One of the most famous museums in the world is the Louvre, or more correctly the Musée du Louvre, and it was one of the items that was high on my Paris must-see list. It is located on the Right Bank (of the Seine) in the 1st arrondissement.

Originally a palace, the museum is now home to some of the most world-famous works of art, including the Mona Lisa, Winged Victory, and Aphrodite/Venus de Milo. It opened to the public in 1793, and since then the collections have grown to their current number of over 380,000. It’s not the largest collection in the world, but most art historians argue that it is the finest.

The main buildings of the Louvre look rather fortress-like, and much like I would imagine a fortress to have been, once inside the gates, there are all sorts of lovely things to see.

The central courtyard houses the Louvre Pyramid, and serves as the main entrance to the museum. The Pyramid was designed by architect I.M. Pei, and beneath it is the underground lobby to the museum. There are several entrances into the courtyard, and all will get you to the Pyramid, so if you are encountering crowds at one courtyard entrance, just walk around to another one.

The Louvre is organized into eight departments, displaying artwork up to 1848. You’ll see work by Rembrandt, Rubens, Titian, Van Dyck, and Leonardo da Vinci.

There is so much stuff to see, that tackling the Louvre can be a daunting task. It is too big to see everything in one day, so unless you have several days to dedicate to viewing it, you will have to come up with a plan of attack.

Continue reading for suggestion on the best way to see the Louvre –

The two best methods for making the Louvre manageable, I think, are to either select a couple of departments that interest you, or to make a list of specific items of art that interest you. A third option, and the one that I took, was a combination. I chose a couple of departments that held the most interest for me (paintings, prints and drawings, and decorative arts) and saw those in some depth. I zipped rather quickly through some of the sculptures and other departments, just checking out the highlights or major displays.

You can use the museum’s online interactive maps and floorplans to help you plan out your approach. You can also take a virtual tour.

To reach the Louvre via Métro, use the Palais-Royal-Musée stop. If you’re traveling by Batobus, get off at the Louvre stop, quai Francois Mitterrand. Bus lines also stop in front of the main entrance at the Pyramid.

The Louvre is closed on Tuesdays, and is open from 9 am – 6 pm daily, with extended hours (till 10 pm) on Wednesday and Friday evenings. It is closed some holidays, so if you are visiting during that time, be sure to double check for holiday hours.

There are several ticket options to see the Louvre. Tickets for the permanent collections are €9 (about $13.50) and provides access for everything except the temporary exhibitions in the Hall Napoléon, and is also valid for the Delacroix Museum. Tickets for the temporary exhibitions are €6 (about $9). A combined ticket represents the best value, as is €9,50 (about $13.75). The Louvre is also covered by the Paris Museum Pass.

And how cool is this: Admission is free for the unemployed, minimum wage-earners, registered disabled (identity card required), those under 18 years of age, and teaches of art history, archaeology, and applied or plastic arts.

I recommend buying advance tickets, or the Paris Museum Pass, as doing so will allow you to bypass the lines using the Passage Richelieu, Porte des Lions, and Galerie du Carrousel entrances. Although the line wasn’t terribly long the day I visited, I still estimate that I was able to save about 45 minutes of time by heading to the front of the queue.

My reflection on visiting the Louvre primarily centered around the expectations that I had for the visit. While I VERY glad that I spent the time to see it, I realized fairly quickly that it was not my favorite art period. Still, I saw some pretty impressive pieces, works by some renowned artists, and go a sampling of European History.

Other observations: The Mona Lisa really is small like they say, and you have to stand way far away from it (behind me in the photo above). Venus de Milo is very cool. Napolean had some seriously great furnishings (photos above).

Not a bad way to spend a day in Paris.

Photo credit: personal collection

Post from: The Paris Traveler

This is a guest post from Mary Jo Manzanares, Travel & Culture Channel Editor and blogger at Flyaway Cafe

Bateaux Parisiens is a cruise company that conducts sightseeing, lunch, and dinner cruises on the Seine, along with operating a river-boat shuttle called Batobus.

