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Lion Gate entrance to the Louvre

Posted by (Northeast Ohio, USA) on

We were in Paris recently, and never found the Louvre's "red awning" entrance for groups and museum-pass holders that Rick recommends; but we waited only 7-8 minutes at the Lion Gate entrance, as opposed to a serious mob scene at the pyramid.

To find it, stand with your back to the pyramid entrance. The Lion Gate entrance is to the left of the small triumphal arch that is across the big street. Look for the lions :-) I had read that tickets are not sold at the entrance, but they were being sold when we visited.

Posted by
16538 posts

Yes, the Porte des Lions entrance is usually open but the Louvre website states that it also ".. may be closed for technical reasons. Please contact us the day before your visit at +33 (0)1 40 20 53 17."

But purchasing tickets in advance is also a great way to go. Then you skip all but the security check which everyone must undergo.

The Pyramid entrance should be the LAST resort of the 4 which are available if one doesn't already have a ticket.

Posted by
8552 posts

Tickets are not scanned or examined at the entrances generally speaking; they are scanned at the entrances to the wings. So regardless of the gate you enter you will be going through security and not ticket check. With a museum pass you can use the Richelieu entrance. Without you can use the Porte de Lion, Carousel or Pyramid entrances and those are all security lines. Getting tickets is trivial. There are tons of machines and clerks in the area under the pyramid; it is getting through security that involves lines.

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