Falling in Love with the Louvre

If you’re short on time in the city of love, there are plenty of options to join small group walking tours of the Louvre. Jump the queue by booking ahead and join an expert guide to easily locate the best and most famous works, such as Michelangelo’s masterpieces in the Italian Renaissance wing.

The Apollo Gallery houses the stunning, ornate royal crowns of both Napoleon and King Louis XV. The Ancient Greek Parthenon is worthy of a wander and, of course, you don’t want to miss the museum's highlights – the Venus de Milo and Mona Lisa, both of which you should dedicate extra time to, if possible. There’s just something about that smile.

The Louvre is a place you’ll want to visit time and time again, as the exhibitions change on a regular basis. It hosts over 35,000 pieces of artwork spanning more than 60,000 square metres of exhibition space. Spend some time outside, too. The dazzling Louvre pyramid looks perhaps even more impressive at night, reflected in the pond and emitting an air of glamour that just begs to be featured in yet another romantic movie.

It’s best to enter the lovely Louvre through the original medieval structure, which dates back to the 12th century. Feel as though you’re travelling through time as you soak up incredible works from as far back as 450BC, before grabbing a very modern coffee from one of the cafes, or a poster from the gift shop to remind you of your day.

Consider, too, a stay at La Reserve Paris. With stunning Eiffel Tower views, these completely renovated and stylishly decorated apartments at the Place du Trocadéro offer a safe and private retreat at the end of a long day appreciating art in Paris.