One of the most fascinating parts of stopping at a painting that strikes your sensibility is learning more about it.The labels next to the works are little blurbs providing basic information.And generally, it includes how the object made its way into the collection – part of the provenance of the work.
Like monarchs in other realms, French kings were great collectors of art and owned royal castles that could store all of these objects.The Louvre was one of those castles owned by the sovereign, and we are fortunate that they kept adding to the royal collection over the centuries.
Since Louis XIV is often thought of as the most outsized King of France, here are a few paintings that were directly acquired by the Sun King.Most of his acquisitions were safely classical French works.Many religious and classical myths, historical battles, triumphant victories, and battle scenes glorify Louis XIV. And compare Louis XIV to gods.What else would he expect?
Of course, all of the paintings that belonged to the French crown belonged to Louis XIV when he was King of France from 1643 until 1715.But these are 7 collected by him, or given to him, while he was king and that are hanging on the walls of the Louvre ready for you to search them out on your next visit.
(The artist’s name is followed by the name of the painting in English and French, the date the work was created, a brief description of how it entered Louis XIV’s collection, and the location where it is on display in the Louvre. All images from louvre.fr.)
1.
Luini, Bernardino. Salomé Receiving the Head of John the Baptist.Salomé recevant la tête de saint Jean Baptiste. 1520 – 1530. Acquired in 1671 from Everhard Jabach. Denon, Salle 710 – Grande Galerie
To start things off, take a look at this painting of a lovely Salomé turning her head away while John the Baptist’s is held by his hair above the silver plate.This is one of many paintings Louis XIV bought from Everhard Jabach.Jabach was an art collector, wheeler, dealer, and director in the French East India Company, which held a monopoly on trade in the Indian and Pacific Oceans.He had the resources to amass a huge collection of important works from renowned artists.Some of these he sold to Louis XIV in 1671.
Musée du Louvre. Luini, Bernardino. Salomé recevant la tête de saint Jean Baptiste. 1520 – 1530.
2.
Gellée, Claude, called Le Lorraine. Seaport at Sunset; Port de mer au soleil couchant.Painted in 1637 for Pope Urbain VIII. Given to Louis XIV by André Le Nôtre in 1693. Richelieu, Salle 827
This beautiful landscape is by a celebrated French painter who creates a classical scene of a port with the warm glow of sunset washing the sea, the ships, the buildings, and the people.And, notably, this was a gift to Louis XIV by his gardener, André Le Nôtre, the designer of the gardens at Versailles.
Musée du Louvre. Gellée, Claude. Port de mer au soleil couchant. 1637.
3.
Le Brun, Charles. Alexander the Great Enters Babylon; Entrée d’Alexandre dans Babylone.1665. Collected by Louis XIV. Sully, Salle 914
Could more adoration and comparison be heaped onto Louis XIV?This is pretty triumphant, for both Louis XIV and a triumph for Charles LeBrun.
Musée du Louvre, Le Brun, Charles. Entrée d’Alexandre dans Babylone. 1665.
4.
van Rijn, Rembrandt Harmenszoon, also called Rembrandt. Portrait of the Artist at His Easel; Autoportrait au chevalet et à l’appuie-main de peintre. 1660. Collected by Louis XIV about 1671. Richelieu, Salle 101
Rembrandt, check.
Musée du Louvre, van Rijn, Rembrandt Harmenszoon, also called Rembrandt. Autoportrait au chevalet et à l’appuie-main de peintre. 1660.
5.
Titien (Tiziano Vecellio, called Tiziano), in English, Titian. Saint Jerome doing penance; Saint Jérôme pénitent.XVI century. Louis XIV bought this painting and others from Pierre-Alexis Ponce de La Feuille in 1671. Denon, Salle 711
Poor St. Jerome.He lived in the 300s and early 400s living in a cave outside of Bethlehem after converting to Christianity.Writing furiously and eating a subsistence diet, he is often portrayed half-clothed.Here, Titien shows a penitent St. Jerome on bended knee before a crucifix.Notice his friend the lion in the shadows, faithfully staying with the one who had removed a thorn from his paw and nursed him back to health.
