judimd

My husband and I will soon be stopping in Paris for 3 days and would like to spend 1/2 day in the Louvre. Since our time is so short,we'd really appreciate some advise on the best way to see the louvre's highlights and avoid lines,etc. (We'll be going on either Monday or Wednesday)Private guide? Tour? Help!

ira

Hi,

I believe that the Louvre is open until 9:45 PM on Mondays. This might give you more time for your visit.

RJD

I have always found the Louvre a bit opressive with its size and crowds. But Rick Steves has a book of self -guided tours of major museums; that may do the trick for you. It's called "Mona Winks".

isabel

The Monday night suggestion is good, as is the Mona Winks suggestion. If you don't want to go Monday night the best way to avoid lines is to enter through the underground security check point. You can get there any of three ways: 1) the stairway next to the Arc du Trimoph du Carosel, 2) the red awning on Rue du Rivoli, 3) the Louve Metro Stop.

When you get in pick one or two main things you want to see and head there. The Louvre is huge and you'll see lots of art on the way to the few areas you choose. The free maps available near the ticket counters (in every Language) are pretty good. But you have to know what's in the various areas or they won't do you much good. That why Mona Winks or some other good guide book needs to be consulted first.

Eloise

Have a look at this recent thread. It has many good suggestions on how to plan a visit to the Louvre.

http://www.fodors.com/forums/pgMessa...p;tid=34517771

elaine

Hi
this may be included in the thread cited above, but the Louvre website is an excellent planning tool, you can do a virtual tour and see which things will be your priority.
There are English speaking tours of the highlights every day.

ciaofornow

Starting September 06,2004 the Louvre will be open on WED.and FRI. evenings until 9:45pm. The last Monday night opening is August 30,2004.

elaine

For a suggestion on a three-hour seen-it/done-it walk through of the Louvre:
http://www.gettingaway.com/directory...ris/louvre.htm