Today I had planned to be museum day, and the weather made that a perfect plan. It was cold and rained off and on all day. My first stop was Musee D'Orsay. Even without the art this building is special. I could just hang out in the main central sculpture hall all day. They have a special exhibition of Henri Rousseau, which was only vaguely interesting to me. I walked through the galleries of art deco and art nouveau furniture, pre-Impressionist art, making my way up to the 5th floor galleries of Impressionists. I feel like they rearranged this place since I was last here. At the top floor, the area around the giant clock face has definitely changed. I recall a narrow walk way and railing. For some security reason, the entry to the galleries is closed so there are a lot of people milling about. Eventually they open up the doors and there are all the greats. What makes this visit so wonderful is having had the visit to Monet's house and garden and the Caillabotte exhibit yesterday, the Palais Garnier the day before, and seeing works that reference those things here. I planned to have lunch here and a couple of tour folks come by at the same time for coffee!
After lunch, I walk to the Musee Rodin. I know this place was recently renovated. They have rearranged the rooms, in addition to repairs, and also gave the whole place a feel of what it might have been like when Rodin was living and working here, with the pedestals and a new paint colour highlighting the sculptures. It's raining so not the best way to view the garden but seeing the pieces with rain drops on them has a certain poignant quality. The third museum is Musee du Quai-Branly, under the Eiffel Tower, which collects indigenous art. The pieces are grouped geographically and many of them are quite beautiful. It would be easier to understand if there were more English language signs (or if I'd bought the audio tour, which is available in English). There is a lovely garden at the entrance. Since there are hours to kill before dinner, I head back to the hotel for a rest. Dinner is actually back at the Quai-Branly's restaurant, Les Ombres. It's supposed to have a fantastic view of the Eiffel Tower!
I'm joined for dinner by Katherine our tour leader and Annie from Texas. Our table is straight in front of the Tower! They have a patio which would be terrific in warmer weather. The view of the entire North side of Paris is incredible. We can see Sacre Coeur from here. The food and service are really good as well! After the sun sets around 8:30 the Tower is lit up. Dusk here is very long compared to LA. At 9p we get the show of sparkly lights on the Tower. It's just magical, such a simple idea but so brilliant. Great way to end a wonderful stay in Paris!
After lunch, I walk to the Musee Rodin. I know this place was recently renovated. They have rearranged the rooms, in addition to repairs, and also gave the whole place a feel of what it might have been like when Rodin was living and working here, with the pedestals and a new paint colour highlighting the sculptures. It's raining so not the best way to view the garden but seeing the pieces with rain drops on them has a certain poignant quality. The third museum is Musee du Quai-Branly, under the Eiffel Tower, which collects indigenous art. The pieces are grouped geographically and many of them are quite beautiful. It would be easier to understand if there were more English language signs (or if I'd bought the audio tour, which is available in English). There is a lovely garden at the entrance. Since there are hours to kill before dinner, I head back to the hotel for a rest. Dinner is actually back at the Quai-Branly's restaurant, Les Ombres. It's supposed to have a fantastic view of the Eiffel Tower!
I'm joined for dinner by Katherine our tour leader and Annie from Texas. Our table is straight in front of the Tower! They have a patio which would be terrific in warmer weather. The view of the entire North side of Paris is incredible. We can see Sacre Coeur from here. The food and service are really good as well! After the sun sets around 8:30 the Tower is lit up. Dusk here is very long compared to LA. At 9p we get the show of sparkly lights on the Tower. It's just magical, such a simple idea but so brilliant. Great way to end a wonderful stay in Paris!
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