We will be in Paris the first weekend in April (arriving Friday). We had planned to go to the Louvre on Sunday, but I realized tonight that that Sunday is the first weekend of the month, so the Louvre is free.

Is it a good idea to go on the free day (because of crowds)? If it is a good idea, is it better to get there when they open or later in the day?

Or would it be better to go on Friday afternoon, Saturday morning or afternoon?

Thanks!

Anybody?

I have always been lucky going early. There are several entrances that always have less people than the main entrance under the pyramide. Check in their website.

Your best bet to avoid lines at the Louvre (and the Musee d'Orsay) is to get the Paris Museum Pass. There will be a special entrance, and you walk right in.

You might be interested in my blog on avoiding queues: http://travelhorizons.blogspot.com/2...ing-queue.html

Thanks for the responses. What about going on the free-entry day?

it just depends on what you want to spend your time doing. there is a very long line on free sundays and you will possibly spend an hour and a half waiting no matter what time of day. weather does not matter either, as the french are not deterred by rain, snow, heat, etc. they are patient and will wait and wait and wait. another option, if you choose to pay for the entrance is seeing the louvre in the evening. check the site for days and times, as they don't do this every day. it is less crowded and has a special feel about it.

I wouldn't go on the free day, it will be crowded. I didn't plan well and ended up on the free Sunday in September. I suspect September might be busier than April in the first place but it was so busy. I prefer not to have to be pushed around when I am looking at something. Although, we did go to the Napolean Apartments that day and they were not crowded. We went back a different day for the rest of the museum. I'd go on Friday instead if you can.

My husband and I were in Paris this past August and we were fortunate to be there the 1st Sunday of the month --- we loved being able to take advantage of the free museums!

We made sure we got there when the museum was opening. And, we entered the museum from downstairs (as mentioned in Rick Steve's travel guide)........ The line upstairs was incredibly long (I'm sure those people stood in line for at least an hour --- probably longer). We went downstairs and stood in line for maybe 15 minutes!!!!!!

One other mention..... We went to the Picasso Museum later in the day --- if you choose to do the same, be aware that it closes a bit early.

Have a great time.

The first time I went to the Louvre was on a free Sunday. The line was huge and I didn't know about any other entrances. But, having said that, they ended up splitting the line and we acutally waited about 30 - 40 minutes. This last time...last November, my friend and I were just walking..it was on a Saturday, and what do you know, we ended up at the end of the park, and there was the Pyramid. The plaza was almost empty and so we just decided no time like the present. I WAS early..it was our first day and as you will see, you are always up at the crack of dawn on your first day. You may find it more crowded in April perhaps. We missed the underground entrance. It's not will marked but the stairs ate at the side of a big arch structure. If you have a good map it will show it. Frankly, I had no idea it was there.

Thanks, everybody! That's exactly what I was wanting to know. I think maybe we'll try to go on Friday evening or Saturday.