The main entrance of the Louvre is the glass pyramid.

The inverted pyramid that plays an important role in The Da Vinci Code.

Along with Mona Lisa, many Da Vinci Code fans seek out the Madonna of the Rocks in the Louvre.

“Across a staggeringly expansive plaza, the imposing façade of the Louvre rose like a citadel against the Paris sky.” -- The Da Vinci Code

If the two of you will visit only one museum in Paris -- or in Europe, for that matter -- this just might be the one. The mega-museum is housed in a fortress turned palace and has many of the biggies you'll recognize from the world of art: the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, Winged Victory, and more.

A Louvre visit can fill as much time as you like but plan your visit to see what part of this massive museum you want to see. (It's way too large to see in one visit.) With your museum pass, you can come and go repeatedly.

Tip: Arrive before the museum opens to avoid crowds, especially at the Mona Lisa (where lines snake all the way into the Grand Gallery). We arrived minutes before the 9am opening time, entered through the underground Carrousel entrance (the main--and more crowded entrance--is the pyramid), went straight to the Mona Lisa, and were able to walk right up the painting. Twenty minutes later, crowds were eight deep; an hour later, a line of theme park proportions had formed.

Dining: The two of you can take a break from your sightseeing with lunch in the Louvre. We dine at Le Cafe Marly in the Richelieu Wing; by dining early, we had a window table with a view of the pyramid. Prices for sandwiches, salads and quiche are comparable to sidewalk cafes. Other dining options includes plenty of fast food in the underground Carrousel mall.

Photos: Cameras and videocameras are allowed but you must turn off your flash.

Touring: Be sure to pick up a free map of the museum (you'll need it!) and carry a good guidebook with you--all text explaining the works of are is in French.) Also see: guided walking tours of Da Vinci Code locations

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