Musée du Louvre. Titien. Saint Jérôme pénitent. XVI century.
6.
Santi, Raffaello, called Raphaël. St. George Fighting the Dragon; Saint Georges luttant avec le dragon.1503 – 1505. Acquired by Louis XIV from the heirs of Cardinal Mazarin in 1665. Denon, Salle 710
This jewel is only 11.5” x 10”.Even though it is in a large gilded frame, it is easy to miss.The Grand Gallery can be overwhelming with masterworks whizzing by.Take some time to find the ones you like. Notice that Cardinal Mazarin had a good eye when it came to collecting masterpieces.
Musée du Louvre. Santi, Raffaello, dit RaphaëlItalie. Saint Georges luttant avec le dragon. 1503 – 1505.
7.
Vouet, Simon, Attributed to. Christ on the Column; Le Christ à la colonne.Around 1645. Entered the collection of Louis XIV before 1706. Richelieu, Salle 831
This may be one of the most muscular depictions of Jesus ever created.He and his tormentors are definitely gym rats in this painting.
Musée du Louvre. Vouet, Simon. Le Christ à la colonne. Around 1645.
BONUS– because it is a must to include:
Rigaud, Hyacinthe also called, Rigau y Ros. Louis XIV (1638-1715); Louis XIV (1638-1715).1701. Collected by Louis XIV Held by the Louvre, but on view at Versailles.
Louis XIV in all his glory. Of course, he collected it.
Musée du Louvre. Rigaud, Hyacinthe. Louis XIV (1638-1715). 1701.
There are so many paintings that were acquired by royalty. Find your favorites on the walls of the Louvre, then check the label. You may be surprised who shares your taste!
No words can describe the most heartfelt loss. But, within no time, the world is showing its profound love of Notre-Dame de Paris – the internationally adored symbol of Paris. It is extremely encouraging that so many offers of help to rebuild have been made so quickly. OUR LADY is destined to be around for at least another 850 years. Merci Dieu!
As more news comes out, hopefully much of Notre-Dame de Paris remains intact. Recent news states the grand organ was not destroyed.
So Many Opportunities to Help!
Here are a few:
The Fondation du Patrimonie (French Heritage Foundation) is accepting donations of any size. All donations will only be used for the rebuilding of Notre-Dame de Paris. Click here to make a donation. (It is very easy and for the national organization for protecting France’s heritage. PariswithScott.com just made a donation to the Fondation du Patrimonie in about 2 minutes.)
On April 26, Universal Music France will release a Decca Records album of sacred music performed by Jessye Norman, Cecilia Bartoli, Roberto Alagna, and others. Proceeds will go to the Fondation du Patrimonie for the rebuilding of Notre-Dame de Paris.
Monnaie de Paris announced that it is donating revenue from the sale of its commemorative coin that marks the 850th anniversary of Notre-Dame de Paris, take a look here.
As for any donation, please only donate to verified organizations that do not use your money to market to others for donations.
Update on Our Dearest Notre-Dame de Paris from Reports of the Fondation du Patrimonie
Now it seems workers can safely work around any lead issues. The roof has been covered to prevent further water intrusion. Many stained glass windows have been removed for protection. Supports were inserted to protect the flying buttresses and to assist in keeping the walls entact. Each piece of the building that has fallen or is being removed is stored and archived in painstaking detail. The great organ was not damaged.
Notre Dame transept rose window
Go to Notre-Dame de Paris. Not that you have to add it to your trip planning. She is still awe-inspiring from any angle. It is unfortunate that you will not be able to go in, but she deserves your attention and love. And, it is easy to give it.
