Friday, September 4, 2015

Musee de O'rsay et le Louvre

Fri, Sep 4, Paris:  Decided to do the Musee d’Orsay and Le Louvre today. Checked out the RER C train which we’ll take to Versailles in a few days, and found out we could take this train to the Musee d’Orsay. So we boarded the train, and in one stop we were there. I wanted to see the impressionist’s exhibit and Mike wanted to see some of the sculptures. After that we walked over to the Louvre. Because we have a Paris Pass, we got fast-track access and didn’t wait in line at all. We checked out some of the really old sculptures and then I wanted to see the apartments of Napoleon III, so we set off in pursuit. I told Mike I could care less about seeing the Mona Lisa, but in trying to find the exhibit for Napoleon III we stumbled into this room with—the Mona Lisa! So, took a couple of pictures. It’s very small and behind bullet-proof glass with lots of people around. But not as crowded as we thought. After much angst we finally found the apartment of Napoleon III. Mike’s back is really killing him at this point. Walked around these impressive rooms and then headed back. Decided to walk back to our hotel, hoping we’d find a place to eat some dinner. We actually found a Canadian place near our hotel and had dinner there, which was quite good. Back to our hotel and I wanted to go down to the bar and have another drink. So, off we go. Sat outside enjoying our drinks and there were some people there from Wisconsin. Sat at the table next to them and had a great time talking with them. They’re leaving tomorrow morning. Stumbled back to our room and relaxed the rest of the evening.

Musee d'Orsay--this building was once a train station slated for demolition. Thankfully, they saved it, and now houses the museum.










This poor horse!

La Louvre
This is a very small painting--maybe 20 by 14.

One of the ceilings.

This was once home to Napoleon III.

Another beautiful, ornate ceiling.

Amazing chandeliers.

The dining room.

His bedroom. What's with all the chairs?

A little cradle.

Doors of Paris.