How to get into Carrousel du Louvre?

Nestled beneath the historic Louvre Museum in Paris lies the Carrousel du Louvre, an underground shopping mall that seamlessly blends modern retail with the rich tapestry of French history and culture. This subterranean marvel offers visitors a unique experience, combining world-class shopping, dining, and direct access to one of the world’s most renowned museums.

A Glimpse into the Carrousel du Louvre

Opened in October 1993, the Carrousel du Louvre is situated at 99 Rue de Rivoli in Paris’s 1st arrondissement. Its name pays homage to the nearby Place du Carrousel and the iconic Louvre Museum. Spanning approximately 10,200 square meters, the mall boasts over 35 premium stores and 11 restaurants, catering to a diverse array of tastes and preferences.

One of the mall’s most striking features is the La Pyramide Inversée, or the Inverted Pyramid. This skylight, designed by architect Ieoh Ming Pei, serves as a luminous centerpiece, allowing natural light to flood the underground space and offering a contemporary counterpoint to the historic architecture above. The Inverted Pyramid gained international fame through its mention in Dan Brown’s best-selling novel, “The Da Vinci Code.”

Carrousel du Louvre louvre

Shopping and Dining

The Carrousel du Louvre is home to an array of prestigious brands, reflecting the elegance and sophistication synonymous with Parisian style. Notable retailers include:

• Apple Store: The first of its kind in France, offering the latest in technology and customer service.
• Printemps du Louvre: A renowned department store showcasing leading luxury brands, with a mezzanine dedicated to high-end watchmaking.
• Sephora: A global beauty retailer offering a vast selection of cosmetics and fragrances.
• Swarovski: Famed for its crystal jewelry and accessories.
• Le Tanneur: A distinguished French leather goods brand.

For those seeking culinary delights, the mall’s food court, known as “Restaurants du Monde,” provides a variety of dining options to suit every palate. From quick bites to leisurely meals, visitors can enjoy international cuisines in a relaxed setting.

Accessing the Carrousel du Louvre and the Louvre Museum

One of the significant advantages of the Carrousel du Louvre is its direct access to the Louvre Museum, offering visitors a convenient alternative to the often crowded main entrance beneath the iconic glass pyramid.

From the Metro:

The Palais Royal–Musée du Louvre station, served by Metro lines 1 and 7, provides a direct underground connection to the Carrousel du Louvre. Upon disembarking, follow signs for “Sortie 6” (Exit 6) labeled “Carrousel du Louvre.” This passage leads through a tunnel directly into the shopping mall, bypassing external crowds and providing shelter from inclement weather.

From Street Level:

At street level, the Carrousel du Louvre can be accessed at 99 Rue de Rivoli. Look for the entrance marked by the distinctive architecture leading down into the mall. This entrance is particularly useful for those arriving on foot or by bus.

By Car:

For visitors traveling by car, an underground parking facility is located at 1 Avenue du Général Lemonier. From the car park, there is direct access to the museum via the Galerie du Carrousel entrance. The parking is open daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., and visitors with disabilities are entitled to a reduced rate, which can be arranged at the dedicated area for visitors with special needs under the Pyramid.

Navigating from the Carrousel du Louvre to the Museum:

Once inside the Carrousel du Louvre, visitors will find clear signage directing them to the Louvre Museum entrance. The path leads past various shops and the Inverted Pyramid, culminating at the security checkpoint for museum entry. This route often experiences shorter lines compared to the main entrance, allowing for a more streamlined and pleasant start to your museum visit.

Tips for an Enhanced Experience

• Advance Ticket Purchase: To expedite entry, consider purchasing museum tickets in advance. Tickets can be bought online or at kiosks within the Carrousel du Louvre. Notably, the Civette du Carrousel tobacconist on level 0 (Allée de France) offers ticket sales with minimal queues, as it remains relatively undiscovered by many visitors.
• Optimal Visiting Hours: The Louvre Museum tends to be less crowded during late afternoons and evenings. On Wednesdays and Fridays, the museum extends its hours until 9:30 p.m., providing a quieter environment for exploration. Conversely, avoid visiting on Tuesdays (when the museum is closed) and the first Sunday of each month, as free admission on these Sundays often results in larger crowds.
• Comfortable Attire: Given the museum’s expansive layout, comfortable footwear is essential. Plan for breaks during your visit; the Café Mollien, located on the first floor of the Denon Wing, offers a pleasant spot to rest and recharge.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: Families with young children can benefit from complimentary pushchair rentals available at the information desk under the main pyramid. Additionally, the museum provides baby-changing facilities and child-sized restrooms. Image/wikipedia/flickr