The Louvre's cameras failed to detect burglars in time to prevent their audacious daylight heist of some of France's crown jewels, the museum's director says, amid growing anger directed at officials over major security lapses.

The thieves broke into the world-famous Paris museum on Sunday using a crane to smash an upstairs window, then stole jewels worth an estimated 88 million euros ($A157 million) before escaping on motorbikes.

Laurence des Cars, the Louvre director, told senators that she had offered her resignation but it had been refused by Culture Minister Rachida Dati, who has also come under fire as recriminations flew after the robbery.

"Despite our efforts, despite our hard work every day, we were defeated," Des Cars told a Senate committee.

Many in France and around the wor

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