There can be few people who have not heard of da Vinci’s iconic masterpiece and would love to see it in person at the Louvre in Paris.
If this is on your bucket list, there are a few simple steps to ensure you make the most of the whole experience. And the first thing to be aware of, is that the Louvre is closed on Tuesdays!
Navigating the Louvre
The Louvre Palace is an absolutely huge building and it really would be impossible to see it all in one day. It is housed in the Denon wing, which also includes other masterpieces such as The Raft of the Medusa and the Winged Victory of Samothrace.
There are over 35,000 works of art spread over 400 rooms, so if you have limited time, you need to plan to ensure that you don’t miss the Mona Lisa.
A Suggested Itinerary
To ensure you see the most iconic works, leading up to the Louvre’s largest room and the Mona Lisa, start in the Sully wing. Here, you shouldn’t miss the Royal Collections and the Venus de Milo, before heading up the stairs to the Denon wing.
As you pass through the Grande Galerie, you can admire the extensive collection of Italian artworks, before entering room 711, to come face to face with the Mona Lisa!
No day at the Louvre is complete without a visit to one of the many cafes and restaurants, where you can enjoy delicious French specialities while taking in the scenic gardens of the Louvre or enjoying a view of the renowned Pyramid.
Le Mollien is particularly recommended and is surprisingly affordable, with the option of a glass of wine with your lunch.
Seeing the Mona Lisa in Paris is a truly worthwhile addition to your bucket list, and the experience will long remain in your memory!
