What to See and Do in the Louvre Area (Other Than Visiting the Museum)

Are you wondering what to see or do near the Louvre Museum? Then, allow me to suggest ideas of things to do in the surroundings to make the most of this amazing district.

If it’s your first time at the Louvre Museum, I recommend you read this guide to learn everything you need to know to plan your visit.

For those in a hurry, I recommend this guide for a quick tour of the Louvre Museum in two hours.

But first, here is an overview of what to do near the Louvre Museum:

 

Jardin Des Tuileries (The Tuileries Garden)

Pl. de la Concorde, 75001 Paris

tuileries garden
The Tuileries Garden

How about a breath of fresh air after visiting the Louvre? Take a stroll through this French-style garden facing the iconic Louvre pyramid.

There are several benches, chairs, and deckchairs available for free around the garden.

Every year, the place holds seasonal events:

  • From early December to early January, enjoy the Christmas market and the welcoming atmosphere of the end of the year celebrations.
  • From early July to late August, enjoy the Tuileries funfair and the overly fun rides.

We love:

  • Picnicking or laying down on the large lawns
  • The iconic green chairs around the garden
  • How close it is to the Louvre Museum

Additional Information

 

Jardin du Palais Royal (The Palais-Royal Garden)

2 Gal de Montpensier, 75001 Paris

The Buren’s columns
The Buren’s columns – Credits: Guilhem Vellut from Paris, France, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

This is a 5-minute walk from the Louvre Museum. Walk northwest along Rue Rivoli, then turn right onto Rue Montpensier, and you will arrive by the entrance of the Palais-Royal Garden.

Take a stroll along the shady paths, elegant fountains, and colorful flower beds – this place truly is a haven of peace right by the Louvre Museum.

We love:

  • The iconic black and white Buren’s columns
  • The benches with lyrical sayings
  • The fountain right by the middle

Additional Information (website in French)

 

Place de la Concorde

Place de la Concorde, 75008 Paris

The Fountains of the Seas and the Luxor Obelisk
The Fountains of the Seas and the Luxor Obelisk

From the Louvre Museum, walk up the Jardin des Tuileries to discover the iconic obelisk of Place de la Concorde.

However, this spectacular square is usually jammed with traffic. I recommend you come back during nighttime to enjoy the nice illuminations and snap some unforgettable souvenir photos.

We love:

  • The two iconic fountains
  • The breathtaking 23 meters high obelisk (75 ft tall)

Additional Information

 

La Samaritaine – Department Store

9 R. de la Monnaie, 75001 Paris

The Samaritaine
The Samaritaine’s facade – Credits: Arthur Weidmann, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

This iconic Parisian department store and its magnificent Art Nouveau style facade is a 5-minute walk from the Louvre Museum.

La Samaritaine embodies Parisian luxury with emblematic fashion boutiques and perfume shops. This is also a great place to discover the Parisian architectural heritage, making it the perfect stop in the Louvre district.

We love:

  • The breathtaking glass roof overlooking the shops
  • The self-service photo studio to take home a souvenir of your visit

Additional Information

 

La Sainte-Chapelle

10 Bd du Palais, 75001 Paris

Sainte-chapelle
The impressive view from the outside of the chapel – Credits: Zairon, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

La Sainte-Chapelle is a 10-minute walk from the Louvre Museum. This iconic place is located on the Île de la Cité Island and is an actual landmark of French history.

This embodiment of Gothic architecture is renowned for its amazing stained glass windows featuring biblical representations, all in all, contributing to the unique atmosphere of the place.

La Sainte-Chapelle is an incredible masterpiece of beauty right in the center of Paris that will definitely leave an impression.

We love:

  • The gigantic 20-meter high vaults (65 ft tall)
  • The impressively beautiful stained glass windows

Booking Information

 

The Arcades of Rue Rivoli

Rue Rivoli, 75001 Paris

Rivoli street
The Galignani bookshop underneath the arcades of Rue Rivoli – Credits: Librairie Galignani, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The arcades of Rue de Rivoli offer a calm and elegant atmosphere combining shopping with authentic Parisian charm.