Around the globe, celebrations are marking the 500th anniversary of Leonardo da Vinci’s death. Leonardo, from the town of Vinci, hence “da Vinci,” is the Italian Renaissance master who is probably the best known painter, architect, sculptor, engineer, …. in the world. He was born in 1452 – forty years before Columbus “discovered” America!
On the 500th anniversary of Leonardo’s death, Amboise, a small town on the Loire River, deserves a little recognition. It is here, after all, at the Close Lucé manor house, where Leonardo died in 1519. It is a special place in the history of art and plays an important role in the French Renaissance.
The Close Lucé, final home of Leonardo da Vinci and temporary home of the Mona Lisa.
Why Was Leonardo at Amboise?
For at least four reasons.
Because in 1516, François I, the king of France, had his court at the Château d’Amboise. The castle is located in a prime position to protect the realm of the crown and had also been the location for the French court for several kings before François I.
Along with having his court at Amboise and importantly for lovers of art, François I is known as the French Renaissance patron king. He not only loved arts and literature, but he promoted these as primary goals in French culture.
Leonardo’s commissions in Italy had been completed and he was left with no patronage. Remember he was not selling his paintings for hundreds of millions of euros at that time! And, he was eclipsed by Raphael and Michaelangelo in terms of favor with the current regimes.
Upon learning of the master’s availability, François I and Louise de Savoie invite Leonardo da Vinci to the French court at the Château d’Amboise.
Leonardo accepts the invitation. He leaves Italy and travels for two months to eventually reach Amboise. What is significant for art lovers is that he brings three important paintings with him: St. John the Baptist, The Virgin and Child with Saint Anne, and …. the Mona Lisa. (It is nearly impossible to think of the 64 year old riding a mule and toting those incredible paintings across the Alps and through the countryside!)
At Clos Lucé
When Leonardo finally arrives, François I names him, “Premier Painter, Engineer and Architect of the King.” As patron, the king provides the master with a stipend as well as dignified lodging in the Clos Lucé manor house. Here, da Vinci lives the last few years of his life, living and working in the beautiful Loire Valley. In 1519, Leonardo dies in his bedroom at Clos Lucé. Then, he is buried at the Chapel of St. Florentin. During the Revolution, the chapel was practically destroyed, and the alleged remains of Leonardo are moved to the Chapel of Saint Hubert. Today, a marble slab marks this as Leonardo’s tomb, although questions remain as to who is buried in Leonardo’s tomb.
Today, visitors can visit the house where Leonardo lived and work. In these rooms Leonardo designed elements for a castle, including a double helix staircase. Such a staircase can be found an hour away at the Château de Chambord. The rooms have been recreated with period furnishings as well as multimedia presentations about his life and work in Clos Lucé.
Down in the basement, you can see three dimensional animations and 40 models of designs by Leonardo. And, out in the garden around the house, you will find a sculpture garden of sorts. It features more models of designs by Leonardo including the assault chariot, double span bridge, tank, and multi-barreled gun.
RIP Leonardo.
Model of a tank designed by Leonardo da Vinci on the grounds of Close Lucé.
Details
Amboise is one hour away from Paris by TGV and two hours by car. At Clos Lucé, see Leonardo’s bedroom, studio and other rooms in the manor house.
One hour away is Chambord Also celebrating “half-millennium” since the construction began in 1519 under the instruction of François I. Official website: https://www.chambord.org/en/
Want to know more about Leonardo? Read a biography of Leonardo: Leonardo da Vinci by Walter Isaacson
Special note when visiting the Louvre: Although the Mona Lisa is mobbed with visitors wanting to see her, several other masterpieces by Leonardo are just outside the Mona Lisa’s dedicated room. Most people walk by without noticing them on the way to see the most famous painting in the world. This is understandable since there are so many masterpieces on the walls there. But, if you love Leonardo, take your time in the Grand Gallery and get up close and admire his talents.
On a January visit to Paris, three of us wanted to take a day trip to visit the D-Day beaches. In our planning, we were limited because of the number of daylight hours during January and because of the train schedule. We also wanted a private tour in English to see the beaches, hear the history again, see the American Cemetery, ask questions easily and be where U.S. troops had been during WWII.
The middle of January may not be the ideal time to visit the windy beaches of Normandy, but I was lucky enough to find Sabrina Pitois of Normandy Excursions & Tours. We exchanged emails and she was ready to take us on a tour. She and I arranged everything with train times and what we wanted to see.
And, as our visit got closer, she looked at the weather and wrote advising us to wear waterproof shoes/boots. (Thank goodness we took her advice!) Once more, before we left the United States, she wrote confirming our details along with a wish for a good flight. Her attention to detail and concern really made us feel comfortable and happy with choosing her to guide us.
Train Travel (and an odd delay)
Waiting for the big board to show the track for the train to Caen.
One day after arrival to Paris, we went to the Gare Saint-Lazare train station to travel to Caen, switch trains, then travel to Bayeux. The train from Paris was late. After some time, I heard an announcement that we were late because of a malfunctioning door. We finally left Paris and Sabrina called and texted to let me know that she had checked at the Bayeux station and found out about our delay.
Gare Saint-Lazare; go take a look at the Monet painting of the same view.
Our ticketed train from Caen to Bayeux had left the station, but, Sabrina had called the Caen station, found out the time for the next train, and explained all of it to me. (She would have driven to Caen to pick us up, but it was a 45 minute drive and the train only takes about 12 minutes, so her picking us up would have created even more of a delay.) Again, it was reassuring for her to check on us, advise us of the time of the next train and explain what we needed to do.
Since we did not have a ticket for the next train, I took our tickets to the ticket station and asked the representative for help. He turned over my printed ticket and wrote a note on the back and stamped it. We were ready for the next leg of our journey!
What About Lunch?
But, another change of plans was lunch. We were going to eat along the way with Sabrina, but decided we should eat at the Caen train station to save time. No real old-time café in the station, but we found a kind of pop-up stand and grabbed baguette sandwiches and waters. When we were on the quick train ride from Caen to Bayeux, we made a little picnic as the countryside whizzed by us. (Sabrina had also texted me to find some food there, but I had turned my phone off so didn’t get her message until we arrived in Bayeux.)
When we arrived at the Bayeux station, Sabrina was there to meet us – smiling on the platform, in the gusting wind, with a sign with my name on it. She greeted us as friends, then we hopped in her van and immediately took off toward Pointe du Hoc.
Soaked in History
During our drives and while visiting, Sabrina explained so much history, answered questions, pointed out interesting sights along the way, and told the story of D-Day: from how it was planned to what actually happened, to the outcome on those days at the beginning of the liberation of France. We were late to start with, but Sabrina got us going and gave us plenty of time at each stop.
Pointe du Hoc
Memorial to the U.S. Rangers at Pointe du Hoc.
First, we visited Pointe du Hoc, where the first Rangers came into Normandy on the morning of June 6, 1944. The battlefield above the beach has been left as it was except for erecting a monument. Craters are all over the area as well as giant bombed casemates that were built to house the German big guns aimed on the Allies. Visitors can also walk in and around a dormitory/command post built by the Germans for their defense of Normandy.
German bunker/dormitory at Pointe du Hoc.
Omaha Beach
Look way in the distance; 5 miles of beach (from this point) for the Americans to assault on D-Day.
Next, we went to Omaha Beach. Sabrina explained how Operation Neptune was the largest naval assault in history while showing us how the beach stretched for miles down the coast. She explained the tides and how important those and the moon phase was to the military operation. She had great enlarged photos that provided a great overview and she even told stories of some of the people in the photos.
American Cemetery
Headstones with Memorial in the distance at the American Cemetery.
