The Louvre is about a 40-45 minute walk from my apartment and with the gorgeous weather it was quite enjoyable. The most difficult part about it was not wanting to stop in all the stores taunting me with their cute winter clothing on Rue de Rivoli! Self-control was a must.
My first stop was the Louvre. I absolutely love the Louvre. I think it's history is so interesting. In case you didn't know it used to be where the king of France lived! So crazy that it used to be the royal palace. As most of you know the pyramid was installed in 1989 and was one of the most controversial instillation's since the Eiffel Tower. I find it interesting and beautiful and the juxtaposition between the simple and sleek glass with the ornate ornamentation of the building itself is just gorgeous.
After admiring the outside of the Louvre for a while I decided that I didn't want to go into the museum like I had initially planned. Since the Louvre is relatively close to my school I figured I could come back another day in between class. I've been a few times already, and didn't want to waste such a gorgeous day inside a museum I'd already been in. So I decided to just continue walking. Usually I head out through the Tulleries (the gardens in front of the Louvre) but today I decided to walk along the Seine.
I had never really been on this side of the Louvre since on the opposite side is Rue de Rivoli which is one of the most popular streets in Paris. This side was calm and there were not many people rushing past. The water was moving with the slight wind, and leaves covered the streets. It was gorgeous. I think it finally hit me that I actually live in this city...better late than never right?
I wandered down closer to the water and strolled along the banks of the river. It was so pretty and peaceful.
View of the Louvre from the banks of the Seine.
I came across Musee d'Orsay which is one of the most popular museums in Paris; however, I had yet to visit it! I figured, why not now. I had been walking over and hour and a half and needed a little breather. I waited in line and finally got inside. Only to find out you can't take any pictures!!! I was so upset, but it was gorgeous.
This was one area where you could take pictures, or I assume you could because everyone else was. I loved this clock and it was so gorgeous outside you could see for miles.
Hello Louvre!!!
Being my father's child I had to illegally take one picture! This is the inside of the museum. The architecture is gorgeous and there are 3 floors of artwork ranging from sculpture, to photography, and of course paintings. I honestly couldn't take photographs of any of the works because their were docents carefully watching every room (sorry dad!). In this museum I saw famous works by Monet, and Van Gogh, even photographs from Edward Steichen. I was blown away. I sat for 20 minutes in front of a Monet completely in awe, and stood so close to a Van Gogh that I held my breath for fear of deteriorating the paint!
They put up a Ferris Wheel near the Tulleries! I think Max and I might ride it when he gets here.
I sat on a bench surrounded by leafless trees and ate a crepe. My view? The top of the Eiffel Tower peaking out over the houses.
I made my way to the Rodin Museum. Yet another museum I had yet to visit! First I explored the gardens which were filled with his sculptures. This one is called the "Gates of Hell". All his works are so unbelievably detailed, and placed throughout a garden with trees and shrubbery.
The gorgeous grounds where I took my afternoon stroll.
The Thinking Man from behind :)
I like men who think :D
Next I headed inside the museum. It featured other works besides Rodin's but all of it was gorgeous. There were artists in almost every room sketching his works- young and old. Sometimes I wish I could just sit and sketch openly in the city. I guess photography is a type of "sketching". One day maybe I will.
These were letters written from Monet to Rodin.
A Monet painting.
"The Kiss" 1888.
Bust of Victor Hugo.
A Van Gogh.
When I exited the Museum I saw the tower peaking out over the houses. I don't know if you know this or not by now but the Eiffel Tower is still my favorite place in all of Paris. I don't know what it is but I smile EVERY time I see it. I don't know what it is about this building, but I think it is gorgeous. It was seeing a picture of this in a book that made me want to study in this city and every time I see it I feel like it reminds me I am home here. The tower was a little further than I thought, and I took a route through a neighborhood I had never been in before. I got lost but eventually saw the tower and just headed towards it.
SO BEAUTIFUL!
I hopped on the metro at the Eiffel Tower because I was so exhausted. When I sat down in the cart I honestly didn't think I was going to be able to stand back up. I realized how much me feet and calves hurt! I went to the store and got some food and tissues (I have a cold) and then headed upstairs to my apartment. I got in some sweats and my uggs and curled up in my bed. I google mapped my journey today and it was about 6 miles. So crazy!!! I loved being alone and in the city, seeing new things and taking photographs. I can't believe I only have 13 days left, as much as I can't wait to get home I'm going to miss this city. It has captured my heart and I have honestly fallen in love.
No comments:
Post a Comment