Sunday, May 19, 2013

MY LAST POST .....

Nothing but rain in the days ahead..Museums closed on Monday...so time to go shopping!

When je pense about the depth and magnificence of what I have seen I just give thanks for my love of art, music and vision of so many that have left a lifetime of pleasure for anyone. I can barely fathom that I have not even scratched the surface as I have said before and it will take some doing not to be back within months!

This trip has opened my mind, eyes and the world will never look the same.....not sure how anyone can leave this country! The sheer magnitude is beyond description...

Today took me to the Nissim De Camondo Museum such history here with a passionate collector of the arts. The collection is remarkable of the French decorative arts of the eighteenth century. Moise Camondo's only son was killed in the First World War and it is clear the pain remained until Moise died In 1935 after a bitter divorce. He took over his two children and his daughter Béatrice, husband and children eventually died in Auchwitz. The Museum was left to France on his son's death as his daughter was not interested in the collection. Lucky France, but few happy days were had under this roof!

 

A walk in the lovely Parc Monceau that the mansion backs on brought a lovely end to a Sunday.

Moise would often take his meals in the Porcelain Room... With this collection who wouldn't!!!

 

View of the Jardins next to Parc Monceau...
 

An inviting Parc....

 

Thanks to Suzanne, Peter, Thomas, and Lyn for your love and support...thanks to Susie, Leafy for your calls!

À bientôt......

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Saturday, May 18, 2013

MUSÉE D'ORSAY HAS A NEW LOOK!

... and as planned I went to this beautiful and much loved musée....photographs were not allowed but got a good shot for you on the renovation and the featured sculptures now on the ground floors....

 

 

Some new additions with the Art Deco galleries.. These included the decorative arts...

 

 

WHILE IN THE AREA OF SAINTE-CHAPELLE...

These gems are worth seeing....

The glories of the outdoor flower and nursery market on Isle de la Cité joy to walk through in the rain...

 

Do not miss this on the corner of Boulevard du Palais and Quai de la Corse

 

THIS WAS BEYOND DESCRIPTION...

Lots of recommendations to see Sainte-Chapelle which certainly is the gem of gems in High Gothic architecture and the seat of royal power from the 10th to the 14 th centuries. I can only hope that these photos give you a sense of these two extraordinary sanctuaries! Yes, another 50 steps to the Upper Chapel and winding stone at that!

 

Lower sanctuary.

 
 

Upper...

 

 

 

 

THESE STAIRS DID NOT APPEAL.....

Either did the area....did however get to Tissus Reine (fabric store and then some!) and found the fabric to inspire my bedroom ...heaven! Being in this store on at Saturday is not for the feint of heart...

Easy to see why Woody Loved this area! But the endlessssss stairs ....like doing the Grouse Grind every day.
No ...not one chubby person in sight outside the tourist area which was less than appealing. Tried to find the energy to go to the cemetery but could not. next time...as there are some lovely pockets here.

Rains now until I leave....Spring this is not!

 

ISLAMIC ART WING AT THE LOUVRE

Had to be really selective as massive The Louvre is....but wanted to see the Islamic Art and the new architecture as shown here....NOT disappointed.

 

 

WHEN I CLOSE MY EYES....

These will be just some of the images I will remember of this perfect city and country....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WHAT WILL I REMEMBER ABOUT PARIS?

Everything...you think I have not been watched over by angels? The day I was caught in the demonstration with guns a'blazing...I headed for the Metro Station and for the first time got confused.

Two attractive women stopped to answer my question and offered to guide me when in the station as it was two lines only. WHAT were the odds as I talked with Agnès that she was behind the genius of the audio guide at the Louvre Lens as previously posted. She and I happily shared the innovative success and I could only offer her my congratulations!! Did you know The Louvre opens in Adu Dhabi in 2015....

Agnès had been to Vancouver .....hope she comes again the VAG could use her ...but why leave The Louvre!! Merci Agnès!