Thursday, September 21, 2006
Paris Recommendations Part 4: Museums
This is part four of my Paris Recommendations Week series.
Museums:- If you're looking to go to a couple of museums, get the Musuem Pass for the appropriate number of days. It's worth the money. When I took my parents, I allocated 1 day for the Louvre and the next day as flexible. Just so that if my parents wanted to, we could go for the second day. We did. They loved the art as well as the architectural elements of the palace.
- If you are not using the carte and have decided to visit the Louvre and find yourself facing a long queue of ticket buyers (and even if you are not), look to the left and right sides of the ticket counters for the machines. They will dispense tickets (you might need a debit card) and it would seem that most people don't use them for some reason. I found most machines that I would use for ticketing is also in English! Just look for the option on the screens.
- Louvre You can fight the crowds and push and rush and see the masterpieces in half a day. But to do any justice, you will likely have to spend two days if you like this type(s) of art. Think Metropolitan Museum, but bigger, and where the building itself is art. There's also a shopping mall underground attached. And post office. But if you make many purchases at the Louvre Museum shop, arrange for it all to be shipped home to you. They have very reasonable shipping prices and you're free to buy all the art books and souvenirs you want. They package everything up and your package gets to you in tip top shape. If you are spending time at the Louvre, it may be more entertaining to rent an audio guide to get a better understanding of the masterpieces. The signs are all in French and unless you read it, or have good knowledge of art history, you won't get to enjoy it to the fullest. You'll need a piece of id for collateral when you rent the guide. Bring your driver's license so you don't have to part with your passport.
- Musèe d'Orsay is worth a visit. Impressionist art. The restaurant on the second floor is a good spot for food and is a great setting.
- Musée National D'Art Moderne: Pompidou Centre. Modern Art. The view from the top of escalators is great for a panoramic of Paris.
Make sure you check out the Stravinsky Fountain near by.
There are many many musuems in Paris, both small and big. I've many more on my list I have yet to visit. I'm hoping the next trip I take I'll get the chance to check a few more off my list.
// posted by May @ 9/21/2006 08:00:00 a.m. 
