OUR PRIVATE GUIDED TOUR OF THE LOUVRE:
We forwarded an itinerary of items of interest before our meeting with our guide, Isabelle, just across from the Louvre.
Her warmth and comfort navigating this tremendously sized complex was most reassuring!
She explained how we would proceed, in what order, with good reason, actually, to make it as easiest as possible to digest the wealth of her knowledge on the different areas of this incredible museum.
We proceeded very quickly past the long lines gathered in the massive concourse underneath the 'pyramid' (and what a story behind that one, Isabelle told us!)
Walking at an easy pace, not having to worry whatsoever about directions (a relief!), she basically started at the period of the construction of the 'first' Louvre, and we moved along comfortably from there, listening intently to Isabelle's detailed explanations of each and every item of interest along the way.
Of course, no trip to the Louvre would be complete without a visit to the museum's most popular resident, the Mona Lisa.
For this, Isabelle helped guide us to the front and centre space for optimum viewing, as well as asking is to view her from each end of the space as well.
For good reason as it turned out!
Then she sat us in a quiet area in order to tell us of the incredible history of the Mona Lisa, and the reasons that likely explain the phenomenal interest in her. Absolutely fascinating!
From there we continued on, viewing the many masterworks on display, along with great information explaining their origins and links of commonality.
The hours passed so quickly and Isabelle's enthusiasm and passion for this landmark museum was quite palpable and appreciated.
We reviewed what we had seen, with her answering our questions without hurry, until finally parting at the exit she kindly took us to.
It was a trip of a lifetime to have come here, but, without the steady guidance and knowledge of an art history expert, you would need many more hours, if not days, to take in and understand the masterworks from so many periods on display.
No trip to Paris is complete without a trip to the Louvre, and I highly, highly recommend doing so with one of the friendly experts from Localers, like Isabelle! read more