Louvre, Paris

Plan a trip to Paris

Getting there 

Travelling Europe by train? Just out these Eurail options. Or book a flight from anywhere in Europe using EasyJet.

Where to stay

For affordable hostels check out Adveniat Paris near the Champs-Elysées or Le Regent in Montmartre (If you book using this link I get a small commission at no extra cost to you).

 

Visit the Louvre

After the 3 hour queue at Versaille I was having nothing of the sort for my trip to the Louvre. Being the first Sunday of the month entry is free to everyone and so I knew I would need to arrive early to beat the crowds. My plan worked because within 10 minutes I was inside! Armed with my audio guide and map I began my quest towards the greatest artworks. Because I was so early I didn’t have to share the Mona Lisa with many people and so had a view right in front.

I also saw the Winged Victory of Samothrace: 

Aphrodite or Venus de Milo:

The Sphinx:

Sacrophagus: 

The Seated Scribe:

Thankfully I wasn’t in this long queue! Coming early was definitely the best decision I could’ve made.

Napoleon III Apartments:

I had a very methodical approach, covering all the main works on each floor of a wing before moving on to the next wing. The audio guide was always a really good investment (3 euro thanks to my trusty student visa) as I think it really enriched my experience. After 3 hours I could definitely say that I had done the Louvre justice! So chuffed.

Next I hopped on the metro to Notre-Dame. It was bleak and rainy but I managed to get a few pictures and explore the surrounding area.

I had a crepe for lunch and bought a few souvenirs.

I then found this love locked bridge along the Seine. It was wonderful to see it because I hadn’t yet seen one. I tried to find the Latin Quarter but couldn’t see anything worth looking at and also concluded that it being a Sunday it wasn’t likely that there would be much activity.

All in all I think it was a very successful day!

This was my last sight-seeing day in Paris as the next day I left to the family’s home town: Annemasse.

(totally forgot about this post as things have been really crazy since arriving in Annemasse. I’ve started working, going to language school and really just trying to settle into a routine. It’s difficult when nothing is familiar and it has definitely been overwhelming. But I feel like I’m starting to settle now and there are less teary “I miss home and everything that is normal!” moments.)

Planning a trip to Paris? Check out my blog posts on the an evening in Paris, Montmartre, the Eiffel Tower, and the Palace of Versailles to plan a perfect 5 days in Paris.

If you’re visiting more of France on your trip why not check out my French regional guides:

South of France: Provence and the French Riveria

The Champagne region in Epernay

A winter skiing trip to Tignes

The Rhone Alps region: Thonon-Les-Bains, Annecy and Lyon