Our trip to the Louvre Museum wasn’t just a museum visit — it was the finale to a road trip that began in Bregenz, Austria, and stretched all the way to Paris, France. With Julian, Simon, and our two-year-olds riding along in the backseat, it was part adventure, part endurance test, and entirely unforgettable.
By the time we reached Paris, we were equal parts exhausted and exhilarated — and we knew we couldn’t leave without visiting the Louvre. The sheer scale of the museum is breathtaking. Its glass pyramid, gleaming under soft grey skies, welcomed us like the entrance to another world. Even with toddlers in tow, snacks packed and strollers maneuvered over marble, there was something undeniably special about being there.
We didn’t try to conquer the whole museum — you can’t. We chose to wander with intention, taking in what we could while keeping the little ones entertained. Every turn revealed something stunning: towering sculptures, delicate portraits, ornate ceilings. History felt close, and somehow, so did calm.
And of course, we saw her — the Mona Lisa.
No matter how many times you’ve seen her in books or on screens, nothing compares to standing in front of the real thing. Behind her protective glass, she’s smaller than expected, but somehow larger in presence. Her half-smile, her knowing eyes — it’s no wonder the room hums with quiet awe.
Even our toddlers seemed momentarily captivated. Whether by the crowd, the hush, or the sheer mystery of it all, they paused. And in that shared stillness, the moment became magic.
Afterward, we found a quieter corner of the museum to rest, regroup, and reflect — letting the kids stretch and explore in their own way. There were snacks, giggles, and more than a few attempts to climb marble benches. But there were also stolen moments of wonder: watching a little one point at a sculpture, or the joy of discovering ancient faces carved in stone.
This stop at the Louvre was a highlight not just of our Paris visit, but of the whole road trip.
Art, family, chaos, beauty — all bundled into one unforgettable afternoon.
Photos by: Gina Kalliris
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