Visit the Louvre Museum in Paris, France touring the masterpieces in a three to four hour highlights self-guided tour.

As part of the tour view the top three Winged Victory of Samothrace, Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, and Venus de Milo.

Appreciate the Louvre’s top art masterpieces including the Wedding Feast at Cana, Consecration of Emperor Napoleon I, The Grande Odalisque, Raft of the Medusa, Shades Appear to Dante and Virgil, and Liberty Leading the People. 

Marvel at Sandro Botticelli Frescos, Michelangelo Sculptures, Napoleon III Apartments, the French Crown Jewels, Salle des Caryatids, the Great Sphinx of Tanis, Palace of Saron II, and more during this walking tour.

Louvre Museum Paris France 3 to 4 Hour Best Of Tour

Best of Tour by Wing

1. SULLY WING

   1. Great Sphinx of Tanis
   2. Egyptian Jewelry
   3. Sarcophagus of Abu Roash
   4. Ancient Egyptian Mummy
   5. Salle des Caryatids
   6. Hermes Fastening Sandle Sculpture
   7. Aphrodite, Venus de Milo
   8. Anne of Austria Summer Apartments
   9. Italian Sculptures
      1. Psyche Revived by Cupid’s Kiss, Antonio Canova
      2. The Nymph with the Scorpion, Lorenzo Bartolini
      3. Flying Mercury, Giambologna, Flemish-Italian
   10. Art of Living at French Court – Furniture and Objects de Art
       1. Marie-Antoinette Furniture
   11. Grille du château de Maisons-Laffitte

2. RICHELIEU WING

   1. French Sculptures
   2. Napoleon III Apartments
   3. Palace of Saron II
   4. Decorative Arts

3. DENON WING

   1. Winged Victory of Samothrace
   2. Leonardo da Vinci, Mona Lisa
   3. Wedding Feast at Cana
   4. Titan, The Women with a Mirror
   5. Galleria d’Apollon
   6. Ceiling Frescos
   7. French Crown Jewels
   8. Apollo Slays the Python, Eugène Delacroix
   9. Hardstone Vessel Collection
   10. Making of Reputations
   11. Italian Renaissance, Red Rooms
   12. Consecration of Emperor Napoleon I
   13. Sandro Botticelli Frescos
   14. The Young Martyr, Paul Delaroche
   15. The Grande Odalisque, Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres
   16. Raft of the Medusa
   17. Shades Appear to Dante and Virgil
   18. Liberty Leading the People, Eugène Delacroix
   19. Le Printemps, Giuseppe Arcimboldo
   20. The Virgin and Child with little Saint John the Baptist, Raffaello Santi
   21. Life of Marie Medici, Rubens
   22. Portrait de Marie de Médicis (1573-1642) en reine triomphante, Pierre-Paul Rubens
   23. Slaves Michelangelo Sculpture
   24. Cupid’s Kiss Sculpture
   25. Glass Pyramid, I.M. Pei

Louvre Museum Entrances

It should be noted there are multiple entrances to the Louvre. Entering through the Pyramid is the main entrance. Furthermore, the main entrance has multiple lines. Along with a queue for visitors with tickets there is a line for visitors without tickets, members, and priority access which includes disabled visitors. However, it can also feature the longest lines.

Listed below is directions for entrance from the Metro stop underground through the Carousel entrance which tends to be less crowded.

Noteworthy, is the Richelieu entrance is only for groups.

Lastly, the Lions Gate entrance is an option although there are no lockers and you must have a ticket. Entry will be denied at Lions Gate if you carry a helmet, large bag, or are without a ticket. Additionally, it is currently closed on Fridays.

Entering the Louvre Museum Paris France

Prior to entering the Louvre Museum visitors must pass through security. Arrival after security is on Level -2 inside the Louvre.

Once inside the museum there are lockers available at the cloakroom. If interested, there are audio guide booths near the entrance to the museum wings. Also, take advantage of the restrooms located in the center hall and near the wing entrances prior to entering the exhibit areas.

What’s more, coffee, snacks, and water are available to enjoy prior to entering the exhibit wings. Lastly, tickets are obtainable on Level -2 although pre-purchase either online through the Louvre Museum or as part of a museum pass is recommended.

Please take a moment to review the regulations for a Louvre visit. For instance, suitcases and large bags are not allowed. Use a small daypack or tote bag that day for your belongings and store everything but your camera and essentials in the locker room.

Lastly, Flash photography, selfie sticks, and lighting are also prohibited.

Paris Travel Accessories

Please note, if you make a purchase we receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps support the expenses of maintaining this blog.

How to Use the Louvre Museum Paris France Best Of Tour

With a total square feet of 652,300, three massive wings, and a collection of around 480,000 pieces an art lover could spend a lifetime exploring the Musée du Louvre. However, if you only have a limited time in Paris and a list of sites to explore your time allocated to the Louvre may be limited. In particular, after several hours in the museum it can be exhausting.

