Murders and Mysteries of the Louvre Museum

Exploring the Murders and Mysteries of the Louvre Museum

If you’re planning a trip to Paris and considering a tour that goes beyond the usual art highlights, this Murders and Mysteries of the Louvre Museum might just be the right fit. Offered by Meeting the French, this 2-hour guided experience takes you through the Louvre’s intriguing, sometimes chilling history—covering everything from medieval secrets to scandalous events, with a focus on stories often overshadowed by the museum’s world-famous artworks.

What caught our eye? First, the way this tour combines the art collection with storytelling about the darker and more mysterious aspects of the Louvre’s past. Second, the opportunity to explore lesser-known corners of the museum alongside the highlights like the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. On the flip side, the one thing to keep in mind is that the tour is just two hours long, so if you’re eager to see everything in-depth, you might need more time.

All in all, this experience seems perfect for history buffs, fans of crime stories, or anyone curious about the hidden stories behind iconic art and architecture. If you enjoy a mix of culture, history, and a little bit of the creepy side of things, this tour could be a memorable addition to your Paris itinerary.

Key Points

• Focused on dark stories behind the Louvre’s artworks and history
• Includes lesser-known areas of the museum alongside major highlights
• Led by knowledgeable guides who share engaging, detailed stories
• Small group setting ensures a more personalized experience
• Duration of 2 hours makes it ideal for travelers with limited time
• Tickets include museum entry, so you can explore more afterward

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Tour

The experience begins right outside the imposing glass pyramid—a familiar sight, but here, it’s the meeting point for your guide. Meeting in front of the Statue of Louis XIV, you’ll be greeted and ushered into the museum, skipping the main ticket line but still passing through security. This is a huge bonus, considering how crowded the Louvre can get.

Once inside, your guide will start by sharing the story of the Louvre’s origins as a medieval fortress—an aspect many visitors overlook when admiring the art. You’ll hear about betrayals, royal scandals, and murders that are woven into the building’s history. It’s not just about the art, but about the stories that make the walls whisper.

The tour covers key sections of the museum, including the medieval remnants, the Egyptian collection, the Venus de Milo, and the Crown Jewelry Collection. Expect your guide to point out the curious and sometimes gruesome backstories of these pieces, often revealing secrets that aren’t part of the standard museum spiel.

Of course, no tour of the Louvre’s dark tales would be complete without a look at the Mona Lisa. Here, you’ll gain insights into her enigmatic smile and the speculations surrounding her. Our guide made it clear that seeing these masterpieces with a new lens makes the experience richer, especially when enriched with stories of scandal or dark history.

The Art and the Stories

The Louvre’s vast collection of artwork is both awe-inspiring and intimidating. This tour is designed to give you a curious twist—focusing on dark stories, rituals, and hidden histories. For example, within the Old World collections, you might learn about long-forgotten magic and rituals, adding an eerie layer to your understanding of these ancient artifacts.

Your guide will highlight lesser-known areas, like the medieval walls and secret corners, which normally stay out of the mainstream tour routes. In these spots, stories of betrayal, greed, and murder come alive, making the museum’s walls seem less silent and more filled with history.

While some reviews mention that guides do a solid job of hitting the major highlights, others note that the focus on “gory paintings” or darker themes can sometimes feel a bit superficial or could have been more intriguing. Still, the overall positive feedback points to knowledgeable guides who love sharing the strange and mysterious stories.

The Experience in Practice

The small group size of up to 8 participants makes this tour feel intimate. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to ask questions and get close to the guide, which is especially helpful when trying to catch all the details of these fascinating stories.

The price of $187 per person might seem steep for a 2-hour tour, but when you consider that it includes skip-the-line entry, knowledgeable guides, and access to lesser-visited parts of the Louvre, it offers good value—especially if you’re a history or art lover who appreciates context beyond just admiring paintings.

Some reviews showed that guides were mostly very engaging, with one reviewer describing the guide as “truly an expert” and “knowledgeable and engaging,” which genuinely enhances the experience. However, a few mentions of language barriers and difficulty hearing the guide serve as a reminder that clarity and communication are vital, especially in such a busy environment.

The Bottom Line: Is it Worth It?

If you’re after a quick but intriguing overview of the Louvre combined with stories that aren’t typically part of standard guided tours, this could be a great choice. It’s especially suitable if you’re interested in mysterious or darker aspects of history or simply want a fresh perspective on familiar artworks.

While it’s not a comprehensive art tour, it excels at adding depth and context to what you see, making it a more memorable and layered experience. The small group format, knowledgeable guides, and storytelling approach make it stand out from more traditional Louvre tours.

This experience is best suited for travelers who:

• Enjoy stories about history’s darker side or scandals
• Want a more personal and engaging tour
• Have limited time but want to see a mix of highlights and hidden corners
• Appreciate a narrative-driven approach that brings artworks to life

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s generally geared toward adults, especially because of the dark stories and themes. Younger children might find the content a bit heavy or scary.

Do I need to buy tickets separately?
No, the ticket price includes museum entrance fees. Your guide will help you skip the main line but not the security check.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 2 hours, making it manageable even if you have a tight schedule.

Does the tour cover the entire Louvre?
No, it’s focused on specific highlights and dark stories. You’ll have the chance to explore more on your own afterward.

What should I bring?
Just your passport or ID card, as required for entry.

Are large bags allowed?
No, oversize luggage or large bags are not permitted inside the Louvre.

Is the guide’s language only English?
The tour is offered in English and French; check your reservation details for your preferred language.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Does this tour include access to all the museum’s sections?
It includes skip-the-line entry and access to specific sections, but the focus remains on the dark stories and highlights.

Is this tour good for someone with limited time in Paris?
Absolutely. Its 2-hour format makes it ideal for fitting into a busy schedule, especially since it covers both highlights and hidden stories.

All in all, the Murders and Mysteries of the Louvre tour offers a compelling way to see the museum with fresh eyes. It’s perfect for those who love stories as much as art and want to add a layer of intrigue to their visit. With knowledgeable guides at your side, you’ll leave with a richer understanding of the secrets lurking behind the Louvre’s walls—a story or two you’ll remember long after.

You can check availability for your dates here: