This blog may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy for more info.
Looking for the best Louvre tours in Paris, France? You’ve come to the experts!
With over 35,000 artworks and millions of annual visitors, the Louvre Museum can be overwhelming to navigate alone. That’s why a guided tour is the best way to make the most of your visit—helping you skip the long lines, uncover hidden gems, and truly appreciate the masterpieces.
After visiting the Louvre multiple times, we’ve learned that the right tour makes all the difference. Whether you prefer a small group, a private experience, or an exclusive evening visit, we’ve rounded up the top-rated tours to fit every style and bring the Louvre to life. Let’s get into the best options!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE tour is this exclusive reserved entry tour to the Louvre! We skipped the famously long lines, explored the galleries with an expert guide, and had the choice of a private or small group tour. It made our visit so much easier!
- Don't Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
- Best Louvre Tours in Paris
- 1. Louvre tour with skip-the-line tickets and the Mona Lisa
- 2. Top-rated private or small group tour with reserved entry tickets
- 3. Full-day tour of Paris – visit the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and river cruise
- 4. Beat the crowds and visit the Louvre at closing time
- 5. Semi-private Louvre Museum tour
- Where to Stay in Paris, France
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
Best Louvre Tours in Paris
1. Louvre tour with skip-the-line tickets and the Mona Lisa
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: Multiple departure times from 9 am – 6 pm (not available Tuesday)
- Highlights: Experience culture and art with a tour of the Louvre Museum, see the Venus de Milo and Mona Lisa, hear stories about the artworks and history, guaranteed and speedy entry
- Inclusions: English-speaking expert guide, reserved entrance ticket to the Louvre Museum, audio headset, upgrade to a small-group or private tour (depending on option selected), wine and cheese tasting (if option selected)
- Rating: 4.5 stars (check 10,000+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
The Louvre can be overwhelming, with crowds that seem to stretch forever. That’s why this skip-the-line tour was such a game-changer. With reserved access, we spent less time waiting and more time enjoying the art.
Our guide, Florence, led us through the highlights with the perfect mix of history and fun facts. We started in the ancient antiquities gallery, standing before the Venus de Milo while she explained how this armless beauty became one of the world’s most famous sculptures.
Finally, we stood face to face with the museum’s most famous resident—the Mona Lisa. The painting’s subtle smile and quiet presence had a way of drawing us in. And thanks to Florence’s navigation, we dodged the worst crowds and had time to truly take in this masterpiece.
For a more personal experience, upgrading to a small-group or private tour is worth it! And if you really want to treat yourself, the optional wine and cheese tasting at a high-end wine bar is the perfect way to relax and reflect.
No matter how you do it, with reserved access and expert navigation, this tour is hands-down the best way to experience the Louvre without the stress of navigating it alone!
See availability and reserve this award-winning tour here!
2. Top-rated private or small group tour with reserved entry tickets
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Time: 10 am, 1:30 pm, 5 pm (not available Tuesday)
- Highlights: Explore the Louvre Museum, gain insight into Europe’s rich art history, discover famous masterpieces such as the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo
- Inclusions: Guide, Louvre Museum reserved entry ticket, multiple language options, private, semi-private, or family tour (depending on option selected)
- Rating: 5 stars (check 4,500+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
The Louvre isn’t just a museum—it’s a journey through centuries of human creativity. But without a guide, it’s easy to miss something incredible. That’s why this small group tour was the perfect way to explore. Plus, with reserved entry, we skipped the long lines and stepped straight into the art and history.
We moved effortlessly through the grand hallways and galleries, pausing at the Venus de Milo to hear how this ancient statue became a symbol of classical beauty. Our guide, Julian, made the art feel alive, weaving in stories that connected each piece to its historical context.
At the Mona Lisa, he made sure we had the best view while pointing out details most visitors miss. Beyond the iconic works, Julian led us to The Wedding at Cana, an enormous painting that often goes unnoticed despite being displayed directly across from the Mona Lisa.
What’s great is this tour is designed to fit any style. Go small-group or private for a more personal experience, or opt for the family-friendly version.
And the best part? Your ticket lets you stick around after the tour. We took full advantage, wandering into galleries we hadn’t explored yet. In the Louvre, there’s always more to discover!
If you want to enjoy the Louvre Museum without the hassle, this is the way to do it. But don’t just take our word for it—read the 5-star reviews here and see why travelers love this tour!
Check out the 5-star reviews and book this top-rated tour here!
3. Full-day tour of Paris – visit the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and river cruise
- Duration: 9 hours
- Time: 8:30 am, 9 am, 9:30 am, 10 am (not available Tuesday)
- Highlights: Paris sightseeing with a small group, cram multiple attractions into one day, pre-reserved tickets for the Louvre Museum plus a Seine River cruise, take a guided walking tour in Montmartre and Île de la Cité
- Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, expertly guided walking tour, pre-reserved ticket for Louvre Museum, one-hour Seine River cruise (flexible ticket), metro tickets, private tour (if option selected)
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check 750+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Trying to see all of Paris in a day sounds ambitious, but this guided tour made it effortless. From Montmartre’s artistic streets to the Mona Lisa, the Eiffel Tower, and a cruise on the Seine, it checked off every must-see spot. By the end, we were happily exhausted!
We started in Montmartre, where we skipped the steep climb and rode the funicular up to Sacré-Cœur. That sweeping view from the top made the early start totally worth it!
Walking through Montmartre’s cobbled streets, we passed cafés, a hidden vineyard, and Place du Tertre, where artists painted in the open air. Naturally, we grabbed croissants from a bakery—because no morning in Paris is complete without one!
Our guide, Simon, was fantastic and kept the energy high. At the Louvre, we skipped the lines and went straight to the highlights. Seeing the Mona Lisa was surreal, but we were just as impressed by the massive Coronation of Napoleon.
