Where to Stay Near the Louvre and Les Halles
Paris is a big city, covering over 100sq kilometres and comprising some 20 arrondissements. However, the 1st, along with its adjacent neighbourhoods, is generally regarded as the centre of the city. The 1st arrondissement itself is only a small area, so anyone staying within its boundaries will find themselves close to its myriad attractions - including the Louvre, Palais-Royal and the Jardin des Tuileries. Accommodation along the Rue Saint-Honore, Rue de Rivoli and Avenue de l’Opera will be the most central, whilst the Quai Francois Mitterrand is ideal for those seeking views of the Seine.
Facts About the Louvre
Few would argue that the Louvre is one of the world’s most famous museums - if not the most famous. Its huge collection of art and historic artefacts rivals any in the world and its most famous residents, the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo, attract millions of visitors every year. The Louvre was originally a fortress, first built in medieval times, but was then rebuilt as an elegant palace in the 16th century. The first Louvre museum was opened to the public in 1793 and offered just 537 paintings. Below are some more fascinating facts about the famous museum:
- The Louvre is home to some 380,000 pieces, ranging from the 6th century BC to the 19th century AD.
- Covering almost 15 acres, the Louvre is the largest museum in the world
- The Louvre is said to be haunted by a mummy called Belphegor.
- The Louvre contains some 7,500 paintings, and two-thirds were created by French artists.
- Napoleon once renamed the Louvre to Musée Napoleon
The 1st arrondissement is also home to the stunning Jardin de Tuileries, which itself has a fascinating history and was a notorious landmark during the French Revolution. The gardens also contain their own museums, dedicated to the history of the area as well as housing several art galleries.
Things to Do Near the Louvre
There is no shortage of incredible landmarks and attractions in Paris - from iconic modern structures to ancient catacombs, there is enough to do in the city to keep visitors returning again and again. Whilst every area of the city has something to offer, the 1st arrondissement and even the Louvre itself, is usually the best place to explore as it has so many of the French capital’s most famous sights nearby.
Q. What is the 1st Arrondissement known for?
There are a few things that most people think of when they think of Paris - from its stunning architecture to its rich history and incredible cuisine. Fortunately, all of these are exhibited throughout the 1st arrondissement and its central location means it is perfect to venture out and explore all of Paris’s most famous landmarks.
Q. How long does it take to explore the Louvre?
The Louvre is the largest museum in the world and it would be literally impossible to see it all in a single visit. First-time visitors are usually advised to pick a few particular works or periods that they want to explore before entering the museum. This then allows them to get the most of their experience and plan their route around the huge palace!
Q. Is the Louvre close to any other landmarks?
The Louvre is in the same location as the Jardins des Tuileries and the Palais-Royal - both being just a short walk away. However, there are also several other iconic landmarks within easy walking distance, including two of Paris’s most striking cathedrals and yet another world-famous museum.
Q. What are some romantic activities near the Louvre?
The Louvre is found in one of the most picturesque and architecturally stunning areas of Paris - therefore a simple stroll around the area is one of the most romantic things to do. Alternatively, it is possible to picnic in the Jardins des Tuileries, or even take a romantic cruise along the Seine, taking in the incredible views from the river.
Places to Visit Near the Louvre
Anyone looking for things to do near the Louvre will not be found wanting, as the 1st arrondissement is home to some of the most spectacular and intriguing landmarks in the whole of Paris. It also benefits from neighbouring several other famous neighbourhoods, each offering a different experience of the city and boasting plenty of landmarks of their own. Below are a selection of some of the best things to do near the Louvre, as well as across the city.
- Jardins des Tuileries - Stunning garden and a key part of Parisienne history, with plenty of open space and stunning floral displays.
- The Louvre - simply one of the greatest museums in the world and home to the infamous Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo.
- Musee d’Orsay - one of the world’s premier art museums, housed in a former train station and boasting a stunning interior.
- Notre Dame Cathedral - Just a short walk outside of the 1st arrondissement is the famous medieval cathedral that is instantly recognisable due to its two-towered facade.
- The Catacombs - a series of subterranean caverns that contain some 6 million skeletal remains.
- The Champs Elysees - the wide boulevard is the place to shop in Paris, with several high-end designer stores and boutiques.
- Les Invalides - a complex of 17th-century buildings originally supporting wounded veterans. It now houses a museum and the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte.
Places to Eat Near the Louvre
The 1st arrondissement is famous for its fantastic range of fine restaurants, quaint bistros and traditional cafés. A short distance from the Louvre, the streets surrounding the St-Eustache Church and Les Halles offer a fantastic selection of terraces - which have a vibrant and lively atmosphere during the summer months. There are several Michelin-starred restaurants locally, including Le Carré des Feuillants, Le Dali, L’Espadon, Le Grande Véfour and Pinxo. For slightly less formal yet no less delicious dining experiences, there is also l’Ardoise, Bar Vendome, Les Cartes Postale, Au Pied de Cochon and Le Souffle.
Street Food near the Louvre
Street food vendors can be found all over Paris and is usually of a very high standard. Several such vendors are to be found in the 1st arrondissement, so those looking for street food near the Louvre will not be found wanting. Agapi Greek street food, Pacific Street Food, and 231 East Street are among the local favourites for international cuisine, whilst those looking to satisfy a sweet tooth also have options including Creperie Framboise Louvre St Honore and Coffee Crepes
Shopping Near the Louvre
The 1st arrondissement is one of the best shopping locations in all of Paris, boasting several streets lined with elegant boutiques and stores. On Rue de Rivoli, shoppers will find a plethora of retailers, vendors and designers selling everything from luxury furniture to high street fashions. Les Halles has always been a market place, but in modern times it was transformed into a multi-level shopping area with plenty of global brands, places to eat and even a cinema. Both of these streets are also ideal for pedestrians, making them a great place for retail therapy.
The surrounding neighbourhoods also offer several malls and precincts, from modern complexes to ornate 18th-century walkways. Some of the most popular are:
- Carrousel du Louvre
- Forum des Halles
- Galerie Vivienne
- Le Village Royale
- Rue Montorgueil Shopping
Transportation in Louvre
Paris has one of the most extensive public transport systems in Europe and those looking to visit the Louvre will find its central location means it is extremely well connected. There are numerous bus routes operating direct services from all over the city - with the 42 and the 69 covering most other central locations and several metro stations within easy walking distance of the Louvre. Being on the banks of the Seine also means the Louvre is accessible by water taxi where available. Some of the most notable metro stations in the area include:
- Tuileries
- Louvre - Rivoli
- Chatelet
- Concorde
- Pyramides
- Les Halles
Transport in the city can be paid for using the Paris Visite travel pass, which costs €38.35, is a five-day pass which offers unlimited travel across the cities public transport.
Weather in Louvre, Paris
The weather in Paris changes according to the season. Winters can be cold, with temperatures in December and January often dropping to around 0 degrees, even pushing below freezing at night time. Typically, July and August are the warmest months for the city, with temperatures reaching over 28 degrees on average during the hotter periods. During the summer, it is advisable to find accommodation with air conditioning, as temperatures can stay high even overnight. Paris weather in September and October is often the most desirable, as during these months it is cooler than the height of summer but typically still dry, making this a popular time of year to visit the city.