Then, Sabrina drove us above Omaha Beach to the American Cemetery. The entire cemetery inspires reverence. White crosses and Stars of David stretch across the acres of lawn. A memorial and chapel on either ends are dedicated to Americans who lost their lives. American flags fly over head. From the edge of the bluff, you can see how easy the Germans had it for picking off American soldiers trying to scurry from the beach to the bluff. We happened to be at the cemetery when they lowered the American flag while playing a recorded version of taps. Here is the video of lowering the U.S. Flag at the American Cemetery. A truly memorable visit.
Gold Beach
Casemate and remains of German gun blasted by artillery from a ship, far offshore.
After quietly leaving the American Cemetery, we went on some back roads to Gold Beach. Road construction was blocking two of the main roads, but no problem for Sabrina! She grew up near here and knew how to easily navigate alternate routes on very narrow, one-lane roads. (No GPS required!)
At Gold Beach, we could see the giant German guns inside their casemates. From these sites in France, the Germans could fire shots targeting Allied ships. Amazing to hear the story and see it in person at the same time.
Return to Paris
Sadly, our train back to Paris would soon depart. So Sabrina drove us back to the Bayeux station telling stories of the countryside on the way. She even went into the station with us to make sure our train was on time. Then, Sabrina told us goodbye and bon voyage.
On a lighter note, Sabrina showed us some big, old mansions along the way and also told us about Normande cattle. The Normande is a local dairy (or beef) cow that has red or brown spots on a white coat as well as patches of color around its eyes. They dot the countryside and produce excellent milk. Normande cattle are beautiful on the green fields with their mottled white and brown colors. It was sweet to see a little calm country atmosphere while on such a somber visit to battlefields.
Normandy cow; vache Normande
Sabrina’s attention to detail, her knowledge, her care for us (and her driving skills) are unsurpassed! Unless you want to spend a couple of days going to all of the beaches, this was more than enough to really get a feel for D-Day. If you go, do not skip the American Cemetery. It was my second visit and it is definitely worth a visit or two in your lifetime. Again, although it is a somber day, no one could have made our trip more enjoyable or memorable than Sabrina.
If you go to Paris and want to go to Normandy, I highly recommend Sabrina at Normandy Excursions & Tours. Make arrangements well in advance.
Sabrina Pitois Normandy Excursions & Tours Guided Group and Private Tours in Normandy Email: [email protected] Tél.: +33 6 16 45 32 14
After the destruction of multiple historically important medieval buildings, Victor Hugo wrote an article in 1825, “Guerre aux démolisseurs!” (“War on the demolishers!”). Hugo’s article and widespread support for his idea led to the start of protecting historic monuments. But historic monuments are only part of the history that can be found at a specific location. Up until fairly recently, developers and contractors have been able to build on apparently empty spaces without any investigation into the ground below or preservation/conservation of what was found in the ground.
In other words, if contractors dug up the ground and found historic artifacts, they could disregard the ruins below and immediately continue with their constructions. All without any preservation or study of the site, or the objects.
Even if they found Gallo-Roman or Medieval ruins, burial grounds, roads, temples, etc…., nothing would have to be conserved. Ignore that history and keep on building! This article is a bit dense. But, stick with me and hopefully you will appreciate Inrap and its work with Tromelin.
Inrap
Obviously, tearing up and throwing away ancient ruins was not good. After multiple scandals involving the destruction of large and significant finds around the turn of the 21st century, France enacted laws that require an archeological study of building sites. Inrap is the department tasked with preventing the loss of archeological heritage on land, and in water, and providing the results of those studies to the public. Inrap is short for, “Institut national de recherches archéologiques préventives.” Or, in English, “French National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research.”
This is a tremendous task given that the land of France is dotted with scattered sites from pre-written history, to Roman times, to sites as recent as WWI and WWII. The published results from Inrap’s work are fascinating and widely diverse. It seems that the archeologists are finding more and more mesmerizing works every day!
Graffiti from soldiers in caves during WWI; thousand-year-old footprints in Normandy; a ritual Jewish bath from Medieval France; Gallic warriors from 3 and 4 centuries BC; hunter-gathers in Paleolithic times – they find it all in France. And with more construction, more astonishing archeological ruins are found and investigated.
