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NOTE: Timed-entrance tickets are currently REQUIRED for The Louvre. The ticket office is not selling same-day tickets.
How Far in Advance to Book Tickets to the Louvre in Paris
Updated January 2026
The Louvre is the most visited museum in the world and one of the most important cultural landmarks in Paris. Housed in a former royal palace on the banks of the Seine, it contains thousands of works spanning ancient civilizations to the mid nineteenth century. From the Mona Lisa to the Venus de Milo, a visit to the Louvre is a highlight of any trip to Paris, but it requires planning to avoid long lines and overcrowded galleries.
At a Glance
How Early to Book:
At least 2–3 weeks in advance for peak time slot, 1 week in advance for off-peak time slot.
At least through the end of the following month, sometimes up to 90 days in advance.
Best Times to Visit:
Wednesday and Friday evenings, when the museum is open until 9:00pm and crowds are thinner.
Ticket price:
€22-€32 for adults depending on European citizenship
Where to Book:
The Official Louvre Museum website
Museum Address:
Do you need to Book Louvre Tickets in Advance?
The Louvre strictly controls entry through timed tickets, especially during busy seasons. While same day tickets are sometimes available, relying on walk up entry often means waiting in long security lines or being turned away if capacity is reached.
Advance tickets allow you to select a specific entry time, which significantly reduces waiting. During peak months like June through September, weekends, and school holidays, popular time slots sell out days or even weeks in advance. Booking ahead is strongly recommended if the Louvre is a must see on your itinerary.
Visitors without tickets must queue at ticket counters, which can involve waits of over an hour during busy periods. Priority access is reserved for ticket holders, guided tours, and special passes.
What is the Best Time to Visit the Louvre?
Choosing the right time to visit can dramatically affect your experience.
Early mornings right after opening are generally the quietest, especially on weekdays. The first two hours of the day offer the best chance to see major works with fewer crowds.
Late afternoon and evening openings are also a good option. The Louvre is typically open later on Wednesdays and Fridays, and crowds often thin after 4 p.m. Evening visits offer a calmer atmosphere and cooler temperatures in summer.
Avoid mid day if possible, particularly between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., when tour groups and school visits peak. Tuesdays should also be avoided, as the Louvre is closed and surrounding museums attract larger crowds on other days.
What is the Easiest Way to Get to the Louvre?
The Louvre is located in central Paris in the 1st arrondissement, making it easy to reach by public transportation from almost anywhere in the city.
The most convenient option is the Paris Metro. Line 1 stops at Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre, which exits directly across the street from the museum. Line 7 also stops at Palais Royal, while Line 14 stops at Pyramides, a short walk away. These lines connect many major neighborhoods, including Le Marais, the Champs Élysées area, and Gare de Lyon.
Several bus lines also stop near the Louvre, including lines 21, 27, 39, 48, 68, 69, 72, and 95. Bus travel can be slower than the Metro during peak hours but offers scenic views along the Seine.
If you are already exploring central Paris, the Louvre is within walking distance of attractions like the Tuileries Garden, Palais Royal, and Pont des Arts. From Île de la Cité and Notre Dame, it is about a 15 minute walk.
The Louvre Opening Hours and Ticket Prices
The Louvre is usually open six days a week and closed on Tuesdays. Standard opening hours are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with extended hours until 9:45 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays. Last entry is typically one hour before closing, and galleries begin closing earlier.
Ticket prices for adults are generally around €22 when purchased online. Prices may vary slightly depending on booking method and temporary exhibitions. Admission is free for visitors under 18 and for European Union residents under 26.
Free admission is offered to all visitors on the first Friday evening of each month after 6 p.m., except in July and August, and on July 14 for Bastille Day. These free periods are extremely popular and often very crowded.
Don't forget to look up: The Louvre's Galerie d'Apollon is as marvelous as the artwork it houses inside.
What is the best Louvre Entrance to Use?
The Louvre has several entrances, and choosing the right one can save significant time.
The Pyramid Entrance is the most famous and centrally located but often has the longest security lines. It is best used early in the morning or late in the day.
