Louvre Museum Tickets, Paris

Welcome to this guide to Louvre Museum tickets in Paris. Here you will find everything you need to plan your visit: where and how to buy tickets, prices, opening hours, exhibitions and tips to make the most of the collections. This site is an independent guide; we are not the Louvre Museum nor the official ticket sales website.

The Louvre: a must-see museum in Paris

The Louvre Museum, on the Right Bank of the Seine in the 1st arrondissement of Paris, is housed in the Louvre Palace, a former medieval fortress that became a royal residence and then a museum at the time of the Revolution. The glass pyramid by architect I. M. Pei, opened in 1989, has become the symbol of the museum and a landmark for visitors from around the world. Buying Louvre Museum tickets gives you access to collections spanning art from antiquity to 1848, as well as internationally renowned temporary exhibitions.

Why book your Louvre tickets in advance?

The Louvre is one of the most visited museums in the world. Every year, millions of visitors flock to the glass pyramid to see the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, the Coronation of Napoleon and thousands of other works. Without a reservation, you may spend a long time in queues, especially in peak season (spring, summer, school holidays). By purchasing your Louvre Museum tickets online, you usually get a time slot or priority access, so you can enter more smoothly and spend your time visiting rather than waiting.

The Louvre in numbers

The Louvre, in the former palace of the kings of France in the heart of Paris, holds collections spanning millennia and civilisations. With over 35,000 works on display across some 73,000 m², a full visit in one day is not possible. It is better to focus on the departments or works that interest you most and plan at least half a day. Admission tickets generally include the permanent collections and, depending on the option, temporary exhibitions or spaces such as the medieval moats.

Types of tickets and options for the Louvre

Several types of tickets are available for the Louvre. The standard ticket gives access to the permanent collections and, depending on the period, to some temporary exhibitions. Skip-the-line or timed tickets reduce waiting at the entrance. Combined deals (Louvre + Seine cruise, Louvre + another Paris monument) are also available and can be convenient if you have limited time. Prices vary by age (free for under-18s and certain categories), date and ticket type. We recommend comparing offers and booking online to secure your visit.

Where to buy your Louvre Museum tickets?

Louvre Museum tickets can be bought on the museum's official website (ticket.louvre.fr) or via partner booking platforms. These platforms often offer timed tickets, guided tours or combined deals, and allow you to book in several languages and with different payment methods. Choosing a timed or skip-the-line ticket is especially useful at weekends and on public holidays.

Practical tips for your Louvre visit

Wear comfortable shoes: the galleries are vast and there can be a lot of walking. Cloakrooms and left-luggage facilities are available for coats and large bags. The museum is partially accessible for people with reduced mobility; wheelchairs can be borrowed on request. If possible, avoid Wednesday and Friday evenings (popular late openings) for a quieter visit, or choose these slots for a different atmosphere. Always check opening hours before you go: the museum is closed on Tuesdays and on some public holidays.

What to see first at the Louvre?

Must-sees include the Mona Lisa (Salle des États, 1st floor), the Venus de Milo, the Winged Victory of Samothrace, Napoleon III's apartments, the Egyptian antiquities and the Galerie d'Apollon. Lovers of Italian and French painting will find masterpieces in the corresponding departments. A museum map or dedicated app will help you find your way. To go further, you can book a guided tour or a virtual tour of the Louvre from home.

Entrance and access to the museum

The main entrance to the Louvre is through the glass pyramid (Cour Napoléon). Other entrances, including the Carrousel gallery and the Richelieu passage, may be open depending on the period and any works. With a timed or skip-the-line ticket, you should arrive at the indicated time to avoid congestion. Security checks are mandatory at the entrance; allow a little extra time if you are visiting in a group.

Free admission and access conditions

Admission to the Louvre is free for under-18s (with ID), EEA residents aged 18–25 (with ID), jobseekers and recipients of certain benefits (with ID), and for everyone on the first Sunday of the month from October to March (subject to change). Exact conditions should be checked on the museum's official website. For other visitors, buying a ticket online remains the most practical way to guarantee access.

Guided tours and activities at the Louvre

In addition to a simple ticket, you can opt for a guided tour in English or another language. These tours focus on specific themes (Egyptian antiquities, the Renaissance, the Mona Lisa and Leonardo da Vinci, etc.) with a guide. Audio guides are also available for hire inside the museum. For families, workshops and dedicated trails are offered; check the current programme.

How long to allow for a Louvre visit?

A "discovery" visit of the main works can take 2 to 3 hours. To explore one or two departments in depth, allow half a day. Those who want to cover several wings should plan a full day, with a lunch break in one of the museum's catering areas. Your Louvre Museum tickets usually allow a single entry; once you leave, re-entry with the same ticket is not permitted.

Summary: Louvre Museum tickets, Paris

Booking your Louvre Museum tickets in Paris in advance saves time and ensures you can visit on the dates that suit you. Compare prices and options (simple entry, skip-the-line, guided tours) and book online for a smooth visit to the world's largest art museum.