Napoleon III Apartment Must-See
Ladies! Stop just staring at the Mona Lisa! The Louvre houses a Napoleon III Apartment even more magnificent than the Palace of Versailles, with red velvet, crystal chandeliers, and gilded carvings. Every snapshot looks like a royal masterpiece. Best of all, it’s rarely crowded and absolutely a hidden gem in Paris worth visiting!
🌟 Key Highlights: Why must you visit?
- Ultimate Luxury: 19th-century royal private suite with red velvet walls, Baccarat crystal chandeliers, and gilded carvings, perfectly recreating the grandeur of the Second Empire.
- Less Crowded & Niche: Unlike the crowded main museum, this place is almost free of tour groups, perfect for photos without strangers.
- Included for Free: Included in the Louvre ticket, no extra charge. Banque de France employees can visit for free with their ID.
- Rich History: Formerly the French Ministry of Finance offices, opened to the public only in 1993. Every carving tells a story.
📍 Exact Location: How to find this secret spot?
- Location: Louvre, Richelieu Wing, 1st floor, Rooms 544 and 545
- Shortcut Entrance: Enter the Richelieu Wing from the Cour Napoléon side, follow the “Objets d’art” signs for the easiest route.
- Route Reference: Richelieu entrance → escalator to 1st floor → pass Room 500 → pass café → find Room 535 with turquoise wood paneling → pass Room 536 → exit through left door → pass Room 539 → enter through right door to arrive.
⏰ Time Planning: Avoid crowds and lines
- Opening Hours: Monday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday 9:00-18:00; Wednesday, Friday 9:00-21:45 (evening visits are great for photos); closed Tuesday.
- Best Times:
- 🌅 Weekdays at 9:00 opening, soft light and few people.
- 🌙 Wednesday/Friday evenings after 18:00, avoid tour groups, warm light enhances the crystal chandeliers’ atmosphere.
- Suggested Visit Duration: 40-60 minutes to leisurely explore and appreciate royal life details.
🎫 Tickets & Reservations: Save money and hassle
- Ticket Price: From 2026, €32 for non-EU visitors, free for EU residents; free for all under 18.
- Free Benefits:
- First Friday of each month after 18:00 (except July and August), free for everyone (advance online reservation required).
- Free on July 14, French National Day.
- Banque de France employees can visit free with work ID and use fast track.
- Reservation Advice: During peak season (April-October), book 1-2 weeks in advance on the official website to avoid 3-hour lines.
📸 Photo Guide: How to shoot royal masterpieces
1. Red velvet sofa area: Stand in front of the sofa, use the gilded frame as foreground to capture the royal hostess vibe.
2. Under the crystal chandelier: Shoot from below to make the sparkling chandelier the background, maximizing atmosphere.
3. Gilded carved walls: Lean sideways against the carved wall, use light and shadow to outline your silhouette for a high-end look.
4. Corridor corner: Use the arch and red velvet curtains for composition to create a time-travel story feel.
🚶♀️ 3-Hour Essential Route: Efficient visit without mistakes
1. Enter from Richelieu entrance → head straight to Napoleon III Apartment (Room 544), shoot your masterpieces while it’s quiet.
2. Denon Wing → visit the Mona Lisa (Room 701) → Winged Victory of Samothrace (Room 703) → Coronation of Napoleon (Room 702).
3. Sully Wing → visit Venus de Milo (Room 346) → Ancient Egyptian artifacts.
4. Sully Wing → Ancient Egyptian Courtyard (Room 106) for a unique exotic vibe.
💡 Exclusive Tips: Make your trip perfect
- Outfit Suggestion: Wear black, white, or velvet clothes to contrast with the red and gold background for a more sophisticated look.
- Transportation: Metro lines 1 and 7 to Palais Royal - Musée du Louvre station, exit right at the museum.
- Dining Recommendation: Café inside Richelieu Wing, perfect for a break with royal-style décor.
- Avoid Pitfalls: Don’t waste too much time in the main museum; focus on the Napoleon III Apartment, the real treasure here.
🔥 Summary
The Napoleon III Apartment is definitely the most underrated spot in the Louvre. Its grandeur rivals Versailles, it’s less crowded, beautiful, and free. It’s a must-visit for your 2026 Paris trip! Tag your girlfriends and go be royal nobles for a day!