Louvre Museum Guided Outdoor Walking Tour with Entry Tickets

Explore the outside of the Louvre

Begin your journey with your guide on a mini walking tour of the most iconic spots all around the world-famous museum. Find out why Louis XIV moved out of the Louvre so he could live in his new Versailles palace in the country and learn about how he converted the swamp into a luxurious haven. Next, follow the footsteps of the royals and stand under the famous Arc de Carrousel. While here, learn about the historic significance of the nearby Tuileries Gardens, its former palaces, and the royals who once lived in them.

Stroll along the gardens and take in the views of what is now known as the Historic Axis of Paris, and see the Luxor Obelisk at the Place Concorde. What was once known as the Place de Revolution is now a beautiful Parisian square. This is the very same spot where the beheadings of Marie Antoinette and thousands of other aristocrats took place. Look farther and you can even glimpse the most famous arch of them all: the Arc de Triomphe. Continue towards the river Seine and see many famous sites, including the imposing Conciergerie, where Marie Antoinette was imprisoned before her execution.

Self-guided tour of the Louvre

Return to the Louvre from the back after passing by gorgeous gilded gates to the rear courtyard, before continuing through the dark archway into the main courtyard. Here, the Cour Napoleon opens wide before you and you'll once again see the statue of Louis XIV on horseback. Get ready to enter the Louvre with the timed entry ticket for your self-guided visit.

Louvre Museum Guided Outdoor Walking Tour with Entry Tickets

Embark on an enchanting journey through time as you traverse the cobblestone pathways surrounding Paris's most iconic museum, where each step reveals a new story of history, art, and architectural grandeur. Visiting the Louvre’s majestic garden, experiencing the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel in its regal splendor, and exploring the tragic yet beautiful Jardins des Tuileries are all part of this comprehensive itinerary designed for explorers of cultural heritage, devotees of historical landmarks, and seekers of hidden gems. Fun fact: The Louvre was eerily empty during World War II, a stark contrast to its bustling present-day state. With Cour Carrée providing insight into the museum's royal past and the Tuileries Gardens offering serene escapes from the city’s hustle and bustle, this walking tour weaves together stories of power and revolution, offering memorable encounters to forge lasting connections while understanding that history is ever-present in every stone.

Wandering Through Louvre Museum's Majestic Cour Carrée

Visit Louvre Museum during the tour’s highlight segment where you'll explore the magnificent Cour Carrée, a pivotal section of the museum showcasing its rich royal heritage. This part of the tour enables visitors to delve into the architectural marvels and historical significance of this quadrilateral courtyard that once served as the residence for French kings, now transformed into one of the world's largest art museums. Explore the intricately decorated façades and expansive courtyards, each reflecting a different era in France’s tumultuous past.

Marveling at Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel's Royal Splendor

Experience the grandeur of Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel as part of the comprehensive itinerary featuring the Louvre Museum and its surrounding monuments. This iconic arch, a smaller version of its famous counterpart on Champs-Élysées, stands tall in Place du Carrousel, marking the entrance to the Tuileries Garden and offering visitors an unparalleled view into Paris’s opulent past. With each step beneath this majestic structure, you'll feel as if you're walking back in time through the footsteps of royalty.

Discovering Jardins des Tuileries' Serene Beauty

Access Jardins des Tuileries included in the tour package enabling a serene escape into one of Paris’s most picturesque spots. This garden, once part of the royal palace grounds and now a public space, invites visitors to stroll through its manicured lawns, flower beds, and tranquil ponds while enjoying the statues that dot the landscape. The Jardins des Tuileries are not only a testament to French landscaping artistry but also serve as a poignant reminder of the dramatic events that unfolded here during the French Revolution.

Unveiling Conciergerie's Dark History

Explore Conciergerie representing the tour's centerpiece where you'll uncover the dark yet compelling history of this former royal palace turned prison. This historical site, known for holding Marie Antoinette and other revolutionaries before their execution at Place de la Concorde, offers a stark contrast to the grandeur of its neighboring landmarks. Each cell tells a story of political upheaval and personal tragedy, weaving together strands of Parisian history into a tapestry of resilience and transformation.

Tour Highlights

• Visit Louvre Museum's Cour Carrée highest viewpoint
• Experience Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel’s royal grandeur impressive
• Discover Jardins des Tuileries beauty with serene ponds, statues spectacular
• Unveil Conciergerie dark history holding revolutionaries tragic
• Explore Louvre Museum's vast collection comprehensive included
• Walk Place de la Concorde historical significance poignant optional

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Parisian heritage for explorers of cultural landmarks, devotees of historical narratives, and seekers of hidden stories. This guided walking tour weaves together moments that feel like stepping into a time capsule, offering glimpses of power, beauty, and resilience that have shaped the city's soul.