Let’s start our Louvre sketch trip. As we all know, the Louvre is a huge museum where you can find almost everything from the culture of Mesopotamia to the middle of the 19th century: sculpture, painting, arts and crafts. Here you can observe the famous and original Mona Lisa painting of Leonardo da Vinci and other masterpieces. But as a museum site, the Louvre opened in 1793. Previously, it was a medieval fortress, and then a royal castle. The Louvre is a long-term construction, which began in the 12th century during the reign of Philip Augustus, who wanted to protect the city of Paris from countless invasions.
The easiest way to make a sketch of the Louvre is on the square near the entrance, also you can walk along the perimeter. You may be interested to sketch particular parts, since the Louvre is not uniform everywhere, and it has unique views due to different architectural styles applied. As I said it took centuries to build the whole complex.
You can also sketch inside the Louvre, but it is advisable to plan the visit in advance and buy a ticket to avoid long waiting lines.
The Louvre entrance fee is 17 euro. The entrance is free for visitors under 18 y.o. and 18-25 year old residents of the European Economic Area. You will need about 3-4 hours to understand what Louvre is about just at glance. The ticket includes two days admission, so definitely recommend you to come back and continue the next day. The Louvre is truly an amazing and powerful place to get inspired!
About masterpieces of Louvre you can read here.
For tickets and more: here.
How to get to the Louvre?
Quick way to Louvre is by metro station: Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre
Also you can take a taxi to avoid the metro morning rush hour.
If you are driving, there is an underground parking area near Louvre at Avenue du Général Lemonnier (open from 7am to 11pm).
Walk from Louvre to Arc de Triomph
Shall we continue the sketch walk? Then go ahead! So we will go straight to the Arc de Triumph. What locations will we meet along the way?
The Tuileries Gardens
The Tuileries Gardens is a city park, you can take a walk, sit on a bench and feed the ducks. Well, of course, make a sketch. There are many natures to draw: people, animals, botany, and the cityscape.
Place de la Concorde
Place de la Concorde located between the Champs Elysees and the Tuileries Gardens. It is the central square of Paris, built in neoclassical style. In the center of the square, stands an obelisk which is 22.83 meters high. The obelisk was donated by Mehmed Ali to France in 1831, from the temple of Pharaoh Ramesses II. An another interesting location for a sketch or photo.
Arc de Triomphe
Arc de Triomphe was erected in 1806-1836 in honor of the military victories of France during the revolution and during the First Empire. On the walls of the arch there are engravings of 128 battles and 660 names of French military leaders.
There are many options to sketch, as well as different angles of view to do so.
Museums near Louvre
Musée d’Orsay –
Famous for his great collection of Impressionists paintings like: Monet, Manet, Pissarro, Renoir.
Address: 1 Rue de la Légion d’Honneur, 75007 Paris, France
For more information look at official site.
Musée de l’Orangerie
Art gallery of post impressionists and impressionists located in Tuileries gardens.
Address: Jardin Tuileries, 75001 Paris, France.
For more information look at official site.