The Utile
Through its research, and its obligation to provide information to the public, Inrap helps with various public exhibitions. These exhibitions generally display the work of this important organizations. One of these exhibitions in which it played a significant role is, “Tromelin, the Island of Forgotten Slaves.” The final stop of this traveling exhibition is at the Musée de l’Homme in Paris from February 13, 2019 until June 3, 2019.
The exhibition explores the French East India Company’s, Utile, and what happened to its passengers. The Utile was shipwrecked in 1761 on a desert island in the Indian Ocean. Along with its French crew, the ship was carrying an illegal cargo of 160 enslaved Malagasy people. (Malagasy are natives of Madagascar; Malagasy in French is Malgache.)
On the desert island, French and Malagasy survivors made a raft to try to return to Madagascar. Leaving 80 surviving Malagasy people on the island with a 3 month supply of food, the French crew sailed away promising to return to rescue them as soon as they reached Madagascar.
The ones who left the island never returned for the survivors.
Tromelin
Fifteen years later, a Frenchman named, Bernard Boudin de Tromelin, captained his ship to the island and rescued the only remaining survivors: 7 Malagasy women and an eight-month-old Malagasy child. The remote island remains a French territory and is now named, Tromelin Island, in honor of the rescuer.
Inrap Research Expeditions
Since the 2000s, Inrap has played a decisive role in thoroughly researching all historical details of enslaved peoples during France’s colonial period. Because the location included a shipwreck, Inrap formed a collaboration with the Naval Archeology Research Group (le Groupe de recherche en archéologie navale, or GRAN).
Both groups wanted to collect as much information, using the latest technology, and as comprehensively as possible. In multiple expeditions between 2006 and 2013, the organizations conducted historic, archeological and environmental work on the island and in its waters.
The Exhibition
The culmination of this research and the efforts of other participating organizations is the public exhibition, “Tromelin, the Island of Forgotten Slaves.” It is divided into three sections: examining the slave trade in the Indian Ocean; the archeological information collected about the enslaved people, their culture while on the island, their food, life and death; and finally, memorial.
Since 2015, it has been traveling to various cities of France with great success. Now, it makes its last stop in Paris at one of the great museums in France.
Information
“Tromelin, The Island of Forgotten Slaves” (“Tromelin, l’Île des Esclaves Oubliés”) Musée de l’Homme Address: 17 place du Trocadéro, 75016 Nearest Métro: Trocadéro; exit at “Avenue Paul Doumer – Musée de l’Homme” Official website of Musée de l’Homme: http://www.museedelhomme.fr/en Musée de l’Homme (Museum of Man) is part of the National Natural History Museums in France and it presents the evolution of humans and human societies. It occupies one side of the gargantuan Palais de Chaillot (across from the Eiffel Tower).
Interested in Inrap? Read more here. The site even has an extract of a film about the enslaved Malagasy who were abandoned on the island.
Each trip to Paris brings new insights into traveling. Both for traveling in general and for traveling specifically to Paris. This recent January trip was perfect! How could it not be? It is Paris, after all. Here are my recent observations from Paris.
We were greeted with snow, then with rain on and off for a few days. The nights were chilly with low clouds, but then the sun shone through at times making the city sparkle. Generally, the weather does not affect my enjoyment of Paris, but it does determine how to pack and how to plan.
In addition to all of the information on traveling to Paris on this site, such as this packing list, here are a few recent observations. Also, a little tattle on myself for not following my own suggestions!
Interesting observation – work on the sidewalk.
Map and Guidebook for Traveling
I forgot a map of Paris!!! And, a guidebook. I always bring them. Not this time. I completely forgot them while I was trying to get the dog to camp before starting to pack (so she wouldn’t be stressed). I always pack the night before or the day of the flight (not suggested), but I have always done it that way. As the trip approaches, I usually make a pile of things to put in my suitcase. But this time, I just forgot a map and guidebook. It is on the list I use to pack – but I misplaced my list the day before leaving! Not a good idea. Keep your list for packing with your suitcase!
