SeaUrchin

Or is it the side door? I know I have read here about this "secret" way to skip the lines but now I can't find it when I need it.

Underhill

There are several entrances to the Louvre besides the one under the pyramind. The easest to find is the one off the Rue de Rivoli--down an escalator and into the shopping center.

Neopolitan

I bet Rick Steves could tell you.

Sorry, I couldn't resist. You know, "Europe through the Back Door" by Rick Steves. Never mind.

SeaUrchin

Thanks I will look at a map again. You know Neopolitan, you could be right about his back door recs, I'll check out his website.

djkbooks

I have never, ever, seen a line at the Denon Wing entrance. You can find this on a map at the Louvre website. This entrance has a ticket window (with human clerks) and a check room. One huge advantage of using this entrance if you want to check your belongings is being able to exit from wherever, then just walk across the courtyard and pick up your things. Note this entrance has limited hours, though, so be sure to check the Louvre website.

indytravel

I've never waited in line at the Porte des Lions. (I don't know if that's the same entrance as the aforementioned Denon Wing.)

Porte des Lions does have different hours then the main entrance. For example it is currently closed on Fridays.

SeaUrchin

I found the little map on their website, but can't find a Denon Wing, found the Porte des Lions.

I guess we will try and find current door's opening and closing times and just scoot around to an entrance.

I see the Louvre is open late on Weds and Fri nights, maybe that would be a good idea.

alan64

We went from the metro and entered through the shopping center. There were no lines.