I opted for an evening sightseeing cruise, and for an hour we cruised the Seine while the hostess pointed out a number of attractions.  The commentary was pleasant and informative, and not filled with the typical puns and drivel that you so often get on tours.

Schedules vary, but details and information can easily be found in the city.  At the time I was there the sightseeing cruise operated every half hour until 10 pm, and cost €11.  It was easy to walk up and get a seat.  Reservations required, however, for lunch and dinner cruises.

Photo credit:  Jon Rochetti

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Post from: The Paris Traveler

Standing in the center of the Place Charles de Gaulle (also called the Place de l’Étoile) at the western end of the Champs-Élyseés, the Arc de Triomphe is the largest triumphal arch in the world. 

It honors those who bravely fought for France, particularly during the Napoleonic Wars.  ,  Beneath the arch is the tomb of the unknown soldier from World War I, marked by the very first eternal flame.  The flame burns in memory of those who died, but were not identified, in both WWI and WWII.  An inscription reads “Here lies a French soldier who died for his fatherland 1914-1918” (translated here into English).

The arch stands about 165 feet tall, and measures about 148 feet wide, and around it is a roundabout that is one of the busiest in Paris.  Do not try to dodge in and out of this traffic!  That would be dangerous, and brand you as a serious nutcase.  While I watched, I saw many people tempted by it – but fortunately no one crazy enough to actually attempt it.

You can reach the arch sensibly by following the signs to the underground passage way that will take you beneath the crazy roundabout to the arch.  From there you can take a short elevator ride back to ground level or climb the stairs.  In the photo above you see me waving at you before heading to the passageway to cross over.

What will you see?  Keep reading to find out!

Spend some time walking around the Arc de Triomphe looking at the sculptured facade.  A few highlights include a winged figure of Victory, a sculpture of Napoleon, and the 30 shields (each representing a victorious battle) on the crown of the arch.  On the inside and top of the arch are inscribed the names of generals and battles fought, with the names of those who died in battle underlined.  Conveniently missing are some of Napoleon’s later battles.

If you’re up to it, climb the 284 steps to the top of the arch.  There is no elevator!  The steps are stone, and the passageway narrow and circular.  It’s okay if you need to stop and catch your breath – most people did.

Once at the top, you’ll be treated to magnificent views in all directions.  Take a look around and you’ll see 12 major arterials leading into the Place (for an example, look at the photo below).  Watch how the merge into the roundabout, and you’ll have a real appreciation for driving in Paris.  There are fabulous photo opportunities from the top, and since the Arc is open late, it’s a favorite spot for sunset and evening photos.

You can reach the Arc de Triomphe by RER line A (train) and Métro (subway), getting off at the Charles de Gaulle-Étoile stop.

It is open daily from 10 am – 11 pm, and closes a half hour earlier during the fall and winter months.  There is no charge to walk around the base of the arch.  Access to the top was €7 when I was there, and kids under 18 are free.  Admission is also covered as part of the Paris Museum Pass.

The Arc de Triomphe was one of my favorite monuments in Paris, and is probably the most famous in Paris.  I’d put it on a must-see list for a Paris trip, for its historical significance, art, and views.  Allow half an hour or so to explore the ground level, and an additional hour (or more) if you are going to go to the top.

Photos credit:  all from personal collection

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Post from: The Paris Traveler

I love making new discoveries in this wonderful city.  Having the luxury of living there allowed me to take things in at a leisurely pace–to really discover all the nooks and crannys that exist; the ones you might not find during a week-long visit.  The good news is that there are individuals who have taken it upon themselves to do all the research for you and provide a way to make your next visit fuller and richer than you thought possible.

One individual that does this, is Richard Nahem, a transplanted New Yorker, who has settled in the 4th arroindissement and knows his neighborhood inside and out.  For 3 hours, he will take you through the historic Marais, an area which sometimes doesn’t make it to a tourist’s must see list but so should.  Here he will share interesting historical facts, taking you to hidden gems that you would never find on your own. You’ll eat a little, shop a little, talk, laugh and learn a lot.  We happen to be friends and I have been through more of the city with him than I can tell you.  For as well as I know it, he has introduced me to some wonderful places that I would tell anyone going to Paris to see.  But I have a better idea.

