"Louvre’s smashed window now a must-see after €88 million jewel theft"

Paris has gained an unusual new landmark, albeit an unexpected one. "And to your right," announced the guide aboard the Seine tour boat, "the Louvre—and the window where thieves broke in to steal France’s crown jewels."

The world’s most-visited museum reopened on Wednesday for the first time since four individuals forced their way into its Apollo Gallery on Sunday, escaping with €88m (£76m) worth of Napoleon-era jewellery in one of the most notable thefts in France in recent memory.

Long lines wound around the Cour Napoléon, the museum’s expansive courtyard, and the glass pyramid entrance as visitors waited to explore its vast collection of sculptures, artworks, and paintings.

Meanwhile, across the bustling Quai François Mitterrand, a smaller but more intrigued crowd had gathered along the riverbank, gazing up at one of the Louvre’s tall windows, now partially concealed by black drapes.

"Truly incredible," remarked Alida, visiting with her husband, Machiel, from the Netherlands. "It all seems so… straightforward. If this were in a film, people would say the plot was too simple."

Two of the intruders, clad in high-visibility vests to blend in as laborers, used an extendable ladder and a street-side furniture lift to reach the window. Once inside, they cut open two display cases holding the jewels with powered tools before fleeing on motorcycles.

Among the stolen items were an emerald and diamond necklace gifted by Napoleon I to his second wife, Marie Louise, and a diamond-encrusted tiara once owned by Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III.

"It’s surreal," said Fanny from Limoges, visiting Paris with her family. "You'd think the Louvre, home of the *Mona Lisa*, would be untouchable. But apparently not."

Her husband, Vincent, noted the precision of the operation. "Just look at the building—countless windows, yet they knew exactly which one to target. And they were inside for no more than four minutes. It was clearly well-planned."

However, he acknowledged that securing such a vast public space is a challenge. "You can install alarms, cameras, sensors—but you can’t just fortify every historical window with metal shutters."

Visitors from the U.S. were similarly struck by the theft’s execution. "This was an incredibly calculated crime," remarked Tom. "Like something from a heist film," added Pamela. "Almost too flawless," mused Tim.