Secret Road Trips - Paris Part 2: Louvre

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Secret Road Trips - Paris (Part 2: Louvre)

Are you planning a visit to Paris? Put the Lourve on your bucket list. I'll tell you the secret of how to jump the queues.

Destination: Louvre, Paris


There is no doubt that one of the world's most famous museums, the Louvre, is a must-see for any trip to Paris. But there is a lot to see, at least an entire day's worth, or more. And you don't want to be wasting that precious time waiting in queues.

Some of the longest queues I've seen were at the Louvre. The main entrance under the glass pyramid would be teeming with people an hour before opening time. The line would snake for hundreds of metres with eager tourists and visitors waiting to catch a glimpse of the world-famous Mona Lisa.


So to ensure you leave as much time as possible to marvel at antiquity, I have a tip for you to fast track entrance to the Louvre.

A little known entrance exists directly south-west of the main pyramid at Port des Lions (off Place du Carrousel). You will be able to skip the queues and wait mere minutes (not hours) to gain entry via the Africa, Asia Oceanian and Americas exhibit hall.

While everyone rushes to the Mono Lisa, keep in mind you cannot take photos of Da Vinci's masterpiece. It is very small (about A3 size) and it is housed behind a glass partition. It is likely that unless you are really tall, the ever-present crowds will obstruct your view.

One of my favourite sculptures is Canova's "Psyche Revived by Cupid's Kiss", first commissioned in 1787 by Colonel John Campbell. It is a masterpiece of Neoclassical art. The subject matter is taken from Lucius Apuleius' Latin novel Metamorphoses.


The art on display cannot be accurately described by the English language - you have to see it to fully understand and appreciate it. A particular favourite is David and Goliath painted by Daniele da Volterra, oil on slate displayed in the Grande Galerie.

Most interestingly, this painting isn't one but two paintings of the same scene from different angles.




An all time favourite work of art is centre-stage and cannot be missed at the top of the grand staircase. It is Nike or Winged Victory of Samothrace.

Since 1884 it has been displayed here at the Louvre and is one of the most celebrated sculptures in the world. H.W. Janson decribed it as "the greatest masterpiece of Hellenistic sculpture." Nike was discovered in 1863 and estimated to have been created around 200-190 BCE. It is 8 feet or 2.44 metres hight. The artists is unknown.


If you missed Part 1 of my Paris Road Trip, you can find it here.

The Louvre Museum is closed Tuesdays. Be sure to check the admissions page on their website prior to planning your visit. You can also purchase advanced tickets online .

Happy Road Tripping!

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