Navigate ticket options for the world’s most visited museum with our comprehensive guide to Louvre Paris tickets. From skip-the-line strategies to money-saving passes, discover the smartest ways to access the treasures of the Louvre Museum Paris France while avoiding unnecessary costs and lengthy queues.
Understanding ticket options
The Louvre Paris France offers several ticket types to accommodate different visitor needs:
- Standard admission tickets: €17 for adults (online price)
- Combined tickets for temporary exhibitions: Prices vary
- Guided tours: Additional cost for specialized thematic tours
- Free admission: Available for specific visitor categories and time periods
All Louvre Paris tickets provide access to the permanent collections and temporary exhibitions (unless otherwise specified). Audio guides are available for an additional fee of €5.
Online vs. On-Site Purchase
Purchasing your Louvre Paris tickets online in advance offers significant advantages:
- Time-saving: Skip the ticket line (which can exceed one hour during peak season)
- Guaranteed entry: Select your preferred date and time slot
- Convenience: Display your e-ticket on your smartphone or print it at home
- Peace of mind: No worry about tickets selling out, especially during high season
Online tickets cost the same as those purchased on-site, making advance booking the smarter choice in most situations.
Free admission opportunities
Take advantage of free entry to the Louvre Museum Paris France if you qualify under these categories:
- Visitors under 18 years old (any nationality)
- EU residents under 26 years old
- Disabled visitors and one accompanying person
- Unemployed visitors (with documentation)
- Everyone on the first Saturday evening of each month (6 PM to 9:45 PM)
- Bastille Day (July 14)
Remember to bring valid ID to prove eligibility for free admission categories.
Using the Paris museum pass
The Museum Pass Paris France includes entry to the Louvre Paris France along with over 50 other museums and monuments. Consider this option if:
- You plan to visit multiple museums during your stay
- You value skip-the-line privileges at major attractions
- You prefer flexibility in planning your museum visits
The Paris City Museum Pass comes in 2, 4, or 6-day options and can provide significant savings compared to purchasing individual tickets.
Skip-the-Line Strategies
Even with pre-purchased Louvre Paris tickets, you may encounter crowds at the main Louvre Pyramid Paris entrance. Consider these alternative entry points:
- Porte des Lions entrance (when open, typically 9 AM to 5:30 PM except Fridays)
- Carrousel du Louvre underground shopping mall entrance
- Dedicated entrance for Paris Museum Pass holders at the Richelieu passage
During peak hours (10 AM to 3 PM), expect to wait in security lines regardless of ticket type.
Best Times to Visit
To maximize your Louvre Paris tickets value and minimize waiting time:
- Wednesday and Friday evenings (open until 9:45 PM) typically see smaller crowds
- Early morning arrival (before 10 AM) allows entry before tour groups arrive
- Lunchtime (1 PM to 2 PM) often sees slightly reduced visitor numbers
- Off-season months (November-March, excluding holidays) offer more peaceful visits
The museum is closed on Tuesdays, January 1, May 1, and December 25.
Money-Saving Tips
Beyond standard Louvre Paris tickets, consider these cost-saving approaches:
- Purchase the Paris Museum Pass if visiting 3+ museums
- Take advantage of combined tickets for the Louvre and Musée Eugène-Delacroix
- Visit during free admission periods if your schedule allows
- Consider annual membership (€80) if you’ll visit multiple times or in a group
Guided Tours vs. Self-Guided Options
Official guided tours provide expert commentary but cost extra beyond standard Louvre Paris tickets (€7-€12 additional). Alternatives include:
- Free Louvre smartphone app with thematic tours
- Rental audio guides (€5)
- Free downloadable visitor trails from the museum website
- “Welcome to the Louvre” orientation tours (€12)
Family-Friendly Options
Families visiting the Louvre Museum Paris France benefit from:
- Free admission for all visitors under 18
- Family-specific guided tours available on weekends
- Activity booklets and trails designed for children
- Stroller accessibility throughout most of the museum