I am going to send you to his website so you can get a feel for what he does, what his tour is like.  I am also going to send you to his blog which is another resource for those of you who can’t get enough of Paris.  The beauty of having numerous Paris bloggers on the web is we all look at things through different eyes which makes the world way more interesting.  Oh, by the way, Richard loves chocolate: more than a little.  Guess where you might be going on his tour!?!?

You can find Richard at: 

•  Eye Prefer Paris Tours
•  Eye Prefer Paris Blog

 Photo:  Eye Prefer Paris website

Post from: The Paris Traveler

If, however, you are a bit more adventurous and want to make transportation an event,  I have a few ways that will allow you to get a feel for the lay of the land, see the sights and have a good story to tell back home.  

 On a beautiful, sunny day I really can’t think of a better thing to do than ride a bike around Paris.  Fat Tire Bike Tours are designed to help you do just that.  With a meeting point underneath the Eiffel Tower, you and your new friends from all over the world get to spend the next 4 hours pedaling around town with a knowledgeable guide taking you to all the sights.  From your starting point, you wind your way to Napoleon’s Tomb, the Louvre, Tuilleries and certainly whatever else you happen to ride by.  Participants have way to much fun on these tours and I am sure you will too.

 Similar but different, would be the Segway Tour.  This follows a similar route to the bike tour but you ride, glide, scoot–what are you doing, segwaying?–around.  The best part about this tour is not being on it and watching first time Segwayers get a feel for their new set of wheels.  I could easily kill myself or someone else if I tried this but I think you should have at it! I’ll watch.

 Finally, for the really brave or truly crazy, you can rent this snazzy scooter to get yourself around town.  There are thousands of them on the road.  You get to use the bus lane (as do bike riders which makes people on the bus insane) and you can make a new lane for yourself by going in between cars at a top speed of 65mph.  If you haven’t tried this before, there is no telling what kind of interesting story you can take back home with you.  

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The harmony between the museum itself and the garden makes this museum rather unique, where some of Rodins most famous sculptures are on display. Looking at The Kiss is like invading the privacy of a couple actually in an embrace. In the garden, you are greeted by the Gates of Hell and you can just see the wheels turning in the mind of The Thinker. There’s even a rose named after the famous artist, la Rose Rodin.

There are a number of exhibits and lectures that also take place at the museum besides the permanent collection, such as Sacha Guitry: Une Vie d’Artiste in association with the Cinémathèque Française at the museum right now. For more information, visit their website. 

                                                                                                                                      Rodin Museum
Hôtel Biron
77 Rue de Varenne
Paris 7e
Tel: 33(0)1 44 18 61 10
E-mail: penseur@musee-rodin.fr
M°: Varenne
RER: Invalides
Bus: 69, 82, 87, 92
Open daily except Mondays from 9h30 to 17h45 (April 1st-Sept.30th)
From 9h30 to 16h45 (Oct.1st-March 31th)
Full price: 5 €
Reduced price: 3 €

Photo Credits: Flickr and Musee Rodin

Post from: The Paris Traveler

In case you don’t know, Montmartre has been producing wine since the Middle Ages! The vineyards are on roughly 1555 square metres and is comprised of 75% gamay, 20% pinot noir and 5% made up of various other wines such as merlot and riesling. The production of mostly gamay, a wine that one should drink young much like a Beaujolais Nouveau, is very small with only about 1700 bottles (50cl) each year. Price runs about 40 € a bottle.

Okay, enough of a history lesson, back to the festival! Stalls will be set up with regional produce, as well as artists, poets, musicians, distinguished guests, and locals taking part in a parade, fireworks, concerts, and other entertainment and activities during this three day affair! So, be sure to mark your calendar, it’s a party you don’t want to miss!

