Many friends contact me for advice on what to see in Paris to make the most of their time there. For those only in Paris for a few days, I usually recommend a smaller museum and then to see la Pyramide du Louvre at night. C'est magique!
.
As much as I love art (I was an art history minor in college) I can take or leave the Louvre (inside). It's not the art, it's the people. Too many, it takes away from the enjoyment and if you only have a short time it can be overwhelming and undersatisfying. I know if I traveled there more often it would be different -- picking less busy times, shorter but more frequent visits. My fondest memory of the Louvre was actually sitting on the ledge of the water banks outside in the courtyard, looking at the pyramid and enjoying wine, cheese, nuts and a baguette in the early summer evening. That's my Louvre and you captured it!
To walk through the courtyards of the Louvre is like walking back in time, in spite of the modern aspect of the Pyramid. Night adds mystery and beauty and a bonus if there is a moon and clouds.
As for seeing the works in the Louvre, one must pick the right times and be aware that the Louvre is really big and that there is much see aside from the well known pieces. In 25 years of visits I have never managed to get 60 quiet seconds in front of the Mona Lisa but have spent many hours with wonderful art in quiet parts of the Louvre.
I am a former elementary school teacher, a full-time photographer, lover of all things French ( whose French is slowly improving), obsessive Paris traveler, enthusiastic church and community volunteer, and grandmother to 5 delightful grandchildren.
I fell in love with Paris in March 2007. It was as the French say, le coup de foudre : love at first sight. As a result of that trip, my photography took another direction. Since that time I have pursued a career of sorts in photography and dreamed of returning to the City of Light. November 2008 found me strolling the streets of Paris once again. My first visit I was so overwhelmed with the incredible beauty of the city, I photographed it as a "tourist". In 2008 I returned and I looked at the city with more of a photographer's eye. I wanted to capture the unique, the small details, and oh yes - the people! This blog was started as a photo diary of that trip, but I have been most fortunate to return to the city j'adore 15 times since. Each time I leave, I wipe a tear and start planning my list for the next trip. Paris may well be a moveable feast, but I think it's best savored in person! Someone told me that once you have been to Paris, you will leave a piece of your heart. I left mine right there, but I brought home some wonderful memories. It is my pleasure to share them with you.
4 comments:
Beautiful shot and good advice.
As much as I love art (I was an art history minor in college) I can take or leave the Louvre (inside). It's not the art, it's the people. Too many, it takes away from the enjoyment and if you only have a short time it can be overwhelming and undersatisfying. I know if I traveled there more often it would be different -- picking less busy times, shorter but more frequent visits. My fondest memory of the Louvre was actually sitting on the ledge of the water banks outside in the courtyard, looking at the pyramid and enjoying wine, cheese, nuts and a baguette in the early summer evening. That's my Louvre and you captured it!
An outstanding shot!
To walk through the courtyards of the Louvre is like walking back in time, in spite of the modern aspect of the Pyramid. Night adds mystery and beauty and a bonus if there is a moon and clouds.
As for seeing the works in the Louvre, one must pick the right times and be aware that the Louvre is really big and that there is much see aside from the well known pieces. In 25 years of visits I have never managed to get 60 quiet seconds in front of the Mona Lisa but have spent many hours with wonderful art in quiet parts of the Louvre.
Post a Comment