Paris And London To Share Da Vinci Works

The Louvre in Paris and London's National Gallery are teaming up to give art lovers the chance to study the two near identical paintings, produced years apart, side by side for the first time.

The Virgin and Child with Saint Anne will hang aside the National's Saint Anne and John the Baptist as part of a new exhibition at the London museum from November.

Returning the favour, visitors to Paris next year will be able to view the paintings together at the Louvre in a display at the museum.

Henri Loyrette, the director of the Louvre, said the exceptional collaboration 'will provide the historical juxtaposition long desired by generations of art historians and which are certain to offer a source of considerable fascination for today's museum visitors as well'.

Nicholas Penny, director of the National Gallery, said: 'I am quite sure that the experience of seeing these masterpieces juxtaposed will be one that none of us will ever forget or that will ever be repeated. I am delighted that such a rich context for these comparisons will be provided at each venue.'

It's just one of the attractions you can consider visiting from your hotel or apartment in Paris or London during your stay.

For art lovers who are looking for something different to the Louvre they can go and view the impressionists at the Musee D'Orsay or take in the natural views over Paris from the top of the Eiffel Tower.

Otherwise visitors to the French capital can do a little shopping in the famous Galeries Lafayette store or take a stroll along the Champs Elysees.