Fête des Vendanges de Montmartre
Paris 18e
Métro:  Abbesses
Tél:  01.42.62.21.21
www.fdvm.fr

Photo Credits: Flickr and FDVM

Post from: The Paris Traveler

If you know nothing about wines, no need to worry! At the Ô Chateau the sommelier, Olivier Magny uses humour and charm in a relaxed atmosphere, more like a gathering of friends at his Parisian loft, than a learning experience to dispense of his knowledge.  The great thing is not only do you have fun trying different French wines, cheeses and breads, but you come away with valuable information to impress family and friends next time you’re selecting a bottle of wine.

There are a number of tastings to choose from:

• For 20 €, if you’re a novice, you can spend an hour trying 2 or 3 different French wines and learning the basics of wine tasting techniques.
• 50 € gives you the Grand 7 where for two hours you will not only taste seven varieties of French reds and whites from a vast array of the most famous wine regions in France, but you’ll also learn about pairing food and wine and other important tips.
• 65 € is a Wine & Cheese Tasting Lunch. You taste a variety of 5 whites and reds including champagne and the unique pairing of what cheese goes with what wine. There is also a selection of charcuteries. Lunch is an hour and a half.
• Ô Chateau also has Private Wine Tasting where they’ll customize your wine tasting experience to fit your needs.

They offer their wine tasting in French, English, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, German and Russian. You need to specify which language when you are booking. Children are also welcomed. (16 yrs. and older can drink. Under 16 need parents’ permission.)

For more information you can visit their website, book a tasting, or buy a gift certificate for that someone special!

Ô-Château
100, rue de la Folie Méricourt
Paris 11e
Tel: 01 44 73 97 80

Photo Credit: Nicolas Paradis

Post from: The Paris Traveler

This is the sixth year that Paris is putting on a Nuit Blanche and just like the Fête de la Musique, what began in Paris, has once again taken off and has now been duplicated around the world! It’s a perfect opportunity to see Paris in an entirely different perspective where things stay open all night long until the next morning.  If you’ve never seen Paris at dawn, then this is a great time to do it!

Theaters, music groups, and hundreds of artists will open up their workplaces for you to see; even the Louvre will extend their hours! Entrance to the Louvre will be free from 18h until 23h45 to celebrate Nuit Blanche. The Tuileries will also be lit up by 2000 small flames in the center of the gardens.

This year’s Nuit Blanche route will cut across Paris using Métro line 14 as a guide, and will be running all night long (free after regular hours). Free shuttle buses as well as the batobus will also be running until morning, not to mention restaurants, bars, cafés and shops which will stay open all night along the route.

So, get out and party the night away! Believe me, it’ll be a great night to be out in Paris! For more information visit their website, Nuit Blanche.

Photo Credits: Flickr

Post from: The Paris Traveler

Not only does it have a terrific street market, there are plenty of little shops to browse around in. Some are filled with items so kitsch that you just have to buy something for the fun of it, or for that person who has everything and you just don’t know what to give them when their birthday rolls around! Yeah, they’ll thank you for it, or else they’ll re-gift it and it’ll make the rounds and maybe even come back to you, so be careful!

It’s a street full of animation and vivid colors where both the locals from the quartier and the tourists mingle; where merchands peddle their wares from their stalls or the doorways of their shops and restaurants, and where amicable bartering goes on. It’s a place where the noise and the smells remind you of the old Paris, like in the days when Les Halles was still the biggest marketplace in the center of the city.

I like to start at the bottom and work my way up to the Place de la Contrescarpe where there are plenty of cafés, bistros, and pubs to choose from, but it doesn’t mean you can’t stop along the way for a quick drink and a friendly chat with the owner or bartender; or to stop at one of the restaurants for lunch or dinner.

Once you reach the Place de la Contrescarpe you can relax on the terrace with the little fountain in the center of it all and escape the hustle and bustle of the rest of Paris. Here you can watch Parisians in their daily lives as they walk their dogs, or carry their shopping bags full of fresh produce, or with a bottle of wine and a baguette in their arm and you may just tell yourself, “Hey, I’m not in Kansas anymore!”

Photo Credits: Flickr

Post from: The Paris Traveler