Things to do between the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre

Things to do between the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre

The Eiffel Tower and the Louvre are one of the main sites you must visit in Paris. They are quite close to each other so they neighbor other great places to see and check out as well. This article will give a list of the many options of various activities to do and places to visit if you want to experience the city between the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. Read on to find out an array of activities you can do when going from the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre (explore the best way to visit the biggest art  and antiques museum in the world).

Exhibitions to visit!

The Musée d’Orsay and the Musée Quai Branly are two commendable museums between the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. They make at the top of the list of the best museums to see in Paris.  The museums not only have priceless pieces of history, they also have activities and workshop packages for tourists. Moreover, they are great to visit with children as well.

>> [Articles] Prepare your visit to the Orsay museum and read our tips to visit Paris museums.

If you are planning to visit the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre keep in mind that you are likely to wait in line for hours! These activities are very popular all year long. Our advice would be to book tickets in advance.

>> [Articles] 5 tips before visiting the Eiffel Tower and Visiting the Louvre

Some of them are more expensive than “normal” ones but they  can be useful if your time in Paris is limited: Regular tickets to the Louvre are available on Tiqets.com (direct access without exchanging a voucher for a ticket) as well as Skip-the-line tickets to the Eiffel Tower and summit access. Our main advice would be to get all the information you need when purchasing these tickets. Regarding the Louvre, you can check ticket availability thanks to our calendar (see just below).

Great shopping avenues!

In-between the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre are many great shops and stores where you get the chance to spend some money ([Article] Shopping in Paris).  Rue de Georges V, Rue de Rivoli and Avenue des Champs Elysees are just a few of the streets that have many of these stores.

The stores sell a wide range of items from perfumes, to watches, jewellery, clothes, even toys for children and tech gadgets as well. It therefore becomes easy to get your loved ones a lovely souvenir from city. These stores include Tiffany’s, Disney, GAP and United Colors of Benetton just to name a few. Keep in mind, this is a great area to do some shopping, no matter the season.

Places to visit!

Rue de la Paix and the square at Place de Vendôme are some of the top areas you should see when going between the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. They have great highlights of history that are still very impressionable till day. In particular, the Vendôme Square is where the Ministre de la Justice is established. This is a must see as the square mainly harbours the most expensive jewelry stores in Paris such as Burma.

Moreover, you can spot the Ritz Hotel on the square which was a second home to famous French designer Coco Chanel. On the other hand, the Quai d’Orsay is a great spot to have a simple short picnic. You can spend time by the banks with your family and friends as you observe the boats on the Seine. Also on the banks of the Seine is the Grand Palais which are great to visit with children. The museums hold tons of activities for tourists.

>> [Article] How to enjoy the river Seine

Food to eat!

Going from one place to the next can be quite tiring and every now and then you feel your tummy grumble. So keep calm and trust in Paris! There are great spots to try out on your way between the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre that will definitely fill your belly for the day.

For some great coffee and treats, Angelina on 226 Rue de Rivoli is a great choice. The Café Mollien is also recommended, and is located on 6 Quai Francois Mitterrand. The Louise Café at 8 Rue Croix des Petits Champs, is a great family run café near the Louvre too. Nevertheless, there are endless dinners, restaurants and fast food points available for your picking

>> [Article] Best restaurants near the Louvre Museum

Row, row, row your boat!

How about a great cruise over the river in a highly tourist-like fashion? The famous tower and museum are neighbors over the river Seine. The Eiffel Tower settles on the left bank of the Seine while the Louvre settles on the right. This gives you the great opportunity to experience Paris on a “bateau-mouche“! The boats are a great way to see some of the cool things on the banks such as the Quai d’Orsay.

You could take this fun trip as you go from one side of the Seine to the other. This could be of the most memorable activities to take part in-between the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. Furthermore, they have great packages for families.

How to get from the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre:

You now have a good idea of some of the best things to do between the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre museum, but what about how to get there? Many tourists start their daily adventure at the Eiffel Tower, especially in the morning to avoid heavy crowds. I, as well as most other Parisians highly suggest making the easy 45 minute walk to the Louvre. This is one of the most exquisite and picturesque walks you’ll take in Paris.

Here’s how to get there by foot:

Walk along Quai Branly until you see the entrance to walk down to the Seine River. You can get down there from Pont Alma. Walk straight along the Seine, and you’ll pass some of Paris’s most amazing bridges and monuments. The Grand Palais, Concorde, The Orsay Museum, and walking along the water is quite relaxing- not to mention- romantic. This is especially nice to do when the weather is inviting in the spring and summer months. You’ll keep strolling down the Seine until you reach the Passerelle Léopold-Sédar-Senghor bridge. This is a very cool  and more modern looking Parisian bridge, with the stairs ascending from underneath the bridge. Walk up that bridge and take in the view. You are now basically in a movie set! Cross the bridge and turn right on Quai des Tuileries.

You’re almost there! Continue straight for about 10 minutes until you’ll finally reach Place du Carrousel. Walk through the arches and the famous glass pyramid can’t be missed.

Another popular path is to take the same route as described above, but to walk through Tuileries Garden, which starts at Place de la Concorde all the way up to the museum. I recommend the garden stroll, however no matter the route you’ll be sure to love it.

Not feeling like making the walk all the way from the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre? There are a few other ways to get there via public transportation. You can take the train RER C from “Eiffel Tower” station to “Gare du Musée d’Orsay” and then cross the Seine to reach the Louvre. You can also take the metro. Take the line 6 going towards Etoile from Bir-Hakeim (Grenelle) and ride to the station: Charles de Gaulle-Etoile. Take the line 1 going towards Chateau de Vincennes and get off at Palais-Royal (Musee du Louvre).

You can also rent a vélib (bicycle) for very little, about 1,70€/day. It’s fast and you can ride your bike along the Seine. The banks of the river are all pedestrian/bicycle-on each side, and this is popular among many Parisians to get from point A to point B.

Lastly, there is a bus that will get you there. Walk to the Champs de Mars bus stop on Avenue Charles Floquet. Wait for bus 69 (Gambetta- Marie du 20e). Ride 10 stops to Pont Royal, and from there the museum is about an 8 minute walk (quite a difference from the full 45 minute route).

Voilà! Here are some of the things to do between the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre! Shop, eat, see and learn at various points in your journey. You will get the chance to know a little more about the grand city. So come, explore and discover Paris!

See you soon in Paris!

*Originally written by Natalie in 2018. Updated by Arielle in February 2020.