While most of us have already plodded our way through the expansive galleries of the Louvre to get a glimpse of its most famous lady, the Mona Lisa, we can't really claim to know all that much else about the museum's 35,000 piece collection now can we? It would take a lifetime of exploration to truly get to know all of the masterpieces that fill the former palace. But we'll take up a challenge when we see one. And with the introduction of the museum's new "high tech tour guide" we're one step closer to success.
Touted as "the first handheld multimedia player designed specifically for museums and art galleries," the XP-Vision plots out several different routes, tailored to taste. Tours are customized for both adults and children, and lead visitors through the 60,000 square meter space, like a GPS. But instead of the "turn left now" commands that your TomTom likes to bark, you're instead guided along by music, images, and informative voices that reveal details only an expert would know. And if you ever fall astray among the Michelangelos and Botticellis, a virtual map points out your exact location, which is never very far from your home base, The Westin Paris. Within walking distance of the museum, the magnificent hotel is currently offering an "Explore Paris" promotion that includes a pair of tickets to the Louvre when you book your stay.
