It would be scandalous to visit Paris without seeing the glass pyramid, wandering through the Khorsabad courtyard, admiring the Venus de Milo, and viewing the Mona Lisa! A visit to the Louvre, on the other hand, necessitates some forethought. For example, you must be aware of the Louvre's operating hours. It is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm, but it is best to avoid visiting between 12:45 pm and 2:15 pm when there are long lines outside. The best time to visit is either early in the morning or late in the evening. On weekdays, the museum is less crowded then and you have a better chance of seeing lots of art treasures in one go. Weekend visits are more flexible, so if you get stuck waiting in line for something exciting you can always leave the area and do other things in Paris. You should also know that admission is free on the first Sunday of each month from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm. This is called "Louvre/Musée Marmottan Monet" day and it is very popular! Make sure to check the calendar before you go to plan your visit. Finally, take advantage of all the free activities the museum offers such as guided tours in several languages (including English), workshops, lectures, etc. There are different schedules throughout the year, so check out their website to find out what's happening while you're in town.