The comparison at a glance

What you are really buying

A guided Louvre tour gives you three things: a reserved entry (it avoids the line for visitors without a ticket, though not necessarily the security check), a thread through a huge museum, and someone who knows the way to major works such as the Mona Lisa or the Venus de Milo. It does not replace a ticket-only visit if you prefer to wander: start with our guide to the Louvre museum for official hours and prices. Shorter, cheaper tours exist, from about $55, but we do not put them forward: on a short tour of this kind, one review says the guide wrapped everything up in 40 minutes.

Reserved access with an expert guide (Extime Travel)

This is the most booked offer in the comparison: 4.3 out of 5 from about 4,070 reviews, from about $100. The listing states 2 to 3 hours in total, including about 2 hours inside the museum, with the ticket, guided-visit fees and headsets. One review notes that the guided part was shorter than advertised, and the listing specifies that the priority line and the security check can still mean a wait at busy times. See the offer.

Small group of 12 at most (City Wonders)

Three hours, the longest in the comparison, for about $113. The group has 12 people at most and the tour starts at the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel and ends at the pyramid. The ticket and reservation fee are included, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before (4.5 out of 5, 143 reviews). See the offer.

Tour with an artist (6 people at most)

Two hours with a painter-guide, in a group of 6 at most, reserved ticket included. It is rated 5 out of 5 (37 to 49 reviews depending on the snapshot) and costs about $220 to $249 per person. The listing names French and English among its languages; free cancellation up to 24 hours before. See the offer.

Masterpieces private tour

The most expensive option, about $331 per person: licensed guide, museum ticket included, private group of 6 at most (a second booking if you are more). It is rated 4.5 out of 5 from 142 reviews, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Check the length on the listing, we did not record it. See the offer.

What is not included and the pitfalls

  • Free entry does not carry over. Entry is free for under-18s and, according to the museum's site, for European Economic Area residents under 26, but not within a guided tour: you pay for the tour.
  • You can still wait. Priority entry does not mean no line: the security check remains compulsory.
  • The stated length. Allow about 30 extra minutes for the meeting and the walk to the entrance. One review reports a guided part shorter than advertised.
  • Language. It varies from one offer to another (English, Spanish, French); check before paying.
  • Accessibility. Some tours have no elevator and involve walking and climbing stairs.
  • Days. The museum is closed on Tuesday; it closes later on Wednesday and Friday (9 pm according to our guide). Check the official site.
  • Prices. The "from" prices vary by a few dollars from one snapshot to the next.

Which offer to choose?

  • First visit, reasonable budget: reserved access with an expert guide, around $100.
  • You want to take your time: the 3 hours of the group of 12 at most.
  • Couple or art lovers: the tour with an artist, in a small group of 6.
  • Family or group of friends: the private tour, which lets you set the pace. See also Paris with kids.
  • Several museums in the week: compare with a pass in our Paris pass comparison.

Booking at the right time

Book a few days ahead in high season. On Wednesday and Friday the museum closes later: look at late-day slots too. To avoid lines elsewhere in the city, read booking ahead in Paris.