Nevertheless, the Louvre is a world class museum not to be missed. Along with a plan of the highlights and the most famous pieces to see allow extra time to enjoy pieces that capture your interest.

Using the Best of Tour

Following is a self-guided plan to follow so you can see many of the best pieces the Louvre has to offer within about three to four hours.

Below are the pieces to note listed by museum wing and then by the room of their location. Along with the directions provided, you may find it helpful to reference the map provided by the Louvre to follow the room numbers.

Following the listed sequence, walk through the other rooms to reach the next room on the list and pause at artworks that catch your eye. Keep in mind though that this will add to the time of your tour.

Nevertheless, even with a map and a plan the museum can be confusing and at times galleries can be closed due to renovations.  Prior to your visit check the Louvre official site for available galleries due to periodic room closures to support renovations.

Best of Packing for Paris

When Packing Clothing Find the Perfect Fit with Prime Try Before You Buy

Review our travel packing list for necessities

Louvre Museum Paris France Best Of Tour Details

Louvre Palace Sully Wing: 1 to 1.5 Hours

Start the tour of the Louvre Museum by entering the Sully Wing at Level 0. At this point is when you will need to show your museum ticket. Continue between the stairs. Next, turn left to Medieval Louvre. Follow signs to the Egyptian Antiquities. Begin the tour when you reach the Sphinx of Tanis.

Hosting the largest ancient Egyptian art collection in the world you could spend an entire visit exploring this collection held by the Louvre Museum, Paris, France.

First on the list, the Great Sphinx of Tanis is at the entry to the Egyptian Antiquities gallery. Observe the room sequence below to view the noteworthy pieces in the Sully Wing in a timely manner.

Sully Wing Level 0 by Room

1. 338 – Great Sphinx of Tanis
2. 330 – Egyptian Jewelry
3. 321 – Sarcophagus of Abu Roash
4. 332 – Egyptian Mummy

Ancient Egypt Books to Read Before Your Trip or Pack

At this point continue straight to exit the Sully Wing Level 0. Return to the Sully Wing stairs and take the stairs on the right up to Level 1. Enter the wooden doors on the right to the Salle de Caryatids, room 348.

Sully Wing Level 1 by Room

1. 348 – Salle de Caryatids
2. 344 – Herme fastening sandle sculpture
3. 346 – Gallery of Antiquities: Venus de Milo
4. 410 – Anne of Austria Summer Apartment
5. 403 – Michelangelo Gallerie – Italian Sculptures
6. 403 – Psyche Revived by Cupid’s Kiss, Antonio Canova
7. 403 – The Nymph with the Scorpion, Lorenzo Bartolini
8. 403 Flying Mercury, Giambologna, Flemish-Italian
9. 600 – Grille du château de Maisons-Laffitte
10. 631, 632, 627 – Art of Living at French Court, Furniture and objects de art from 1775-1779 from Royal and Aristocratic Residences
    1. Furniture of Marie Antoinette

 At this time, exit the Sully Wing back towards the Glass Pyramid and Level -1. Undoubtedly, it is time for a break.

 

Art, History, and Reference Books as well as Novels about the Louvre

Louvre Museum Restaurants and Cafes

This is Paris after all and options for dining in the Louvre meet every price point and hunger need.

One of my personal favorites is a pastry and hot or cold chocolate at Cafe Richelieu Angelina.

Another quick option is to grab takeaway within the museum on Level -1.

Dining is available in the palace or in the gardens. If you have more time and the weather and season permit, take a break and go outside to the gardens. Verify if re-entry is available as restrictions are in place at times.

Of course, the nicer dining restaurants will take reservations and this is recommended. Most times this can be done on your phone through the restaurant’s site or a maps program. A hotel concierge can also assist. Without a doubt, the nicer restaurants will add to your time at the museum.

A Taste of Paris

Part 2: Louvre Museum Paris France 3 Hour Best Of Tour

After a coffee break or lunch it is time to explore the Richelieu and Devon Wings. The Devon Wing includes the Mona Lisa and many of the museums other famous paintings. Overall, allot about two hours to the second half of the tour. Primarily using that time in the Devon Wing.

Richelieu Wing, Louvre Museum, Paris, France

Start on Level -1 of the Richelieu Wing in the newer open air sculpture garden. The garden contains French sculptures from the 17th to 19th century. As most of these sculptures were made for outdoor spaces such as the Gardens of Versailles and Tuileries the light shining through the glass ceilings is the perfect display arena.

1. French Sculpture: 100, 102, 104, 105 –  Cour Puget and Cour Marly
   1. 102 – The Marly Horses
   2. Jean-Baptiste Pigalle, Mercury Fastening His Sandals

After walking through the French sculptures go to Level 0 of the Richelieu Wing .

1. 229 – Palace of Saron II The Cour Khorsabad in the Near Eastern Antiquities

Next, go upstairs to Richelieu Level 1.

1. 544, 545 – Napoleon III Apartments
2. 526, 531, 601, 605 – Decorative Arts

At last depart the Richelieu Wing. After leaving the Richelieu Wing cross over to the Devon Wing.

