France, Oct. 19 -- French authorities have launched a major investigation after thieves stole jewels of 'inestimable value' from the Louvre Museum.

Thieves carried out a bold daylight robbery at Paris's Louvre Museum on Sunday morning, escaping with royal jewels described by French authorities as being of "inestimable value".

The heist unfolded around 9:30 a.m., just as the world's most visited museum was preparing to open its doors.

According to France's Interior Ministry, several intruders used a basket lift to scale the building, forced open a window and smashed display cases in the Galerie d'Apollon - home to the French Crown Jewels - before fleeing on motor scooters.

The entire operation lasted just seven minutes.

Louvre plagued...