Things to Do Near the Louvre

When you've had your fill of Mona Lisa and the Musée du Louvre's thousands of cultural treasures, some fresh air and open space will be in order. Here are four nearby spots where you can wander and take in the elegance of Paris' Right Bank.

Walk across Pont des Arts for views of the Seine.

Connecting the Palais du Louvre to the Institut de France across the Seine, Pont des Arts is a pedestrian bridge best known for its love locks, the padlocks that couples once hooked to the bridge before throwing the keys in the river. From the bridge, enjoy 360 degrees of photo ops that include captures of Ile de la Cité, the area's architecture, and the Seine's bridges.

Visit Palais Royal for a quiet escape.

Just on the other side of Rue Saint-Honoré from the Louvre, the Palais Royal was once home to members of French royalty and aristocracy. Today, it offers a respite from Paris' busy 1st arrondissement with its public garden. Explore on your own, or book a tour to visit with a guide.

Stroll through Jardin des Tuileries.

A better known public garden, Jardin des Tuileries, just west of the Louvre along the Seine, provides another tranquil spot for stretching your legs after braving the museum crowds. Make your way on foot toward Place de la Concorde, passing ponds, sculptures, and the Musée de l'Orangerie, a museum housing Monet's Water Lilies murals.

Go window shopping at Place Vendôme.

Northwest of the Louvre, just off Rue Saint-Honoré, Place Vendôme is a large public square known for its luxury establishments. Get a look at the Vendôme Column, topped with a statue of Napoleon, and then circle the plaza, passing by the Hotel Ritz Paris, high-end jewelry stores, and other boutiques.