G7 is a taxi service in Paris. A little while back, I downloaded the G7 app. It was terrific. It is quick and easy to enter the destination. Meaning no fumbling with using the wrong number in French or mispronouncing street names – all while the taxi driver speaks faster and faster French to you. Besides, it explained, in English, what kind of car was coming with contact information. Then, I could see the car on its way with an estimated time of arrival and more. Just like popular ride sharing apps.
G7 App gives the love to Paris travelers.
One of my friends tried Uber and it was a 30 minute wait. Same when I tried it. In the past it has worked well, but not so great this time. Do not know the reasons why, but it is great to have options. Also, if you link the G7 app to a credit card that doesn’t charge a foreign exchange fee, even better. (Lyft is not in Paris yet.)
Paris Métro
The Métro is always easy and super-efficient transport. As you work your way through the underground maze, make sure to look for the signs leading you in the right direction at each intersection. And, double check yourself each time. I missed a sign at one cross path, but Jennifer caught it. Of course, it wouldn’t have been terrible, but catching the right one saved time and kept us on track to our next destination.
Without my hard copy of a map, I used a map application on my phone a couple of times. I needed to confirm we were going in the correct direction. (I felt like I was cheating, but it was pretty useful!)
Credit Cards
Although I advised my bank that I would be in France ahead of time, I still got a fraud call after using my debit card. Plus, I wasted time and had a lot of aggravation talking to a fraud person who was not really connected to my local bank. The big banks did not have these problems. And of course, American Express already knows you are there (somehow??) and knows you are spending money – so no problems with AmEx.
Poncho in Your Satchel
It rained on this visit, but it is Paris, so who really cares? I had ponchos in my satchel for everyone. One time it was really raining hard by Parisian standards so I broke out the ponchos. BUT, make sure the poncho in the little bitty sack from the drugstore is big enough to fit over you!!! Each of us had on a coat, some with sweaters underneath, and I was carrying my satchel. None of the ponchos fit over me. Another was so flimsy, and the wind was so strong, that it was constantly being turned inside out! Anyway, I was glad to have a little cover, but will be restocking with a little higher quality and checking the sizes before purchasing more.
Hiking Boots – Who Knew?
I was very happy that I brought lightweight, waterproof, hiking boots. I have never thought of bringing hiking boots to Paris before. But, it is lots of walking, sometimes on cobblestones, sometimes in the rain, and sometimes with a little slush on the ground. They were excellent. I even wore them when it wasn’t raining. So, I was very happy to have them.
Look what hiking boots can be good for….
Walk a Mile
Jennifer left her iPhone connected to internet service the entire time. And, if it is correct, we walked 7-8 miles each day. I was really surprised by that number! If it was a long way to dinner, we took a taxi. Most of this was really just walking in the day from Métro stops and in and around neighborhoods and a few museums. No wonder Parisians are fit looking!
Now, THIS is an Observation
Absolutely off-the-hook-incredible. An eye-popper that is perfectly suited for the Louvre and I.M. Pei’s Pyramid. Kohei Nawa’s, Throne.
At night it glistens. Lusciousness. Kohei Nawa’s, Throne.
And, one more….
Cannot get enough of this. From the windows of the Louvre, no less.
Know When to Rest ‘Em
Everyone else took a rest in the afternoon, but I went to see more and walk around more. I have a hard time sitting still in Paris. However, the important part of this is that they NEEDED a rest so that the rest of their day would be enjoyable. IT IS REALLY IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND WHEN TO REST. On this trip, I was fortunate to need only about 15 minutes with my feet up before changing clothes for dinner. And, for all the places we ate dinner, I wore jeans, collared shirt and a sports jacket. Also, an outer coat and scarf for traveling to and from dinner.
