Paris in 1 Day for Couples - Private skip‑the‑line guided tour of the Louvre (2 hours)
In Collaboration with The Expat Tours. Updated on January 31, 2026.
Private 2-hour guided tour of the Louvre led by a licensed art historian covering the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, Winged Victory and more — followed by relaxed post-tour time, a terrace aperitif at Café Marly and a sunset Seine cruise for a romantic evening.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with The Expat Tours, inspired by the tour Best of the Louvre Museum Private Tour & The Monalisa . Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Private skip‑the‑line guided tour of the Louvre (2 hours)
- See the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, Winged Victory (Samothrace) and other masterworks
- Optional 3‑hour upgrade to explore Egyptian Antiquities & a real mummy
- Terrace aperitif at Café Marly with views of the Louvre courtyard
- Sunset Seine cruise (Vedettes du Pont Neuf) — a quintessential romantic moment
- Intimate dinner near the Louvre at Le Fumoir
Itinerary
Day 1
Afternoon private Louvre tour followed by a relaxed evening: terrace aperitif, sunset Seine cruise and intimate dinner — ideal for couples enjoying art and a romantic Parisian sunset.
Meeting point — Cour Napoléon, in front of the Louvre Pyramid
Meet your licensed guide in the Cour Napoléon courtyard directly in front of the glass Pyramid. Look for the statue of Louis XIV (Marcus Aurelius pose) — your guide will be holding a sign. Arrive 15 minutes early for a prompt start.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive 15 minutes early and confirm the phone number you provided — guides keep prepaid tickets and tours start on time.
- Minimal luggage only: large bags and suitcases are not allowed through museum security; bring a slim backpack or handbag.
- Great photo spot: the Pyramid lit in late‑afternoon provides a lovely pre‑tour couple shot — but save flash photography for outside the galleries.
Private guided tour of the Louvre — Highlights (2 hours)
Licensed English‑speaking art historian leads your private 2‑hour skip‑the‑line tour focusing on Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, Winged Victory (Nike of Samothrace), Michelangelo’s Slaves, The Raft of the Medusa, Liberty Leading the People and other curated masterpieces. The guide tailors commentary to your interests and handles ticketing/security.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask your guide for a ‘quiet rooms’ heads‑up — some galleries have restricted speaking; your guide will brief you before entering.
- If you want more Egyptian antiquities, request the 3‑hour Egypt upgrade (available Mon/Wed/Sat/Sun) — it includes the real mummy and deeper context.
- Wear comfortable shoes and keep camera settings ready (no flash inside certain rooms). For intimate photos near famous works, ask your guide the best unobtrusive vantage.
Post‑tour free time inside the Louvre — explore at leisure
After the guided portion, stay inside as long as you like. Use this hour to revisit a favorite painting, browse the gift shop, or slip into a quieter gallery for a private moment together.
Tips from local experts:
- Head to the smaller wings (e.g., Richelieu apartments) for less crowded, romantic alcoves and classical sculpture views.
- If you want a quick restroom or a place to sit, follow signs to the museum cafés and visitor services — they’re the most reliable indoor seating.
- Check the museum map on the Louvre app or the desk for any temporary room closures so you can replan quickly.
Terrace aperitif at Café Marly (Louvre terrace) — relaxed romantic break
Walk to Café Marly for a late‑afternoon/early‑evening aperitif on the terrace overlooking the Louvre courtyard and the Pyramid — a classic Parisian romantic moment before your cruise.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask for a terrace table facing the Pyramid for the best views; reserve in advance if possible during high season.
- Order a Kir Royal or house cocktail and share a light plate (cheese or oysters when available) to keep the evening unhurried.
- Terrace seating can be breezy in spring — bring a light wrap. The staff are used to couples wanting a quiet table, mention it's a special evening.
Leisurely walk along the Seine toward Pont Neuf
A 10–20 minute riverside stroll from the Louvre to Pont Neuf — enjoy views of the river, Île de la Cité and the changing light before boarding your cruise.
Tips from local experts:
- Take the south bank route along Quai François Mitterrand for uninterrupted river views and great photo ops of Île de la Cité.
- Pace the walk slowly and pause on bridges (Pont du Carrousel, Pont Neuf) — quaint moments for a candid couple shot.
- If the weather turns cool, there are benches and covered arcade spots along the way to shelter briefly.
Sunset Seine cruise — Vedettes du Pont Neuf (romantic special moment)
One‑hour romantic cruise departing from Pont Neuf — glide past Notre‑Dame, the Île Saint‑Louis and under Parisian bridges as the city lights come on. Perfect golden‑hour experience for couples.
Tips from local experts:
- Board 10–15 minutes early; the best couple photos are from the bow but space is limited — arrive early to claim a spot.
- Sit on the upper deck if available for unobstructed views during sunset; bring a light jacket for the breeze on the water in spring.
- Tell the crew if you’d like a quiet corner — they’ll often suggest less crowded vantage points; consider a champagne upgrade for a memorable toast.
Intimate dinner at Le Fumoir — relaxed late dinner near the Louvre
After your cruise, return to a short walk near the Louvre for an intimate dinner at Le Fumoir — cozy, dimly lit and perfect for couples who want a calm culinary finish to the night.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a quiet table in advance and request a corner or window seat for intimacy; the restaurant is known for a relaxed, romantic atmosphere.
- Order signature dishes to share and pair with a boutique French wine — ask the sommelier for a recommendation to match your preferences.
- Le Fumoir is a calm dining spot compared with busier tourist restaurants — ideal if you prefer a relaxed end to the evening rather than loud nightlife.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 6 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Couples |
| Transfers | 1 |
| Restaurants | 2 |
| Total Activities | 6 |
| Total Places | 6 |
| Activities Types | Attraction, Culture, Break, Restaurant, Transfer, Experience |
