MacQueen

11:30 ←- timed entry

https://ticket.louvre.fr/en

Touring the Louvre can be overwhelming, so be selective. Focus on the Denon wing, with Greek sculptures, Italian paintings (by Raphael and Leonardo), and—of course—French paintings (Neoclassical and Romantic), and the adjoining Sully wing, with Egyptian artifacts and more French paintings. For extra credit, tackle the Richelieu wing, displaying works from ancient Mesopotamia, as well as French, Dutch, and Northern art.

Here’s a practical 3-hour Louvre itinerary designed for first-time visitors. It covers the absolute must-sees without feeling too rushed.

Recommended 3-Hour Louvre Itinerary

Best entry: Carrousel du Louvre (underground entrance at 99 Rue de Rivoli) — usually much shorter lines than the Pyramid.

Best time to start: First entry slot of the day (around 9:00 AM) if possible.

0:00 – 0:15 | Arrival & Orientation
Enter via Carrousel, clear security, and head into the Hall Napoléon (under the Pyramid).
Grab a free map if you need one.
Follow signs toward the Denon Wing.

0:15 – 0:30 | Winged Victory of Samothrace
Climb the dramatic Daru staircase.
Spend time with the Winged Victory of Samothrace (Nike) at the top — one of the most spectacular placements of any sculpture in the world.

0:30 – 1:15 | Mona Lisa & Italian Paintings
Continue to Salle des États (Room 711) for the Mona Lisa.
Don’t miss Veronese’s *The Wedding at Cana* directly opposite her (it’s enormous and often overlooked).
Walk through the Grande Galerie and enjoy other Italian masterpieces (Leonardo’s Virgin of the Rocks, La Belle Ferronnière, Raphael, etc.).

1:15 – 1:45 | French Romantic Masterpieces
Move to the nearby large galleries (around Rooms 700–702).
See:
  Delacroix’s Liberty Leading the People
  David’s The Coronation of Napoleon
  Géricault’s The Raft of the Medusa

1:45 – 2:30 | Venus de Milo
Cross over to the Sully Wing.
Head to the Greek antiquities section for the Venus de Milo (Room 346).
If you have a few extra minutes, glance at nearby Greek sculptures.

2:30 – 3:00 | Optional Extra or Exit
Option A (recommended if you still have energy)**: Quick look at Egyptian antiquities (Great Sphinx of Tanis or the Seated Scribe) nearby in Sully.
Option B**: Head back toward the Pyramid for photos and exit.

Tips for Success
Wear comfortable shoes — you’ll walk a lot on hard floors.
Stay focused and keep moving; it’s easy to get distracted.
Download the official Louvre app or use a good map beforehand.
The Mona Lisa room is almost always crowded — go early for the best experience.
Skip the Richelieu Wing on a 3-hour visit (save it for a longer trip).