Next on the list is the Winged Victory of Samothrace. If you want to approach the famous statue from below, at the bottom of the stairs, then exit on Level 0. However, to reduce steps the statue is located closer to Level 1.

Devon Wing – Louvre Museum Paris France 3 Hour Best Of Tour

Arriving in the Devon Wing you are first greeted by the powerful Winged Victory of Samothrace sculpture. Second, continue up the staircase to Level 1.

On Level 1 there are painted ceiling frescos from when the Louvre was a palace lived in by royalty. Under the frescos are the royal crown jewels.

After touring the French crown jewels the next galleries are filled with paintings and known as the Red Rooms. Finally, this is where the Mona Lisa is located.

Note if you travel to the Louvre during busy season there will be a wait to see the Mona Lisa. There are roped lines to take your turn for viewing. In the same room as the Mona Lisa is the Wedding Feast of Cana, the Louvre’s largest painting.

Although every piece of art in the Louvre is among the world’s finest, the list below highlights some of the more famous paintings in the Devon Wing.

Devon Wing, Level 1

1. 703 – Winged Victory of Samothrace
2. 705 – Ceiling Frescos
3. 705 – The French Crown Jewels
4. 705 – Apollo Slays the Python, Eugène Delacroix
5. 705 – Hardstone vessel collection
6. 708 – Making of Reputations
7. 710 – Italian Renaissance Paintings in the Red Rooms
8. 711 – Mona Lisa, Leonardo da Vinci
9. 711 – Wedding Feast of Cana,Paolo Veronese

   

10. 702 – Consecration of Napoleon I, Jacques-Louis David

    

11. 706 – Sandro Botticelli Frescos
12. 706 – Venus and the Three Graces Presenting Gifts to a Young Women, Sandro Botticelli
13. 700 – Raft of the Medusa, Théodore Géricault

    

14. 700 – Shades Appear to Dante and Virgil
15. 700- Titan, Woman with a Mirror
16. 700 – Liberty Leading the People, Eugène Delacroix
17. 702- Le Printemps, Giuseppe Arcimboldo
18. 702 – The Grande Odalisque, Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres
19. 701- The Virgin and Child with little Saint John the Baptist, Raffaello Santi
20. 701 – The Young Martyr, Paul Delaroche

    

Devon Wing, Level 2

After spending most of the second half on Level 1 of the Devon Wing, end the tour with a quick stop on Level 2 to view Rubens.

1. 801 – Life of Marie Medici, Rubens
2. 801 – Portrait de Marie de Médicis (1573-1642) en reine triomphante, Pierre-Paul Rubens

To finish, return to Devon Wing Level 0.

Devon Wing, Level 0

On Level 0 of the Devon Wing walk through the Michelangelo Gallery. End your day at the Louvre, Paris at the interior view of the Glass Pyramid.

1. 403 – Slaves Michelangelo Sculptures
2. 403 – Cupid’s Kiss Sculpture
3. 404 – Glass Pyramid Interior View

Art Reproductions of Louvre Museum Masterpieces

Taking the Metro to the Louvre Museum Paris France

Where ever you are in the inner circle of Paris it is a quick Metro ride to reach the Musée du Louvre in the 1st arrondissement. From your location map to Metro Line 1 or 7 or 14. M1 and M7 line to Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre. M14 to Pyramids.

Once inside the Metro train, the line map will show the Louvre Glass Pyramid symbol to indicate the exit for the Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre or Pyramids.

At any time, reference the RATP map online or in the Metro stops.

Metro Line 1 to Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre

After exiting the train, follow the signs to the Carrousel du Louvre and Sortie (exit). Arrive at security and enter the Louvre from the underground Metro.

Alternatively, if this route is closed or you are meeting a tour guide, follow the signs to Sortie 2. Once leaving the metro to street level, cross the street towards the museum.

Louvre Museum: Opening Hours for 3 Hour Best Of Tour

Visit the Louvre on any day except Tuesdays when they are closed. Otherwise, the museum is open from 9 AM to 6 PM. Fortunately, on Fridays the Musée du Louvre stays open late. Therefore, Friday hours are 9 AM to 9:45 PM.

Travel to Paris, France

Adding to your research online, pick up a travel book for comprehensive details on your trip to Paris.

 

Enjoy your time at the Louvre and in Paris!

1. First, check out our general packing list for travel to create a packing checklist
2. Of course plan all of your trip to Paris. Visit our Paris in Spring – Top 7 Things to do in Paris During Springtime for year round travel tips. 
3. Browse pictures of Paris to inform your itinerary by following our Instagram page
4. Also, find our travel videos on TikTok
5. Use Amazon’s Prime Try Before You Buy program for a new Paris wardrobe
6. Include a popular Paris map and travel book in your packing
7. Lastly, take a minute to follow us on Pinterest and pin Paris in Spring – Top 7 Things to do in Paris During Springtime for future reference