The Louvre, largest museum in the world, has a long and complex history that begins much earlier than the buildings of the 16th century would suggest. The tour proposes to reconsider the different stages of construction of the Kings of France’s main castle in Paris by presenting the most fundamental pieces, famous or less known, which are exhibited in different parts of the museum.
The visit will also go through the grand historical rooms, such as the Henri II salons, the private apartments of Napoleon III or Louis XIV’s bedroom.
Louvre museum highlights and history
Description
Louvre museum highlights and history
Practical information
- Location : To be confirmed
- Duration : 3 hours
- Walking tour
- Individuals: Min. 2, max 6 . 60€-100€ pp + 32€ entrance ticket pp
- Private tour at any date (360€) providing entrance tickets are available (32€ pp)
The visit will first show the foundations of the early medieval castle, a fortress built for the defense of Paris in the 12th century.
After visiting the only medieval room remaining in the museum, we will go upstairs by the prestigious Henri II staircase. This is the getaway into the collections spaces set up in the superb room of the Caryatids.
We will discover several Greek and Roman sculptures. This includes world famous masterpieces such as the Venus of Milo or the Borghese Gladiator. A little further, other great sculptures of the 16th and 17th will be presented.
Arrived in the rooms of the French paintings, the most famous 19th century ones will leave way to Italian masterpieces including Mona Lisa or the Wedding of Cana by Veronese.
The Grande Galerie, with Italian masters, is close by. On display, little known Caravaggio, Mantegna, Leonardo da Vinci or Botticelli among others.
After the victory of Samothrace, situated for a century and a half ago at the top of the staircase, the tour will arrive at the gallery of Apollo where the treasures of Louis XIV are exhibited.
This room has been closed since the daring theft of Jewels of the Crown.
Later, we will discover historical, rare and precious objects used for centuries by the Kings of France.
We will then arrive at the superb Napoleon III rooms, showing Imperial style of the 1870’s. Some furniture and attributes of the coronation of the First Empire will also be presented.
A week in advance minimum booking required due to entrance tickets shortage.
From 2026, an additional 20€ reservation fee applies for groups (1 to 6 people)
