The Story of Art, Appetite, and Adventure
The Louvre is as much prepared for your stomach as it is for your eyes
Eating Your Way Through the Louvre and Paris: Visiting Paris is like stepping into a living canvas, its streets hum with history, beauty, and, most deliciously, the aroma of fresh pastries and slow-cooked sauces. For many, the Louvre Museum is the centerpiece of this Parisian pilgrimage. But if you’re like me, a passionate lover of both art and food, you’ll find yourself wondering: Is there somewhere to eat in the Louvre? Can I bring a snack? Where should I eat afterward? What can’t I bring inside?
Allow me to take you on a journey, half guide, half story, about art, etiquette, and eating well in and around the most iconic museum in the world.
The Morning Begins: Croissants and Canvases
It was my second morning in Paris, and I had a date, with the Mona Lisa. I stepped out of my tiny Airbnb in the Marais, still smelling of lavender from the soap in the shared bathroom. The crisp spring air carried the scent of rising dough and butter from the boulangerie across the street. It was impossible to resist. A perfectly flaky croissant and a double espresso later, I was energized and ready to face the Louvre.
But somewhere between the golden crusts and the ancient cobblestones, it struck me: What happens if I get hungry again inside the museum?
The Louvre, after all, is massive, over 652,000 square feet of art and artifacts. Exploring it on an empty stomach would be a rookie mistake.
Is There Somewhere to Eat in the Louvre?
The answer is: Absolutely, yes. There are several dining options inside the Louvre, ranging from quick bites to more elegant fare. Here are the highlights:
1. Café Marly
Located under the arches of the Richelieu wing, Café Marly is perhaps the most stylish place to dine near the Louvre. It offers a front-row view of the iconic glass pyramid and a chic menu that blends traditional French cuisine with contemporary twists. Think foie gras, roasted duck, and beautiful desserts. It’s not cheap, but it’s a luxurious way to unwind after, or during, your museum visit.
2. Le Café Richelieu (by Angelina)
Yes, that Angelina, the one famed for its sinfully rich hot chocolate and beautiful Mont Blanc dessert. Tucked inside the Richelieu Wing, this café offers an intimate yet regal setting, perfect for a break between galleries. I couldn’t resist ordering the hot chocolate and a tartlet, which came with views of the Cour Napoléon. A meal here makes you feel like you’re dining in a private salon of Napoleon III himself.
3. The Louvre Food Court (Comptoir du Louvre)
For something more casual, the Louvre’s lower level (Carrousel du Louvre) offers a food court with international options. From sushi to sandwiches, it’s practical, accessible, and ideal for families or budget-conscious travelers. You’ll find it beneath the pyramid, so it’s centrally located and easy to access without leaving the museum complex.
4. Paul Bakery
Yes, there’s even a Paul inside the museum, the beloved French bakery chain. It’s perfect for a quick quiche, sandwich, or pastry on the go. Just don’t try to eat it inside the galleries (more on that in a moment).
Can I Take Food and Water into the Louvre?
This is a question that plagues many thoughtful travelers, especially those used to strict museum policies.
Yes, but with limitations.
The Louvre allows you to bring water bottles and snacks into the museum, but you cannot consume them inside the exhibition rooms. Security won’t confiscate your items as long as they’re properly packed, but you’ll be expected to store or eat them in designated rest areas or cafés.
Here’s what you can bring:
A reusable water bottle (ideally non-glass).
Small, packed snacks (granola bars, fruit, sandwiches).
A soft-sided bag or small backpack to carry your food.
And here’s what you can’t do:
Don’t open and eat anything in the galleries.
Don’t bring large coolers, picnic baskets, or strong-smelling foods.
Don’t bring alcohol.
There are lockers available at the entrances where you can store larger items or food you don’t need immediately. And trust me, you’ll want your hands free to take photos (without flash) and hold onto the museum map!
What Not to Bring to the Louvre
To keep things safe, respectful, and efficient, the Louvre has a clear list of prohibited items. Here’s a handy rundown of what not to bring:
🚫 Large Bags and Suitcases
The Louvre is not a luggage storage facility. Any bag over 55 x 35 x 20 cm is banned. Use the museum’s cloakroom lockers for smaller items if necessary.
