Is there a listing or guide of some, or all of the important pieces in the Louvre? I've been to the Uffizi a couple times and always seem to miss a piece I wanted to see. I know the Louvre is massive but if I had an idea of what pieces are there and where they are, my time could be spent more efficiently. Thank you.
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9110 posts
Rick's Paris Guidebook has an entire chapter dedicated to touring the Louvre--with maps.
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
What exactly makes one piece more "important" than the rest? The problem with that approach is that if you follow someone else's opinion, you may miss a little-known artwork that you personally might have enjoyed. After all, isn't that one of the main reasons to visit an art gallery?
But back to the original question- there are guides at the information desk, cheap tourist books on sale throughout the city, or here is one person's opinion:
Posted by
Daytona Beach, FL
223 posts
If you go to the Louvre website (www.louvre.fr) and click on the museum tab at the top you will find a nice virtual tour that might help you plan your visit.
Posted by
Atlanta, GA, USA
2790 posts
If you have an IPOD or MP3 player, Rick as an audio guide you can download. I admit I was skeptical, but really actually enjoyed them.
The Louvre website was very helpful a few years ago and I bet they have improved it. (I have now seen everything I 'had' to see and am a big fan of "wandering" around.)
Don't forget to LOOK UP, the building is a castle and some of the ceilings, walls etc are beautiful in thier own right!
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32352 posts
Melissa,
A few thoughts on touring the Louvre. Yes, it IS massive and I've found that due to the size some compromises are necessary unless you have lots of time. You can either just "blitz" through all three wings or focus on one wing and see it in a bit more depth.
On my last visit, I concentrated on the Denon Wing for the most part as I wanted to see the Mona Lisa. However, touring the Wing in some detail took me quite a few hours. When I was there, I also saw the Venus di Milo, but I believe it's now been moved into the Sully Wing.
As someone else mentioned, Rick's books have a great description of the Louvre and his audio tours are great!
Happy travels!
Posted by
San Diego, CA
344 posts
As you are considering your plans: whenever you go to the Louvre, don't go on the day of the week that the Musee d'Orsay is closed. When people go to the Musee d'Orsay to see the impressionist paintings, and are surprised to find the Musee d'Orsay closed, they simply walk over the pedestrian bridge to the Louvre. Even those who are aware of the d"orsay being closed, are likely to plan that day to do something else....such as go to the Louvre.
I'm not sure what day the d'Orsay is closed, but you may want to check on that as you consider your plans.
Posted by
OP
Boise, ID, United States
158 posts
Thanks for the advice so far. I have download the RS Louvre audio guide for my iPod and have been reading the section in his France 09 book. Is there more detail in the Paris book regarding the museums?
Also, we are getting the 2 day museum pass and are planning on going for a few hours each day. Along with the Louvre we want to use this to see Notre Dame, Orsay, Arc de Triomphe, and possible Saint Chapelle. Is this too much to do in two days? We plan on using it on a Friday (when the Louvre is open late) and Saturday. Thursday we will do a bike tour, check out rue cler and Champ Elysse (sp) and maybe Montmarte.
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15788 posts
The Orsay is "medium-size" - at least 3 hours, more depending on how much you like impressionism and your stamina. Start on the top floor and work your way down. Saint Chapelle (1 hour) is very close to Notre Dame (1-2 hours), and is a "do-not-miss" place. If you want to climb the tower at Notre Dame, it will take you more time. I would think you could easily see these 3 sights in one day. The Orsay is open late one evening, maybe Thursday. So maybe Thursday-Friday is better than Friday-Saturday.
Posted by
Gig Harbor, Washington, USA
1864 posts
Assuming no rain, start with the Notre Dame towers first. Get in line at 9:30 so you can be one of the first group up. You will get a wonderful overview of the city before you head off for your other spots. There is a better than usual gift shop as you wait at the first level of the ND towers which you don't return to when you descend. I'm still regretting a couple of items there that I would have enjoyed....
If you have a pass, you can re-enter the museums. The Cluny and the Rodin are not far and also very enjoyable.
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
Cynthia gave you good advise... start at Notre Dame TOWERS, the Museum Pass does not allow you to line skip there, and the line there moves slowly.. The line for the actual church moves much quicker so do that second, then St Chapelle ( and the Concierge since you are right there anyways,, and it only takes a short time really).
If you are not able to get out to Versailles then do not miss seeing Napoleons Apartments in the Louvre,, they will give you a taste of the over the top opulance of a palace. It is one of my favorite parts of the Louvre. ( you could also see the Crown Jewels which are in same area of museum, although sometimes that room is closed)