A history and visitor’s guide to Paris’s Louvre
Under King Philippe Auguste’s rule, work on the Louvre, which is located at the Place André Malraux in Paris’s 1st arrondissement, began in 1190 and was finished in 1202. Originally intended as a fortress, the Louvre changed over the centuries to become the royal residence of France’s monarchs, each of whom added to the building’s opulence and significance in French history.
The Louvre is now Europe’s largest palace, spanning more than 135,000 square meters, in addition to being an architectural marvel with its vast fortress dimensions of 78 by 72 meters, having a rectangular courtyard adorned with 10 turrets and a single circular tower. With millions of art enthusiasts and historians visiting each year, it is the most popular cultural destination in France.
From the medieval foundations established by Philippe Auguste to the renaissance styles of Francis I, who ordered the new palace to be built under the supervision of architect Pierre Lescot, the architectural contributions span multiple reigns. The famed Louvre Colonnade by Claude Perrault and the iconic glass pyramid in the courtyard, a recent addition by architect I.M. Pei that was started by President François Mitterrand, are the results of the alterations made by succeeding monarchs.
From Renaissance masterpieces to antique sculptures, the Louvre Palace is a veritable gold mine of art. The ancient stronghold foundations are on show in the basement, demonstrating the museum’s medieval origins. The palace’s magnificent interior is filled with intricate carvings, breathtaking caryatids, and lavish décor that tells the story of its glorious past.
Explore the Area Around Paris’s Palais du Louvre
Located in the center of Paris, the Palais du Louvre is not only a historic palace but also one of the biggest and most popular museums in the world. There are numerous other attractions all around this famous museum. The well-known inverted pyramid is part of the Carrousel du Louvre, a shopping and dining complex just next to the Louvre.
Visitors can enjoy the charming Pont des Arts, a pedestrian bridge famous for its love locks, as they walk towards the Seine. French art, including works by Monet and Van Gogh, is on display at the Musée d’Orsay, which is located farther down the river. The Place de la Concorde, which has an Egyptian obelisk in the middle, is a historical site with stunning views across the Tuileries Garden from the Louvre.
The neighboring Palais Royal offers a more tranquil escape from the busy city and stunning buildings and gardens for a taste of Parisian culture. The lively Saint-Germain l’Auxerrois church, which is nearby and has a rich history and stunning architecture, enhances the area’s allure.
Transportation to Paris’s Palais du Louvre
The Louvre is easily accessible from Orly Airport (19.5 km), Charles de Gaulle Airport (27.7 km), and Beauvais Airport (16.7 km). The expenses and difficulties differ depending on whether you choose to take a taxi or think about using public transit like the metro and RER. Even if they are direct, taxis can be costly and impacted by traffic, and public transportation can be challenging to use when carrying large bags and navigating. The shuttle service from CDG offers a straight, comfortable route to the museum for a cost-effective and convenient option, making it ideal for people who are tired after traveling. Make reservations for dependable shuttle services to easily explore Paris and its famous landmarks, such as the Louvre.