Paris 2012 - Friday Goodbye Louvre

One last walk through the Louvre to visit a few of our favorite objects and a quick peek into Napoleon's apartments before packing our suitcases for home.

Location:Paris, France

Paris 2012 - Friday Musee Nissim de Camando

The mansion was built in 1911 by Comte Moise de Camondo, a banker, to house his collection of 18th Century French furniture and art object. It is a fantastic look into the rich and famous in Paris. Equipped with elevator, full kitchen and two baths - not to mention all of the master pieces.

Location:Paris, France

Paris 2012 - Friday Parc Monceau

We stumbled upon Parc Monceau during our walk to a nearby museum. On a beautiful day (like today) it is a nice place to take photos, watch people and enjoy nature. The Metro stops right outside one of the entrances.

Location:Paris, France

Paris 2012 - Friday Cluny

This medieval museum is such a good one. We learned earlier this trip - that the Cluny mansion was actually moved during Haussmann's work to rebuild Paris. I need to do some additional research on that story. Cluny also occupies some of the old Roman baths located in this area and the heads of statues from Notre Dame.

Location:Paris, France

Paris 2012 - Thursday Pizza

We could not resist the temptation to have pizza tonight. Not near as good as in Naples, Italy. Oh well - lesson learned!

Location:Paris, France

Paris 2012 - Art of Strolling

Strolling the streets of Paris is a favorite pastime of everyone who lives here and visits. Ask - and everyone will offer advice and their opinions. One of my favorites near our hotel in the Latin Quarter is Rue St. Andre des Artes. This pathway takes your from the Latin Quarter to Saint Germain. The streets are filled with people, eateries, and shops.

Location:Paris, France

Paris 2012 - Bistro

Nothing can make for a better experience in Paris than stowing away from the storms in a nice neighborhood bistro on a rainy day. My advice - wander the streets until you find one brimming over with local patrons and squeeze your way into a tiny table. These places serve up the equivalent of 'comfort food' to chase the chill from outside. Le Saint-Gervais, 96 rue Vieille du Temple (near Musee Picasso in the Marais)


Marrow, Pot Roast, Carrots, Leeks, and Potatoes

Location:Paris, France

Paris 2012 - Rainy Day

It has been unusually warm in Paris this year with temperatures hovering around 50 degrees Fahrenheit. A European storm-front moved into the City of Lights both bringing down the temperatures and increasing the rainfall. It didn't make for the best day for exploring and shopping along Paris' streets. Oh well - despite the wind, rain and bursts of cold air, we enjoyed looking at some good art and fun clothing in the shop windows.


Place de Commerce

Location:Paris, France

Paris 2012 - Wednesday Les Bontanistes

Well - we thought we were having dinner at White Gorilla from our old list of restaurants. To our surprise (after wandering the street for a bit and fearful we were lost) we discovered the restaurant has changed and is now Les Bontanistes at 11 bis rue Chemel. It stands in the shadow of Bon Marche a nice shopping department store. Service was attentive and the chalkboard menu offered several specialities - making the experience well worth the frustration early on with not knowing the name change.


Les Bontanistes 01.45.49.04.54


Pea soup


Salmon


Sea Brim


Flank Steak


Raspberries


Macaron


Sorbet

Location:Paris, France

Paris 2012 - Wednesday Centre Pompidou

In the heart of the Marais stands one the finest museums in Paris - the Centre Pompidou. It is home to modern art in Paris and on a warm day the huge outdoor courtyard is filled with entertainers. I love this spot.




Centre Pompidou


Rooftop at Restaurant George in the Pompidou Museum

Location:Paris, France

Paris 2012 - Wednesday Grizzli

We love this small restaurant in the Marais district just north of Rue de Rivoli. The menu change a lot since our last visit with some of our favorite salads and hamburger with foie gras sadly removed. The quality and quantity continues to make this a fine choice - especially for lunch.




Grizzli Restaurant, rue St. Martin



Penne Pasta with Ham


Sea Bass

Location:Paris, France

Paris 2012 - Wednesday Saint Gervias

In the shadows of Hotel de Ville (that is City Hall to us), stands Saint Gervias. It is a likable Cathedral with both modern and ancient stain glass windows to enjoy.

Location:Paris, France

Paris 2012 - Wednesday Saint Mary

St. Mary can be found near the Centre Pompidou, Paris' Museum of Moderne Art. The cathedral is not in the best condition but efforts are underway to begin restoring it to its past grandeur. The Cathedral is located in the Marais better known as the Jewish Quarter.

Location:Paris, France

Paris 2012 - Wednesday Tour Saint Jacques

Today the Tour Saint Jacques stands in the center of a lovely public park off Rue de Rivoli. While you cannot enter the tower - it is nice to stroll around the park and watch the children play in its shadow.

Location:Paris, France

Paris 2012 - Wednesday Sainte-Chapelle

Sainte-Chapelle was built between 2142 and 1248 for Louis IX to house the Passion of Christ relics including the Crown of Thorns. It is located on Ile-de-la-Cite near the more famous Notre Dame and is today part of the Palace of Justice. Recently the building has undergone renovations and the stained glass windows have been cleaned.

Location:Paris, France

Paris 2012 - Tuesday Atelier Maitre Albert

We returned to this Guy Savoy's rotisserie located at 1 rue Maitre Albert in the Latin Quarter. It is a great space with high ceilings and giant stone fireplace. The split-roasted meats are a real treat.




Atelier Maitre Albert




Celery Soup



Lentil Soup with Prawns




Spit-roasted Chicken




Spit-roasted Beef



Apple Crisp with Chocolate

Location:Paris, France

Paris 2012 - Tuesday Musee d'Orsay

Today we visited one of my all time favorite museums in Paris - the Musee d'Orsay. I enjoy the collection of works by Monet, Degas, Colbert, Van Gough, Cezanne and many more.

The museum recently completed a renovation of the 5th floor and has returned artwork from an otherwise cramped exhibition. The result - near perfection. If you have visited this museum every year (like we have), you will be amazed at the new lighting and placement of many paintings and sculpture. The Museum has also expanded its collection of decor and furniture. A few new purchases from the masters dot the walls and are definitely eye-candy.

The ticket line was impossible this morning - luckily we were equipped with the museum pass which offered a shorter entry line. At a wallet gasping 69 Euro fee - the pass makes me happy on days like this when lines are long.





Clock tower in Musee d'Orsay on the 5th floor.

This year's exhibition is appropriately named Beauty, Morals, and Voluptuousness. It is about the Aesthetic Movement and its impact on the every day man and art. It closes on January 15.

Location:Paris, France