Thieves using a basket lift broke into the Louvre on Sunday morning, forced a window and smashed display cases before fleeing on two‑wheelers with jewels described as of “inestimable” value, officials said. The operation lasted seven minutes and involved a team that had done scouting, Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez told France Inter. Police evacuated visitors as the world’s most visited museum shut for the day; no injuries were reported. The heist targeted the Galerie d’Apollon. Le Parisien said nine pieces tied to Napoleon and the Empress were taken, and a broken jewel was later found outside.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.