The Largest Museum On Earth

To me, there is a big difference between travel and vacation. Vacations are for relaxing, lounging by the pool, soaking up the sun and probably one too many of whatever the local adult beverage of choice is.

Travel on the other hand is about experiencing the sights, sounds, history, and culture of wherever you are. And in a lot of cases, especially if it is your first time somewhere, it can mean lots of tours and museums.

After touring the ancient ruins of Rome, the absurdly opulent Vatican museum, the immaculate Tate Modern in London, the Academia Gallery in Florence, and St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice, I was honestly a bit museumed out. However, it being my first time in Paris, I of course had to go to the largest museum in the world: The Louvre.

Before heading to the Louvre, I started my day with a wonderful quiche lorraine and cappuccino before heading back to the Eiffel Tower to finally see it up close. 

It’s big. Bigger than the one in Vegas. It’s cool. 

After an Eiffel Tower photo shoot I had some more classic bistro faire at La Fontaine de Mars. My appetizer: Oeuf mayonnaise, the french version of deviled eggs. Creamy, eggy, all good. For my main, coq au vin, red wine braised chicken served over pasta. The chicken was tender, and the sauce had an incredibly deep flavor. I can see why it is a classic. 

The Louvre 

Over 780,000 sq. feet of museum, over 35,000 individual pieces of art in all forms on display in a palace dating back to the 12th century. It’s daunting.

Great Sphinx of Tanis

Luckily, I had purchased an official tour ticket a few weeks prior, so I was able to see some of the highlights with the help of a tour guide: The Great Sphinx of Tanis, The Mona Lisa, The Winged Victory of Samothrace, Venus de Milo. 

It’s unreal how big the museum is, how old and beautiful some of the pieces of art are, and how many countries and ancient civilizations are represented there. Now of course, many of these pieces of art were pilfered, especially during Napoleon’s rule. It’s estimated Napoleon stole close to 600 pieces of art from Italy alone. But it is amazing to see so much history in one place. 

Venus de Milo

I didn’t get too close to the Mona Lisa because it was so crowded, but I can at least say that I saw it. The ancient Egyptian collection was also really impressive and fascinating, filled with real sarcophagi and ceremonial relics. I also really enjoyed touring Napoleon III’s apartment inside of the museum, complete with all the regal furniture, decor, and conspicuous consumption galore.  

I didn’t spend as much time at The Louvre as perhaps more adamant art or history lovers would, but I saw the highlights and that was enough for me. 

Back at my hotel that evening I was pretty worn out. Thank god for Uber Eats. I got some duck breast and hanger steak with creamy polenta delivered for dinner, and watched some Netflix.