This is the perfect place to go shopping, have a coffee in a sidewalk café, or simply stroll near the Louvre. This is a pedestrian only avenue, making it the perfect place to go for a walk.

I recommend you pass by the Galignani bookshop (website in French) or stop by the famous Angelina tea room to give French pastry a try.

We love:

  • The elegant fashion boutiques
  • The beautiful arcades

 

Le Pont des Arts

pont des arts
The romantic Pont des Arts – Credits: Guilhem Vellut from Paris, France, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

I recommend you take a stroll along Pont des Arts (also known as the “Lover’s Bridge”) to discover this symbol of Parisian romance.

Le Pont des Arts is located right by the Louvre Museum and is overlooked by the French Institute’s building. Even more, the bridge offers a breathtaking view of the Seine River.

In short, this is an absolute must-see in the Louvre district and the perfect photo spot!

We love:

  • The romantic atmosphere
  • The view of the Seine River

 

Le Pont Neuf

Pont neuf
The Pont des Neuf’s view from the quays of the Seine River

Discover the capital’s oldest stone bridge and the arches decorated with mascarons – elegant ornaments carved into the stone.

The bridge connects Paris’ Right Bank to the Île de la Cité Island – which is home to Notre-Dame-de-Paris Cathedral.

We love:

  • The exceptional view of the Right and Left Banks
  • How steeped in history the bridge is

 

Place Vendôme (Vendôme Square)

place vendôme
The impressive Vendôme Column – Credits: besopha, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Go on a walk near Place Vendôme to discover this famous square, the luxury boutiques, and Parisian buildings.

Place Vendôme has become a symbol of French luxury because it is home to one of the world’s most prestigious hotels: the Ritz Hotel.

We love:

  • The impressive Vendôme Column in the middle proudly overlooks the square
  • The beautiful jeweler’s and fashion boutiques storefronts

 

Rue Saint-Honoré (Saint-Honoré Street)

Saint Honoré street
The luxurious boutiques in Rue Saint-Honoré – Credits: Mbzt, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Rue Saint-Honoré is renowned for its historical buildings and several haute couture boutiques.

The street is packed with restaurants and cafés, making it the perfect place for lunch or snack time.

In short, this street is an actual cultural hub, halfway between shopping, luxury, and history.

We love:

  • The chic buildings
  • The several typical Parisian restaurants

 

Rue Saint-Anne (Sainte-Anne Street)

 

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This little street is considered the main place of interest for lovers of authentic Japanese cuisine.

The street is packed with typical Japanese restaurants and bakeries offering a wide variety of dishes and food products straight from Japan.

We love:

  • The traditional Japanese atmosphere right in Paris’ center
  • The several typical Japanese restaurants

 

“Les Bouquinistes” Second-Hand Booksellers

Bords de Seine – 75004 Paris

book sellers
The book and poster stalls – Credits: Benh LIEU SONG, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Discover this impressive open-air bookshop set up over 3 km (1.8 miles) along the Right and Left Banks of the Seine River.

The place gathers about a hundred booksellers and more than 300,000 second-hand books displayed along the banks.

We love:

  • The infinite offer of books and magazines
  • The original atmosphere

 

Place de la Madeleine (Madeleine Square)

La madeleine church
The Madeleine Church

This famous square is well-known for its magnificent architecture, luxurious jewelers, and fashion boutiques.

Must-see: the impressive Église de la Madeleine that overlooks the square (The Madeleine Church.) It is considered one of the most remarkable churches in Paris.

We love:

  • The temple-like style of Église de la Madeleine

 

Le Carrousel du Louvre – Shopping Center

99 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris

Carrousel du Louvre pyramid
The mall’s inverted pyramid – Credits: Cheng-en Cheng from Taichung City, Taiwan, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Discover Paris’ iconic mall combining shopping with culture.

