I don’t know how my husband finds these things out (he swears it’s “intuition,” I call it “YouTube at 2 a.m.”), but voilà: if you’ll step into the Louvre more than a couple of times this year, the Amis du Louvre membership is a very civilized way to save money, time, and your poor feet.
The short of it (aka “will this actually save me euros?”)
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Standard ticket: €22 per visit (timed entry recommended). (Le Louvre)
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Amis du Louvre solo: €95/year; Duo: €150/year (youth & family options cheaper). (amisdulouvre.fr)
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Break-even math:
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Solo: €95 ÷ €22 ≈ 5 visits to come out ahead.
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Duo: €150 ÷ (€22×2) ≈ 4 shared visits and you’re winning.
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Bonus: Membership = unlimited, no-reservation access (yes, that’s spelled out), plus priority entry. (amisdulouvre.fr)
The juicy perks (a.k.a. “secrets” that aren’t really secrets)
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Skip the Pyramid scrum: Members use Passage Richelieu, a calmer entry used by groups and cardholders. (Heads-up: it closes after 5:30 pm, and Wed/Fri after 7:30 pm.) (Le Louvre)
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Delacroix is included: Your pass covers the Musée National Eugène-Delacroix too—perfect the day after a big Louvre wander. (amisdulouvre.fr)
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Free evening for everyone: On the first Friday of the month (except July & August), entry is free after 6 pm—nice if friends are visiting sans pass (book a slot). (Le Louvre)
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Little discounts that add up: ~5% off books in the RMN bookshop, ~10% off cafés/restaurants in the museum, and reduced rates on auditorium events. (Perfect excuse for that second éclair.) (fnacspectacles.com)
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Digital card (if you join direct): Join via the Société des Amis du Louvre and you get an instant digital card on your phone to walk right in. (American Friends memberships still emphasize the physical card.) (amisdulouvre.fr)
How we actually use it (so you don’t have to learn the hard way)
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Late Wednesdays/Fridays are dreamy—fewer tour groups, softer light, happier knees. Pair that with Richelieu and you’re at Winged Victory before your coffee gets cold. (Le Louvre)
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Mix & match days: Big Louvre day → Delacroix the next open day (included), cappuccino on Place Furstenberg like you meant to do that all along. (amisdulouvre.fr)
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Mind the doors: Porte des Lions has been under renovation (check status); don’t bank on it as your secret back door. (Le Louvre)
Is it cost-effective for you?
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Paris regulars / Aix-to-Paris day-trippers: If you go each season (4×) as a couple, Duo wins. Solo folks hit parity around visit #5—easy if you like short, focused visits. (One hour for Mesopotamia, then cake. We’re adults.)
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Hosting friends: Your free-Friday strategy + your member Richelieu entry = everybody’s happy, nobody stands in the drizzle. (Le Louvre)
Mini French toolbox (A1 → Advanced), Louvre edition
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A1: “Bonjour ! Entrée Richelieu pour les adhérents ?” (Hello! Richelieu entrance for members?)
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A2: “Je suis adhérent(e). Faut-il réserver aujourd’hui ?” (I’m a member. Do I need to reserve today?)
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B1: “On fait un parcours rapide : Victoire de Samothrace puis l’aile Richelieu, ça te va ?” (Quick route: Winged Victory then Richelieu wing—ok?)
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B2: “Le vendredi soir, c’est plus calme et l’éclairage met les toiles en valeur.” (Friday nights are calmer and the lighting flatters the paintings.)
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Advanced: Explain to a friend why Delacroix chez lui (apartment-museum) changes how you see “La Liberté guidant le peuple.” Use connectors: d’une part… d’autre part… en fin de compte…
Tip: try the Louvre’s free visitor trails to practice reading French labels with a purpose.
Your turn 👇
Are you already Ami(e) du Louvre? Did the Richelieu entrance save your sanity? Drop your micro-hacks (favorite quiet rooms, snack spots, best time to meet La Joconde without a rugby scrum). Bonus: tell us your level (A1–C2) and your one line of French you actually used with a guard or at the bookshop. Let’s help the next Aix-to-Paris pilgrim glide in like a local.