’s included

Your experience includes skip-the-ticket-line entry to the Louvre Museum in Paris with a licensed private guide who tailors your visit around masterpieces like Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo (and anything else you’re curious about). You’ll also get practical tips for navigating Paris afterward—and you won’t need to print or download anything ahead of time.