Last Day in Paris

The sun finally came out today, and it was a good thing, because I still had things on my to-do list.

First, the Eugene Delacroix Museum. Kind of a waste of time and 9 euros. Two small rooms featuring his work with those of Ingres, but no context or background.

Next, the Musée d’Orsay. I tried to get a ticket in advance but their website said they were sold out. I love this celebration of the Impressionists, from Monet to Manet to Van Gogh to Morisot to Cassatt to Renoir to Dégas to Cézanne to Courbet to Millet to lesser lights I’ve never heard of, organized in a way that is accessible and logical. I didn’t appreciate the long wait to get in, but since it wasn’t raining I had a chance to admire the sculptures representing all the corners of the world.

My main objective was to take in the immersive experience, “One Night in 1874.” Using a virtual reality headset I was able to wander the streets of Paris and visit the studio of a patron named Nadarz who provided studio space for thirty or so artists to display 130 of their revolutionary works. It was quite different from the more basic Van Gogh immersive that my family and I enjoyed a couple of years ago.

Elsewhere I threaded my way through the crowds to see some of the famous pieces I’ve loved for so long.

From behind the iconic clock, Montmartre in the distance:

A further thirty-minute walk took me to the Bateau Mouche embarkation point beyond the Pont Alexandre III, the fanciest bridge on the Seine. I was glad to get off my feet for a couple of hours and take in the scenery. I don’t know of another city that embraces its river as Paris does. And they’re saying the water will be clean for the Olympic aquatic events in July’s Olympics.

There were some gorgeous clouds this afternoon.

Once we disembarked I walked back to the Pont Alexandre III. These are some details from this remarkable bridge, built between 1897 and 1900.

Once across the bridge I followed Boulevard St. Germain toward my neighborhood, stopping for dinner at Les Deux Magots. When it opened in 1885 it immediately became a hangout for literary lights of Paris, eventually including Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir and others. I splurged on pâté de campagne and seared duck breast with honey (since I missed lunch and walked over six miles).

I’m saying au revoir to Paris tomorrow, sadly, because I wish I had at least another week. But…the adventure continues as I meet friends Vickie and Barbara for a food and wine tour of Portugal. I think when I get to Lisbon I’ll just rest and recharge till the tour begins on Sunday. Stay tuned!