Today we went to the Musee d'Orsay - in my mind one of the finest museums in the world with a collection of Impressionist paintings I couldn't even imagine ahead of time. The lines were long (other museums are closed so everyone goes here) but we spent time talking to other American tourists and learning what they had done. More on that later. By the time we got in they were out of audio guides - go early! We used our iphone app from Rick Steves and that was fine. We started on the top level where the Impressionism exhibits are: Van Gogh, Manet, Monet, Rosseau, Gauguin and more. Pictures you have only seen in books etc. The crowds were pretty terrible and we found it hard to really see and enjoy all the paintings. My favorite exhibit was the one based on night - it mixed artists, genres and time periods but depicted night. Like that idea. Rodin statues (Creator of Thinking Man) were also on display. This sculpture is by Camille Claudel, Rodin's mistress done after he left her to return to his wife. Very powerful. Her hands are just falling away from his.
Photos of the paintings were not allowed through out the museum so I have none to show here.
The lower level however used to be a train station and has many wonderful sculptures, tile work and a huge clock.
Next onto Notre Dame. We had planned to climb the outer steps (400) but got to those just as the line closed. Next time. We did see inside, it was spectacular. This cathedral has a very interesting history with church, secular use, occupation during the Revolution and more. At one time all 28 kings had their heads chopped off (statues) by the revolutionary rank and file. The rose windows are opposite each other. St. Louis is honored with a window. Some are contemporary, some ancient. Services go on while tourists walk around the outside viewing.
Oh yes, other things we have found out about. You can contract with a local to take you on walks - no charge just a donation. Sounds fun, needs a reservation
There are several old streets covered by roofs and called passages - they are the original indoor mall.
We are counting the stairs to high places and will give you a total at the end. The views are worth it.
Candy & Tom
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