🚫 Weapons or Sharp Objects
This might seem obvious, but even penknives and scissors are prohibited. Leave anything resembling a blade at home or at your hotel.
🚫 Selfie Sticks and Tripods
Photography is allowed in many parts of the Louvre, but without flash or additional equipment. Selfie sticks, tripods, and monopods are banned to protect artworks and avoid crowding.
🚫 Pets
Only service animals are permitted. No matter how chic your little poodle is, it’s a no-go.
🚫 Food to be Consumed Inside Exhibits
While snacks can be carried, you can’t eat them just anywhere. Respect the rules and find designated areas.
A Midday Pause: Art Fatigue and a Mont Blanc Moment
By the time I reached the Denon Wing, my legs were beginning to stage a revolt. After gazing into the eyes of Greek statues, marveling at Botticelli’s light, and getting momentarily lost in the vastness of the Egyptian antiquities, I knew I needed a break.
Angelina’s café felt like a sanctuary. I watched fellow travelers, solo wanderers, curious teens, entire families, sip hot chocolate or tuck into rich salads and pastries. It was a beautiful juxtaposition: the quiet buzz of lunchtime chatter against the distant echoes of centuries-old footsteps down marble corridors.
Where Is a Must to Eat in Paris?
Paris is arguably the best city in the world for eating. From simple street food to Michelin-starred extravagance, the city’s culinary options are overwhelming. But after your Louvre visit, here are a few places that are “musts” depending on your mood:
1. Le Comptoir du Relais (6th arrondissement)
An iconic bistro that balances traditional dishes with seasonal creativity. Expect long waits, but the beef cheek stew and duck confit are worth every second.
2. L’As du Fallafel (Marais)
For a fast and unbelievably satisfying bite, this falafel shop is legendary. Crispy chickpea patties wrapped in warm pita with pickled veggies and tahini, pure magic.
3. Bistrot Paul Bert (11th arrondissement)
A classic French bistro famed for its steak-frites and decadent chocolate soufflé. If you want the quintessential Parisian dinner, this is it.
4. Frenchie To Go (2nd arrondissement)
Trendy, casual, and inventive, this spot offers amazing sandwiches, bacon scones, and craft drinks. Great for a late lunch or relaxed brunch the day after your Louvre visit.
5. Café de Flore / Les Deux Magots (Saint-Germain-des-Prés)
While slightly touristy, these iconic cafés were the stomping grounds of Hemingway and Sartre. Ideal for a café crème and some people-watching post-museum.
The Art of Eating and Wandering
After my visit to the Louvre, I took a long walk along the Seine, letting the fading sun color the water gold. I passed street booksellers, accordion players, and couples kissing on park benches. I found myself at Pont des Arts, gazing back at the museum, and felt something strange: I was full, not just from food, but from experience.
Paris does that to you. It doesn’t just feed your stomach. It feeds your soul.
Tips for the Best Louvre and Dining Experience
Here’s a quick recap to make the most of your art-meets-food adventure:
Book Your Louvre Tickets in Advance: Lines can be brutal, and timed entry is now the standard.
Eat a Good Breakfast Beforehand: You’ll need the energy.
Bring a Water Bottle: But use it only in designated areas.
Plan a Lunch Stop Inside: Café Marly or Angelina are great options.
Leave Prohibited Items at Home: It’ll make security smoother.
Treat Yourself Afterward: Use your post-Louvre buzz to explore a new café, brasserie, or bakery.
Walk Off Your Meal: Paris is best digested on foot.
Why the Louvre and Paris Are Made for Each Other
The Louvre is overwhelming, in the best possible way. So is Paris. Both demand time, attention, and a certain appreciation for beauty, detail, and patience. And both are deeply tied to food: from the painted banquets of Roman times to the café culture that pulses just outside the museum walls.
So yes, you can eat at the Louvre. You can sip wine a few blocks away. You can nibble a macaron under the Eiffel Tower later that evening. But whatever you do, do it with intention. Whether you’re gazing at a Caravaggio or savoring a caramel éclair, be fully present.
After all, as Julia Child once said: “People who love to eat are always the best people.” And in Paris, surrounded by art, architecture, and aroma, you’re in very good company. image/flickr