Located beneath the impressive Louvre’s inverted pyramid, the mall features a remarkable selection of internationally renowned boutiques, including luxurious ones.

We love:

  • The inverted pyramid in the middle of the concourse
  • The elegant statues in the hallway

Additional Information

 

Galerie Véro-Dodat

9 rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau – 75001 Paris

Vero-dodat family
The gallery’s iconic tile floor – Credits: Jerome Bon, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

This covered passage is an absolute must-see in Rue Montmartre. The place is home to fashion boutiques and a few art galleries.

It is well-known for its iconic look, a marble black and white tile floor, making it the perfect photo spot.

We love:

  • The elegant boutiques
  • How unique and beautiful the gallery is

Additional Information (website in French)

 

Galerie Vivienne

4 Rue des Petits Champs, 75002 Paris

Vivienne gallery mosaic floor
The gallery’s beautiful mosaic floor

This is one of Paris’ most beautiful covered passages featuring mosaics, marble columns, and sparkling glass roofs.

Enjoy the gallery’s refined selection of boutiques, cafés and restaurants.

We love:

  • The magnificent mosaic flooring
  • The impressive architecture

Additional Information (website in French)

 

The Louvre Batobus Stop

 

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How about boarding a shuttle on the Seine River for a tour of Paris’ most beautiful sites in just a few stops?

Batobus shuttles run at regular intervals between the different stops along the route, allowing you to plan your own visit.

For example, there is a 15-minute boat ride from the Louvre Batobus stop to the Parisian Latin Quarter.

We love:

  • The nice boat ride
  • The convenience: you get to plan your own tour according to your preference!

Additional Information

 

Panik Room – Escape Room

38 Rue Croix des Petits Champs, 75001 Paris

 

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Discover this unique paranormal-themed escape room located right by the Louvre Museum.

The unique feature: you start the game blindfolded and have to work your way through a haunted house setting.

The game lasts between 1 to 2 hours in groups of 3 to 6 people, making it the perfect activity idea for a thrilling afternoon with friends!

We love:

  • The great performance
  • The welcoming team

Additional Information

 

Fly View – Virtual Reality Room

30 rue du 4 septembre, 75002 Paris

Fly view
The jetpacks for an ultra-immersive experience

Caption photo: The jetpacks for an ultra-immersive experience

Experience a unique flight simulation over the capital, learn about the hidden face of Parisian historical buildings, experience a virtual immersion within the Notre Dame Cathedral, and a trip inside the pyramids. There’s something for everyone!

We love:

  • The immersive and true to life experiences
  • The virtual recreation of the Notre Dame Cathedral before the fire incident

Information & Bookings

 

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    Have a Bubble Tea at Yi Fang

    44 Rue de Richelieu, 75001 Paris

    Considert a refreshing break at Yi Fang: an adorable Taiwanese bubble tea shop located 5 minutes away from the Louvre Museum.

    Choose from a wide range of drinks from classic milk teas to delicious fruit pearl teas. The average price amounts to €5 per drink.

    These bubble teas are delicious and the quantities are quite generous. This is the perfect idea for a snack!

    We love:

    • The delicious egg pancakes filled with pastry cream
    • The customizable drinks

    Additional Information

     

    The Bo&Mie Louvre-Rivoli Bakery

    91 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris

    Discover this unique bakery located right by the Louvre Museum. Bo&Mie is a creative pastry shop designed to be relaxing and make you hungry.

    The warm and welcoming atmosphere makes it the perfect place to relax and peacefully enjoy a snack.

    The must-try pastry: the “New York Roll” – a sort of revisited croissant filled with pastry cream. This Bo&Mie’s specialty is an absolute must-try if you ever pass by this pastry shop.

    We love:

    • The affordable prices
    • The extra welcoming atmosphere

    Additional Information