Exploring the Louvre with a family is truly a memorable experience, especially when a child is passionate about art. Our budding artist had the chance to immerse himself in masterpieces during our visit to this iconic Paris museum. While it was my second time at the Louvre, it marked the first for our whole family. Because the museum is vast and can easily overwhelm visitors, we chose a small-group tour lasting two hours. This convenient option included skip-the-line entrance, which made our visit much smoother and more time-efficient.
A Brief History of the Louvre
The Louvre’s history spans over 800 years, beginning as a medieval fortress built in 1190 to defend Paris. By the 14th century it became a royal residence, and in 1546 King Francis I began its conversion into a grand Renaissance palace. After serving as the heart of the monarchy, the palace was established as a public art museum during the French Revolution in 1793. A major modern addition, the glass pyramid entrance, was inaugurated in 1989, blending contemporary design with historic architecture. Today, the Louvre houses over 40,000 works of art, making it one of the world’s most-visited museum.
Highlights of Our Guided Family Tour
Our guided tour was a highlight—especially for the kids. The guide engaged them by explaining artifacts at their level and keeping their attention. Through headsets, we could easily hear amidst the crowds. My 6-year-old was captivated, while my 3-year-old was a bit more distracted, which is perfectly normal. Having an expert guide us through the maze of galleries relieved us of stress, letting us learn and listen without worrying about navigation. We booked our tour through “Get Your Guide”—specifically the “Best of the Louvre Guided Tour with Pre-booked Ticket,” led by “Connecting France.” For those seeking a budget-friendly option, consider downloading Rick Steves’ free “The Louvre” audio guide. We have used many of his audio guides for other adventures, and his tours are reliably engaging and informative.
Must-See Artworks and Moments
We started with the ancient fortress walls, where the children discovered centuries-old graffiti carved into stone. Tour highlights included seeing the “Three Ladies of the Louvre”: the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and Winged Victory. Although we were eager to view the Mona Lisa, crowds and security kept the line moving, so lingering wasn’t possible. Still, it was exciting to stand before such a renowned masterpiece. Beyond the art, the stunning architecture of the palace itself truly impresses—it’s worth pausing to absorb the grandeur and details.
Practical Tips for Visiting with Kids
Visitors should note that security screening is in place at the entrance, and backpacks and strollers are not allowed inside. A convenient storage locker area is available near the main gift shop. We recommend arriving via public transit, as parking in central Paris is extremely limited—taking the metro is the easiest choice for reaching the museum.
Final Thoughts on the Louvre Visit
Our family trip to the Louvre left us inspired and impressed. The guide was instrumental in making the experience enjoyable and educational, helping us focus on key highlights and creating lasting memories for our budding artist. For families traveling to Paris, a guided Louvre tour is an excellent way to explore this artistic treasure with children.