The Carrousel du Louvre Entrance is accessed through the underground shopping mall and is often less crowded. This entrance is ideal in bad weather and connects directly to the Metro.
The Porte des Lions Entrance is sometimes open for limited access and is usually quieter, but availability can change, so it should not be relied on without checking in advance.
Ticket holders can use any open entrance, but security screening is mandatory at all of them.
Is the Louvre Museum Worth Visiting?
The Louvre’s collection is enormous, and it is impossible to see everything in one visit. Prioritizing key areas helps prevent museum fatigue.
The Mona Lisa is located in the Denon Wing and draws the largest crowds. Visiting early or late improves the experience. Nearby highlights include The Wedding at Cana, which hangs directly opposite.
The Venus de Milo is located in the Sully Wing and is one of the museum’s most famous ancient sculptures. The Winged Victory of Samothrace, displayed at the top of the Daru staircase, is another iconic stop.
Other standout areas include the Italian Renaissance paintings, the French royal apartments, Egyptian antiquities, and Mesopotamian artifacts such as the Code of Hammurabi.
Guided Tours and Audio Guides in the Louvre
The Louvre offers official guided tours led by museum experts. These tours often include priority entry and focus on specific themes or collections. They are especially useful during peak season.
Audio guides are available for rent and can also be accessed through the Louvre’s mobile app. These guides provide explanations for major works and help visitors navigate the museum more efficiently.
Private tours and small group tours are also available through third party operators, some of which include skip the line access and tailored itineraries.
History of the Louvre
The Louvre began as a fortress in the late twelfth century before becoming a royal residence. Over centuries, French kings expanded and renovated the building, turning it into a symbol of royal power.
After the French Revolution, the Louvre was transformed into a public museum in 1793. Its collection grew rapidly through royal acquisitions, archaeological expeditions, and historical events such as the Napoleonic campaigns.
Today, the Louvre is both a historic monument and a modern museum, with the glass pyramid added in 1989 serving as its main entrance.
Special Exhibitions and Seasonal Highlights at the Louvre
In addition to its permanent collection, the Louvre hosts temporary exhibitions throughout the year. These exhibitions often focus on specific artists, periods, or themes and may require additional planning due to limited capacity.
Seasonal differences mainly affect crowd levels rather than content. Summer months bring heavier tourism, while winter offers a quieter experience except during holidays. Evening openings in warmer months are especially popular.
Louvre Accessibility and Visitor Tips
The Louvre is largely accessible for visitors with mobility needs, with elevators, ramps, and adapted restrooms available. Wheelchairs can be borrowed on site, subject to availability.
Large bags and backpacks are not allowed inside the galleries, but lockers are available. Comfortable shoes are essential, as the museum covers a vast area with extensive walking.
Food and drink are not permitted in exhibition spaces, but there are cafes and restaurants within the museum complex.
Where Should I Eat Near the Louvre Museum?
Inside the museum, dining options range from casual cafes to more formal restaurants. These are convenient but can be expensive and crowded during peak hours.
Outside the Louvre, the surrounding neighborhoods offer excellent options. The Palais Royal area is known for refined dining, while the streets around Les Halles offer more casual choices. The Tuileries Garden is also a pleasant spot for a picnic if the weather allows.
What Else to Do Near the Louvre?
The Louvre is ideally located for combining multiple attractions in one day. The Tuileries Garden is directly adjacent and perfect for a relaxing walk after your visit.
The Musée de l’Orangerie, home to Monet’s Water Lilies, is a short walk away and pairs well with the Louvre for art lovers. The Seine riverbanks, Pont des Arts, and Île de la Cité are also close by.
Shopping enthusiasts can explore the Carrousel du Louvre or nearby Rue Saint Honoré.
Final Tips for Visiting the Louvre
Book your ticket in advance and choose a strategic entry time. Arrive at least 15 minutes early to clear security smoothly.
Plan your route and prioritize key artworks rather than trying to see everything. Take breaks and pace yourself to fully enjoy the experience.
With thoughtful planning, a visit to the Louvre can be one of the most rewarding and memorable parts of any trip to Paris.
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