One week or even two weeks in Paris would possibly be less than enough for any vacationer. There is so much to see that even a fortnight of outings and sightseeing may be insufficient. Of course you can just go around and see the most popular hotspots in Parisbut if you wish to truly explore sites like the Louvre, you need several hours at just one place. And there are many historically and culturally significant sites that require hours of exploration. If you are fascinated by art, history and culture then plan at least a day or possibly two when you visit the Louvre.
The Louvre draws close to 10 million visitors every year. While the Eifel Tower finds more mentions in pop culture and people look for Paris best hotels close to the iconic metal structure, the Louvre is more fascinating with a collection of 35,000 masterpieces and antiques. You would be transported to the sixth century through all the way to the nineteenth century at the Louvre.
Here are some of the most interesting facts that you should know before you visit Louvre in Paris.
- Louvre is the biggest museum in the world. You cannot explore all the exhibits in one day, one week or even in a month. It will possibly take you three months or ninety days and perhaps a few days more to see them all.
- The Musée du Louvre was originally a fortress built towards the end of the twelfth century. The fortress was converted into a palace in the sixteenth century. Later in the eighteenth century, the place was transformed into a museum and opened for the public after the French monarch decided to shift base to the Palace of Versailles.
- It was Napolean who hung the Mona Lisa for the first time and that too in his private bedroom. Napolean was instrumental in expanding the collection of the Louvre, from a few hundred to more than five thousand pieces.
- You would obviously get to the Mona Lisa, although there is some debate as to whether it is the original or the replica.
- The Louvre Galleries are another major draw with more than 7,500 paintings.
- The Louvre was used by the Nazis as a storeroom during the Second World War.
- According to many, the Louvre is haunted. There are two ghosts, a mummy known as Belphegor and a man dressed in red in the Tulleries Gardens.
