August 8th, the day of Museums

Today was the day to start with the Louvre so Tim and the kids could see the Mona Lisa. I headed to the top floor to see the Flemish landscapes. Instead I was way too many Reuben’s. They had half the floor closed, so I have to assume that the Rembrants and van Rysdals were all there because there wasn't a single one in the Flemish area that was open. I did however see 2 special collections, the Helene and Victor Lovey in particular, that were very nice. There were also 2 exhibits of drawings which I thought were really cool. Particularly because the ones that were the basis of pictures or murals because they showed a photo of the finished work.

 

Tim, Elisabeth and John by the base of the pyramid.

 

Later as I walked along the river, I caught this look into the Louvre at the Lions Gate which I thought was neat.

 

In the summer, Paris sets up beach on the Seine. Plange Paris which was recommended to us by all the Parisians we had talked to before we went.

 

A street corner clock on the side of a building in the Ile de la Cite.

 

Our first stop on the Ile de la Cite was Sainte-Chapelle. The stained glass is so incredible, particularly the Rose Window.

 Everyone is so busy looking up, they miss the fabulous tiling on the floor.

 

Next stop, the Conciege where people were held on the way to the guioltine. It actually has far more history than that but it's part in the Revolution is what people all want to see and hear about.

 

Next it was off to the Latin Quarter. As we were approaching the monument and plaza, a street performer was finishing up his dance. He must have been really good because we couldn't get close enough to see him.

 

The guardens at the Luxemburg Palace were exquisite. And the park is filled with things for adults and kids to do. Pony rides, g.o carts, tennis and more. Apparently, it was built by Marie Medice after her husband's death when she was regent for the young king her son, but through politics and intrigue, barely got to live there. A powerful woman who died penniless but left Paris with its most beautiful park.

 

John and Elisabeth and Tim at Luxenburg Gardens.

Luxemburg Palace is now government offices but there is a museum that were going to go to but couldn't find. We did find the Orangeries which had current artists showing their work which I really liked. Some gave me ideas for things to try on fabric with dye and paint. There were also great photos and furniture. The furniture was made with semi-precious stones tops in patterns that were really impressive.



 

After the Luxemburg Gardens we stopped in the Place de le Sorbonne for dinner. Then home, tired as usual.