I’m gearing up to start writing an Eco Guide to Paris, and I had planned on saving this not so secret trick for the big reveal, but since it’s kinder to share ones secrets than hoard them, I’ll give you a little peak at the one most convenient.
In all honesty, it’s not even really a secret, it’s information available on the Louvre website, but using this little bit of information will make you feel like a VIP when you walk into one of the world’s largest museums and find yourself inside within minutes instead of photobombing tourists for three hours in line.
Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel |
The secret door is less than a five minute walk from the popular shopping mall pyramid entrance and is pretty dang simple to find. It’s located in a less popular part of the museum and says it is only for groups, but I’ve yet to be turned away rolling solo. You can pre purchase tickets at FNAC or just walk up and purchase them there (I’ve only ever purchased them there).
So where the heck is it?
The secret entrance is at Porte Des Lions, to get there, you walk with your back to the Pyramid (where everyone is waiting in line) down to the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel and hang a left through the grassy bits towards the beautiful building which expands around the area (this is all the Louvre too). You’ll soon come to two
Porte Des Lions |
statues of Lions with a passage way between them, enter the passage way and on your left you’ll find big brown doors, through which, you’ll gain access to the museum likely welcomed with a smile from the significantly less stressed team who guard this peaceful entrance with glee.
There’s a lovely little overhead map here which will give you a bird’s eye view of my dodgy directions.
Wishing you luck and enjoyment on your journey. Be sure to check out my ‘Vegan’s Guide To Paris‘ in Selva Beat’s upcoming magazine launch and follow on Instagram for Eco Guide To Paris updates as I go!
x Holly
Besma | Curiously Conscious says
Great idea for a post – and series of posts! After living in Paris I've got to say I've passed through the Louvre countless times wondering why everyone queues for one entrance and not the other.
If you're looking for a few healthy/veggie places to eat in Paris, check out my series that I wrote last year: http://www.curiouslyconscious.com/search?q=green+paris
Besma | Curiously Conscious
MONIQUE says
Love this Holly! Can't wait to visit soon and explore some of these places with you!