Louvre Museum Shop Moved
The Louvre moved its ticket stations from right under the pyramid into the space where the gift shop used to be. Now, the museum shop is on the same underground level as before, but two parts, one either side of the wide hall leading to the inverted pyramid. It still has all of the great books, interesting gifts and walls of post cards.
Angelina on rue de Rivoli
Angelina has an outpost on the rue de Rivoli, next door to Hotel Le Meurice. The line was about 75 people long waiting to get in on a drizzly and cold afternoon. (Hint: Go to Café de Flore, instead. Or try practically any café with seating and you may be surprised by the hot chocolate.)
Stand Up Cafés Disappearing?
Cafés where one stands at the bar and orders coffee and a croissant in the morning seem to be fewer and farther between. Don’t know for sure, but we were having trouble finding them so we could duck in quickly for a shot of espresso. Will have to research more on this and be more observant. Maybe it is only the tourist areas that are filled with to-go shops.
Walk and Drink and Eat
Meanwhile on the streets of Paris, more and more Parisians seem to be walking around with cups of coffee in their hands. Quelle horreur! That is so un-Parisian to walk on the street and drink coffee. And, certainly completely unacceptable to eat while walking. Neither of these used to ever be seen.
Exercise Fanatics – In Style
Look – there is one down at the bottom right. All the others were so fast they ran out of the photo.
Another interesting observation is that more and more joggers are all over the place – another sight that used to never be seen. They thought I was from the moon when I jogged in the mornings back in the 90s. Of course, Parisians have on matching running outfits (not just shorts and t-shirts) so they look good while jogging. The runners are everywhere, especially through the gardens and along the quais of the Seine.
January = Fashion Weeks
No wonder the hotels were not at a deep discount in January. Paris Fashion Week, both womens’ and mens’ are in January. Back-to-back. And, mens fashion week was happening when we were there. Another time to put on the calendar to check before booking.
Organ Concerts
Grand Organ at Saint-Séverin.
Organ concerts at historic churches are an absolute must. They only last an hour and you don’t have to stay for the whole thing. They are a great opportunity to see magnificent architecture, and the sound from the organs can rattle your bones and the rafters. I saw/heard them at Saint-Sulpice, Saint Séverin and Saint Eustache. (I wrote more on awe-inspiring churches here.)
All incredible, but Saint Eustache may be a little more fun because the keyboard is on the ground floor. That means you can see the organist perform while listening to the music. At the others, the keyboard and the organist are way up by the pipes. At the end of the performance, they kind of peep out from the organ for their final applause. Choir organs, which are also beautiful, are played during many church services. But do not mistake them for the grand organs. The grand organs are the ones where you see the massive pipes above the main doors to the church.
Jet Lag
For jet lag, I kind of tried the “not eating on the flights” way of thinking. On the way to Paris, the meal on the plane leaving Atlanta was at about the time I would normally have dinner, so I ate. I did not eat again until lunch in Paris at Cafe Nouvelle Saint Marie. On the way back, I ate a baguette sandwich at the airport terminal that I had bought near the hotel. Then, not again until dinner in Atlanta. Generally, my jetlag is really bad coming back from Paris. But this time, it was practically non-existent. Will try the not eating on flights again in a few months and report back.
A Few More Visual Observations
Wall of postcards at the Picasso Museum; don’t forget the ones you left at home.
Door locks on Sainte-Chapelle – keeping the faithful in?
My goal is to inspire you to enjoy the Paris of your dreams. If you are trying to take your first trip to Paris, or if you want to go without an organized tour group, then this blog is for you. If this kind of travel experience is what you are after, follow me and revel in all things Paris.
Add a comment and share your insight on visiting Paris. Additional information is always welcome. Leave a comment and join in the Paris fun.
"Paris is always a good idea."
Some of the links on this site are affiliate links, including Amazon Affiliate links. This means that, at no additional cost to you, the site will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. This defrays the cost of production of the site and allows me to keep bringing you great content.
