Discover how to skip long lines and tourist crowds in Paris with insider tips, including a secret Louvre entrance near the small Arc de Triomphe. Travel smarter, not harder.
Paris is a city filled with world-famous landmarks — the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre-Dame, Montmartre… They’re all must-sees. But let’s face it: they’re also packed with tourists.
Luckily, with the right strategies, you can experience the magic of Paris without the chaos. Here’s how to skip the lines and discover the city like a seasoned traveler.
1. ⏰ Go Early or Late
Tourist hotspots tend to get crowded between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM. By visiting early in the morning or later in the evening, you’ll enjoy fewer people and better photo ops.
For example, the Louvre opens at 9:00 AM, and stays open until 9:45 PM on Wednesdays and Fridays — perfect for a peaceful nighttime visit.
2. 🚶♀️ Use Alternative Entrances: Secret Stairs to the Louvre
Most people line up at the glass pyramid of the Louvre, unaware of better options.
Here’s the best-kept secret:
Right next to the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel (the smaller arch near the Tuileries Garden), there’s a set of stairs leading underground. These stairs take you straight to the Carrousel du Louvre entrance, where you’ll find security checks — with much shorter lines than at the pyramid.
✅ Pro tip: You’ll reach the same entrance as those coming from the Rue de Rivoli shopping mall, but you’ll get there faster and with less hassle.
3. 💳 Book in Advance & Use Skip-the-Line Tickets
Don’t waste time queuing for tickets.
Always book online, and whenever possible, choose the skip-the-line or timed entry options.
Yes, they might cost a bit more — but your time in Paris is precious.
4. 🗺 Try Less Crowded Alternatives
Want the Parisian vibe without the tourist traps? Here are a few crowd-free alternatives:
- Instead of the Eiffel Tower: Visit Tour Montparnasse for a panoramic view — with the Eiffel Tower in it.
- Instead of Sacré-Cœur: Check out Église Saint-Sulpice or Saint-Eustache — just as grand, but peaceful.
- Instead of Notre-Dame: Explore the jewel-like Sainte-Chapelle and its kaleidoscopic stained glass.
5. 🍂 Travel Off-Season
If your schedule allows, plan your trip in April–May or September–October.
You’ll skip the summer crowds, enjoy more affordable rates, and experience a calmer side of Paris.
6. 🚇 Use the Metro Smartly
The Paris Metro is your best friend — if you know where to hop off.
For the Louvre, take Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre (Lines 1 and 7). It drops you right at the museum and gives easy access to alternative entrances, like the Carrousel.
Paris doesn’t have to mean long lines and elbow-to-elbow crowds. With just a few insider tricks — like using the secret stairs near the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel — you can explore the city on your own terms.
So go early, book smart, take the hidden paths, and experience Paris in the most efficient way!
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