Mona Lisa First Viewing | Louvre Museum Semi-Private Tour Reviews

True to its name

The Mona Lisa First Viewing tour was exactly that. We were in a nearly empty room with the painting for a glorious 10 minutes or so before the crowds arrived. It was perfect. Following that was a whirlwind of Louvre highlights packed into an hour before the tour ended. It was brief but densely packed, and absolutely ideal for our teenage girls who loved it all! We stayed another couple of hours in the Louvre afterward, then it was time for crepes. Our tour guide Nancy was an absolute gem -- friendly, funny, brilliant -- and if we could have stayed in Paris for all of her tours, we would have.

Inspiring and Beautiful Experience

The quiet in the gallery when we reached the Mona Lisa almost brought tears to my eyes. I’d seen her in photos all my life, but standing there, without crowds, felt deeply personal. LivTours made it seamless and memorable.

Best Use of a Morning in Paris

Starting the day with LivTours at the Louvre was brilliant. We skipped the chaos and saw the world’s most famous painting before breakfast! After the tour, our guide recommended a nearby café for croissants and coffee—a perfect Paris morning.

Art, Stories, and Smiles

Santiago made the tour unforgettable. His stories about Da Vinci and the 1911 theft of the Mona Lisa were fascinating. The museum’s grandeur can be overwhelming, but this tour made it approachable and fun.

Ideal for Small Groups

Our semi-private group had just five people, which made it easy to ask questions and move quickly. Our guide, Sofia, was outstanding—her enthusiasm was contagious! The Jewelry Room was an unexpected favorite.

A Photographer’s Dream

As an amateur photographer, I loved that we could take photos of the Mona Lisa without dozens of people in the frame. The lighting, the space, and the serenity made for perfect shots. The rest of the tour was equally stunning.

Great Balance of History and Art

Christian was a brilliant guide who managed to weave together history, mythology, and art. He explained how the Louvre transformed from a royal palace to a museum, and his insights made the experience unforgettable. Highly professional and well-organized.

Quiet Beauty in the Louvre

This was one of the calmest and most beautiful museum experiences I’ve ever had. Our guide, Giulia, was gentle and engaging. Seeing the Louvre’s treasures before the rush of tourists was worth every cent.

Educational and Enjoyable

We brought our 12-year-old, who’s learning about Da Vinci in school, and he was fascinated. The guide explained art in a way kids could understand without dumbing it down. He’s still talking about the “mysterious smile.”

Even Better Than Expected

I thought “first viewing” just meant we’d be early—but we were literally the first people to see the Mona Lisa that morning! Our small group stood silently for several minutes, which was incredible. LivTours delivered exactly what they promised.