This post covers some of the best ways to save money on tickets to the Louvre, including several opportunities for free entry.
- Free Entry
- Deals
- Tickets & Tours
- 12 Must-See Objects in the Louvre
- How to See the Mona Lisa
- Things to Do in Paris
FREE ENTRY TO THE LOUVRE
There are several ways to visit the Louvre for free. However, it should be noted that not everyone will qualify for free admission.
Below we explain who is eligible for free entry, including information about what ID (if any) you will need to present at the museum.
1. Free for Some Students
If you are a student in college, graduate school, or other educational institution AND between the ages of 18 and 26, you might qualify for free admission depending on your country of residency. Read the section below.
Unfortunately, there are no student discounts at the Louvre for any students over 26 years of age, but one of the below opportunities may apply in this case.
2. Free for Everyone Under 18
This museum is free every day for everyone under 18, regardless of where they are from.
If you’re planning to take children 17 and younger, you won’t have to pay for their admission!
This is a great saving for families who want to bring their kids to see the masterpieces inside the Louvre.
TIP: This policy applies to most museums in Paris and the rest of France.
3. Free for European Economic Area Residents ages 18-25
If you live in the European Economic Area (European Union, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein) AND between the ages of 18 and 25, you can enter the Louvre free of charge.
You'll need to show proof of identity like a passport or EU identity card to get free admission.
4. Free on First Friday
Admission is free for all visitors on the first Friday of each month (except in July and August) from 6 p.m. to 9:45 p.m.
This is a fantastic option for anyone who isn't under 26 or a European Economic Area resident.
5. Free on Bastille Day
If you're visiting on Bastille Day (July 14th), admission is free for everyone regardless of age or country of residence.
This is another great option for those who don't qualify for any other free admission options in this post.
As this is a National holiday, you may experience crowds.
6. Free for Teachers
Educators of plastic arts, archeology, applied arts, architecture and art history are welcome to visit for free. Proof of the subject taught is required.
Primary and Secondary teachers of any subject in certain French schools who hold a "Pass Education" card can also enjoy free admission.
Learn more about this opportunity from the website Ministère de l'Education Nationale et de la Jeunesse.
7. Free for People with Disabilities
If you have a registered disability, you and your caretaker are eligible for free entry to the Louvre.
Some areas are not wheelchair friendly, but the staff will help whenever possible.
8. Free for Membership Card Holders
This option will undoubtedly be most effective for visitors who either live in Paris or elsewhere in France and plan to visit the Louvre more than once a year.
A yearly membership costs:
Ami du Louvre Youth Card
- Under 26 years old: €15 for 1 person, €28 for 2
- 26-29 years old: €35 for 1 person, €60 for 2
Ami du Louvre Basic Membership card
- 1 Adult: €80
- 2 Adults: €120
These membership cards give you access to reduced prices at over 100 French museums, as well as special concessions and offers at other attractions.
Members have free unlimited, priority access to permanent collections and exhibitions. They can also bring a companion for free on Wednesday and Friday evenings.
You'll also receive free magazines, newsletters, and invitations to lecture programs.
If you're under 29, €35 would probably be a good deal even if you could only visit 2-3 times yearly.
However, anyone older might want to consider if they plan to visit enough to make this membership worth the price.
9. Free for Everyone Under 26 on Fridays
Every Friday from 6 p.m. to 9:45 p.m., admission to the museum is free for visitors under the age of 26 regardless of country of residence.
Note: This discount may have changed as this information is no longer included on their website. We are trying to verify the changes.
DEALS TO THE LOUVRE MUSEUM
Even if you can't get in for free, there are a few ways to save money on tickets to the Louvre.
This section will cover each opportunity to get the cheapest Louvre tickets.
1. Use a Tourist Pass
Arguably the most popular deals are found in tourist attractions discount passes.
These passes can save you anywhere from 20% - 50% on admission to many of Paris’s most popular tours and attractions, including some of the following:
- Panthéon
- Sainte-Chapelle
- Versailles Palace
- Arc De Triomphe
- The Orsay Museum
- Montparnasse Tower
- Centre Pompidou
- Picasso Museum
- Notre Dame
- And more!
NOTE: The Paris City Card is one of the newest options, and it includes admission to the Eiffel Tower and a sightseeing cruise on the Seine.
For more information, read our post about Paris tourist passes.
2. Check Discount Websites
If all else has failed, you might want to check a concession site such as Groupon to see if they are offering any deals on tours of the Louvre.
TIP: These services often provide additional promo codes to help you save an extra 10% - 20% off on local activities.
3. Combo Packages
There are a lot of great combo deals that include tickets to the Louvre and also admission to other popular attractions in Paris.
If you're already planning to enjoy both of the activities included with one of these combination packages, this is a great way to save a bit of money on tickets.
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