The Carroussel and Louvre Museum

The history, beauty and fame of its art collections makes the Louvre Museum an absolute must-visit whilst in Paris. After a cultural trip, head to the basement to shop 'til you drop or grab a bite to eat at Carroussel du Louvre…

The Louvre

Famous for being the world's biggest museum in terms of surface area at over 200,000m², the Louvre is also the world's most visited museumm with over 9 million visitors a year.

Its rich collection of artworks begins in Antiquity and ends in 1848 with 8 different departments such as Islamic Art, Roman Antiquities and Ancient Egypt whose collection was entrusted to Champollion, the first person to decipher hieroglyphics and whose work was recognised by the Egyptian king giving the Luxor Obelisk to France in 1831.

The museum is so large that it would be hard to see it all in one day. To avoid long queues, it's best to visit the museum at night which also gives you marvellous views of the illuminated buildings and Pei's glass Pyramid at nightfall.

The museum's must-see pieces include the world's most visited artwork which King Louis XVIII's bought: the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci who's famous for her mysterious smile. Another well-known and undoubtedly impressive piece is the 5m high Ancient Greek sculpture grecque antique de Winged Victory of Samothrace. Last but not least, the finely carved Venus de Milo attracts the crowds.

The Carroussel 

The Caroussel du Louvre stands on Rue de Rivoli beneath the Carroussel park. It's a vast space near Hôtel de la Place du Louvre and the Louvre Museum.

It is home to:

• Entry to the Louvre Musuem and one of the Louvre School's lecture theatres.
• A shopping centre open on Sundays with big brands.
• A food court with a wide range of international restaurants.
• Exhibition spaces. It is managed by Viparis.
• An archaeological space with the Paris city walls.