After the museum, we explored Île de la Cité and got the perfect Eiffel Tower view at Trocadéro. Tickets to go up aren’t included, but trust us—it’s worth it! We capped off the day with a Seine cruise, floating past Paris’ most famous landmarks. It was the perfect way to unwind after all that exploring!
This tour was the best way to see Paris’ biggest highlights in just one day. You can even upgrade to a private tour for a more personal experience.
Secure your full-day Paris adventure today and enjoy the flexibility to pay later!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
4. Beat the crowds and visit the Louvre at closing time
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: Multiple departure times from 2-5:45 pm (not available Tuesday)
- Highlights: Enter the Louvre Museum as it’s getting ready to close, see Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa without the crowds, learn about world-famous works of art with commentary from your art historian guide
- Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, expertly guided walking tour at closing time, skip-the-line entry to Louvre Museum, headset, small-group tour
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check 400+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
The Louvre is one of the most visited museums in the world, so the Mona Lisa is almost always surrounded by crowds. But this late-day tour was perfectly timed around closing hours, giving us the rare chance to see her up close without the usual chaos.
Plus, with skip-the-line tickets, we breezed right past the entrance.
With a small group and an expert guide, the Louvre felt surprisingly intimate—something we never thought possible!
Our guide, Anthony, handed us headsets as we entered the museum, making it easy to hear him through the grand halls. We began at the museum’s foundations, where he revealed that the Louvre was once a medieval fortress. His passion for art was contagious, making each story feel alive!
From there, we wandered through the galleries, stopping to admire pieces like the Venus de Milo and the Winged Victory of Samothrace. The sheer scale of the art was incredible, but Anthony’s insights made each piece feel personal.
Finally, we reached the Mona Lisa. Instead of fighting through a sea of people, we had space to stand and take in her mysterious expression. Seeing her this way felt almost like a private viewing! It was the perfect finale to a tour that let us truly connect with the Louvre’s masterpieces.
If you want to experience the museum without the usual crowds, this is the way to do it! The small group setting and expert guide make all the difference—you’ll leave with a much deeper appreciation for art.
For an unforgettable Louvre Museum experience, book this guided tour here!
5. Semi-private Louvre Museum tour
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Time: 10 am, 1:30 pm, 5 pm (not available Tuesday)
- Highlights: Visit the Louvre Museum and discover iconic masterpieces such as the Mona Lisa, enjoy the convenience of reserved entry, spend as long as you want exploring the museum independently after the tour
- Inclusions: Professional tour guide, semi-private (no more than six guests) museum tour with reserved entry tickets, private tour (if option selected)
- Rating: 5 stars (check 2,800+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
The Louvre is massive, but this semi-private tour made it easy to navigate and truly enjoy. With a group of no more than six, we had plenty of space to move and could easily hear our guide without getting lost in the crowd.
Best of all, once the tour ended, we could keep exploring at our own pace—something we definitely took advantage of.
Our guide, Marcel, was wonderful from start to finish! His deep knowledge of art history turned what could have been just another museum visit into a memorable experience. He led us through the Louvre’s highlights with ease, pointing out details we never would have noticed on our own.
Of course, the Mona Lisa was a must-see, but what stood out just as much was the stunning Apollo Gallery, filled with shimmering crown jewels. Marcel even took us to the underground Medieval Moat—a hidden gem that most visitors overlook.
For a more personal way to experience the Louvre, this tour is the way to go! And if you want an even more tailored experience, you can upgrade to a private tour or even a kid-friendly version for one-on-one attention. See why so many travelers rave about this experience—check out 5-star reviews here!
Reserve this semi-private museum tour here!
Where to Stay in Paris, France
Paris is a city of elegance and luxury, so it’s no surprise that the hotels match that ambiance! That being said, you can find a variety of accommodation options in Paris, whether you’re looking for a luxury, mid-range, or budget stay. Here are my top recommendations:
Luxury – $$$
You can’t go wrong with Eiffel Tower views, and L’Hôtel du Collectionneur Paris delivers that, and more! The design is Art-deco elegant, and rooms range from deluxe king rooms to suites, and even a terrace apartment for those with a large budget. There is no such thing as a bad view whether you have a window overlooking the garden or city, or a full balcony!
It’s a short walk to Champs Elysées Avenue and Paris’ best sights. Rooms start at €400 and go up, so book this stay early on Booking.com to get the best rate.
Mid-range – $$
Le Grey Hotel is a boutique hotel, located very close to the opera and Montmartre. These rooms have a modern design and you can get a standard room or a suite, some have balconies as well. The location is great, as you’re steps from the iconic Paris cafes and restaurants, and very close to the top city sights.
A room here starts around €200 and can reach €500+ depending on your room choice. Check availability and book this stay on Booking.com.
Budget – $
Caulaincourt Montmartre is a modern hostel with private or dorm rooms available. Located near the Sacré-Coeur Basilica it is convenient to see the top attractions and get around the city. Private rooms start around €130 and some have an ensuite bathroom, or for the most budget option, dorms are available for about €60. The staff are friendly and the hostel is very clean, modern, and a great way to meet people!
Check availability and book this stay on Booking.com.
For more options, check out all the hotels available in Paris here!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
The Louvre is one of the most famous museums in the world and we consider it a must-visit while you’re in Paris. But of course, there’s a right and a wrong way to see it! We appreciated how these tours made our visits stress-free, helped us bypass the crowds, and we loved all the amazing info from our passionate guides!
For more inspiration on exploring this part of the world, have a look through all our Europe guides! We have tons of tour recommendations, itineraries, and travel tips to share.
10 Best Things to do in Paris, France