Thursday, July 16, 2009

Guess Where I Went? - Musee d'Orsay


Max Ernst Exhibit
( A nod to Marie-Noyale at Larchmont Daily Photo who inspired me with her terrific museum shots.)

If the thought of "doing the Louvre" intimidates you, then the Musee d'Orsay is a must see when visiting Paris. The moment you walk in you realize that in its previous life, this museum was once a very fine train station! Reopened in 1986, its collection of Impressionist paintings is impressive as is the sculpture that amazingly is displayed in easy reach, but I wouldn't suggest "touching"! I took a break and had a lovely lunch at the gorgeous turn of the century restaurant. All in all, a great way to spend the day in Paris.

Oh I know you've seen this clock a zillion times ( in every picture frame in Target, right?) but I just had to take one more shot.

A scale model of Paris that you can actually walk on. It is fascinating to see the "aerial" view.

Yet another famous clock. Here you get the feel of its prior life as a train station.
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Lunch with a view!




19 comments:

Lowell said...

I love the D'Orsay!!!!

And I love your photos!

I'll be posting some down the road on Paree...but for now I'll just soak in all that beauty through your lens!

Thanks!

ParisStyleAntiques said...

Love this museum! Lovely photos !Enjoying your blog as I anticipate my departure for Paris in September!

marley said...

What a glorious location! And glorious photos too :)

Louis la Vache said...

You mean lunch with a moon shot?
Inquiring minds want to know....

Cloudia said...

What a rich, delicous French meal this post is! Tres Bon; Vive Elizabeth!

Aloha-

Comfort Spiral

Harriet said...

Hi V-

So glad that you were able to dine at the restaurant at the Musee d'Orsay. An enchanting place, n'est-ce pas?

Bob Crowe said...

Virginia, that first picture is a knockout. The composition and vibrant color really grab me. Damn good shot of the famous clock, too. I can almost see Charlie Chapman hanging from one of the arms in Modern Times.

Virginia said...

Louis, yes a "moon shot" while enjoying my risotto avec legumes!ha

Paris Style,
Lucky girl to be visiting Paris in Sept. Maybe some of the tourists will have toddled home by then! ha

Harriet,
So this is the one where you ate? Oui, delicieux!

PeterParis said...

Yes, definitely a must! Never tried the lunch place there, good to know that you recommend it!

alice said...

Orsay is one of my favourites... The place and the collections are wonderful. And yes, the lunch place is a good idea, if you find a seat!

Anca Nae said...

Very nice place, it brings back funny memories! Last time I went there, I forgot my peper spray in my bag and the officers at the entrance saw it on their monitors.They thought I was some kind of trouble maker and they took me in a room to talk :)). They soon realised that I was ok and they let me go inside but I must say that I was a little bit scared! So, remember, if you go there, don't forget to check your bag first! :))

Karen said...

My favorite Paris museum so far. I didn't do lunch there but when I go back in October it's on my list. Is everyone heading there this year? We should co-ordinate next time and all go at the same time.

James said...

This is one of my very favorite museums. I love th pictures.
I can't wait to catch up on this blog this weekend.
Keeo up the wonderful pictures!

Anonymous said...

My favorite museum in the whole world. And what a gorgeous sculpture.

(Target could do worse.)

taalfaro said...

I absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the Musee d'Orsay. I have so many pictures of the clock and of course all of the impressionist paintings.

Virginia said...

Karen,
We all love Paris and can't wait on each other to get there! HA

Thanks everyone, I"m glad you enjoyed the photos. I have some sculpture shots for a post sometime soon. I don't usually take photos of artwork in museums but I found a few nice ones for you!

Marie-Noyale said...

Thanks Virginia ,THat's very nice of you.You made me very happy ,but you are not doing bad yourself!!
I know a few "boys" who would not mind having that vista for lunch!!!

Jane Hards Photography said...

There is a lady mooning at me on your blog! Never get intimidated, get inspired.

Jilly said...

The Musee d'Orsay - perhaps my favourite Paris Museum - certainly up near the top. Wonderful shots, Virginia.