Day 9: Paris - Louvre

We had bought tickets in advance for 9am entrance (you have to specify date and time). Incase you have firm plans, please do book in advance and print your tickets, as it will save you time and you can save your energy to see the museum instead of standing to buy the tickets. :)

Louvre Palace with the Pyramid 

Inverted pyramid - in the lower level of the Louvre palace

We entered the underground area via the Palais Royal de Musee Louvre (long name :) and were directed upstairs since we already had tickets. There was a line downstairs too. Btw, the entire underground area has high-end stores including Apple, cosmetics, watches etc. We took the elevator upstairs, and exited onto the street from where you can see the Pyramid after a short distance. We breezed through the advance booking line, went through security check, and then were finally in the vast lobby of the museum. Pick up your map from there. And if you have time, please plan your visit at home - as in which art you want to see, which room it is in and how you will navigate from room to room. We had Rick Steve's Paris guide (we had the hard copy book - but any version recommended by yours truly) and that was very useful in highlighting the very essential art pieces in the Louvre with insight into the art. I would read the piece in the book, and give the short of it to everyone. It was enough info for us and we enjoyed knowing little about the piece and a connection to remember it with - for eg: largest canvas in the Louvre, etc.
We saw a lot in the Denon wing and then moved onto the Richelieu wing since my son had studied relevant history in school and really wanted to see Hammurabi's code and other Mesopotamian artifacts.

Hammurabi's Code

We had lunch at the cafe in the Denon wing and they also have outdoor seating in the balcony. Had tomato and mozzarella focaccia bread and cookies. They have a microwave too and the bread tasted really good after heating it up.
There are Louvre employees all over the museum to help you with directions, believe me - we asked so many directions, because after a while you are literally lost in the vast museum.
The restrooms are in the lobby and you need a ticket to come back in, so keep your ticket with you if all of you are not going out.
We also bought the Louvre masterpieces book ( 8 Euro) from the gift store in the Louvre and it is a nice memento of the wonderful art we have seen.

Artifact from the Islamic section

Artifact - Jewelry box