Situated beneath the Louvre museum and the Place du Carrousel, the Carrousel du Louvre is an iconic underground retail venue that perfectly merges culture, architecture, and refined shopping. Opened in 1993 as part of the Grand Louvre project, it spans over 10,200 m² and houses around 35 medium and high-end boutiques, plus a deluxe two-level Printemps store focused on gifts and design.

Architecturally stirring, the mall features the celebrated inverted pyramid, designed by architect Ieoh Ming Pei—a mirrored echo of the Louvre’s primary glass pyramid, creating stunning play of light, visible from inside. The site also integrates medieval remains of Paris’s old walls and moats, preserved within the gallery as part of its historical narrative.

Shoppers will discover brands such as L’Occitane, Fragonard, Mariage Frères, Sephora, Swarovski, Esprit, Lancel, Fossil, Périgot, and Le Tanneur. Some stores like Maille offer unique experiences like fresh mustard from the pump and bespoke gift sets, celebrating French craftsmanship.

The mezzanine food court, known as Restaurants du Monde, features eleven international food outlets—from French to Moroccan to Japanese cuisine—ideal for a gourmet pause during your Louvre visit.

The Carrousel is also a cultural hub, hosting events like Art Shopping—a major international contemporary art fair—plus temporary exhibits, performances by the Comédie‑Française, and a 600-seat auditorium for the École du Louvre.

The atmosphere is refined yet relaxed: a bright, air-conditioned space frequented by international visitors interested in culture, architecture, and upscale shopping. Target audience includes Louvre tourists, locals seeking elegant gifts, and art and fashion aficionados.

Noteworthy anecdotes: in 2009 it launched the first Apple Store in France, stirring both controversy and excitement. The inverted pyramid also features in The Da Vinci Code, adding a mysterious cinematic dimension. The underground medieval foundations of Charles V’s city wall now form part of the display, bridging past and present.

Access & practical info: entry is via the Palais‑Royal Musée du Louvre metro station (lines 1 and 7), linked directly to the mall through subterranean corridors. The Parc Carrousel Louvre parking lot offers about 615–700 spaces, accessible from Avenue du Général Lemonnier, open 7 AM to 11 PM, with 24/7 exit possible.

The centre is open daily: most shops operate from 10 AM to 8 PM (or 7 PM depending on day), the reception is open 11 AM to 7–8 PM, and restaurants or larger areas may stay open until 10 PM. Visitors benefit from VAT refund service for purchases over €175, multilingual staff, baggage assistance, showers, Amazon lockers, photo cabin, currency exchange....

In summary, the Carrousel du Louvre is more than a shopping centre—it is a hybrid destination blending heritage, architecture, premium retail and cultural events right beneath one of the world’s most visited museums. A must‑stop on any Paris itinerary.