Let me give you some context on the ten museums. These are the ones I got tickets for:
Musée d’Orsay
Musée Rodin
Musée de l’Armée
Centre Pompidou
I had pre-booked the Musée d’Orsay and the Musée Rodin because those are the ones I missed last time. Yes, I went to the Musée d’Orsay, but only that special van Gogh exhibit. The rest of the building was closed off. Not sure why I missed the Musée Rodin last time, but anyway. After lunch I booked tickets for the Musée de l’Armée (day ticket) and the Centre Pompidou (late timeslot). What I didn’t realize was that the Musée de l’Armée was actually seven different exhibitions if we’re not counting the outdoor exhibit. I would even say that they are seven different museums. And that’s how I got to the ten museums. My brain was really unable to absorb any more information towards the end of the day. I felt sorry for the Centre Pompidou.
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My day started with breakfast at my hotel. You couldn’t book it without breakfast so I figured – I might as well. I’m not a big breakfast eater, but it was really nice. No complaints. I mean, they had hot chocolate.
I had booked the first timeslot of the day at Musée d’Orsay. My guidebook and more importantly a friend suggested this. Here’s why I agree that it’s a good idea. If you’re in that first group, the only people inside the museum are from that group. Then the next timeslot group is added and the next one and most likely another one unless you’re really fast. So, if you stay for two hours there will be a maximum of four timeslot groups (plus others entering on different ticket) inside the museum. Now, since you can stay however long you want once you’re in there, if you arrive later there are going to be a lot more people around. It’s worth getting there early.
Just a quick word about the lines at Musée d’Orsay. There is one for tickets for that day, there are two for timeslot tickets (top of the hour and half past), there’s one for carte blanche holders, there’s group entrances and another line for people without a ticket. Even if you go there spontaneously, try to book a timeslot on your phone or something. It’ll save you time unless you get really lucky.
I’m glad I went back to Musée d’Orsay and I think I will go back there next time. It’s mainly the architecture for me. I mean, yes, the exhibits are nice as well, but the architecture – spectacular. Just WOW. I won’t give you a guide to all the art that’s there. You can figure that out yourselves, but what I will tell you is to go to the very back of the building and take the escalators up to the top. Do that FIRST. There’s this big old clock up there and you have a beautiful view. When I got there, there were already a lot of people taking selfies and I just about managed to get a shot of the clock itself at an angle. That’s why I said to go there first. I have no other tips. Have a look at what you like and see if you can spot any Swiss artists. Ferdinand Hodler is in there for sure.
I was surprised that I recognized it right away. I mean, I thought I knew nothing about art, but I guess some things stuck. Also, there was a painting entitled “Bathers with a Red Cow”. I took a picture of it – not because of the nude bathers, but because of the red cow. What can I say? I love cows.
I didn’t hang around when more people started showing up and headed straight to the Musée Rodin. On my way there I passed the Basilique Sainte-Clotilde. Stunning church. But before I tell you about that, I need to mention the pedestrian bridge right next to the Musée d’Orsay (Passerelle Léopold-Sédar-Senghor). It’s kind of divided into three parts. The middle bit starts down at water level where there’s a path along the Seine and the two parts on either side of that start and end at street level. I was fascinated by it. The pictures don’t really show it that well, but here they are either way. I’m also including one of the Seine. They’re supposed to be cleaning it for the Olympics … Okay, it was raining the night before, but it didn’t look clean on my last visit either.
At Musée Rodin there was a bag check at the entrance like everywhere you go in Paris. There was also a temporary exhibit. It was called Critical Mass (by Antony Gormley) and it ends today.
I’m not ashamed to admit that I didn’t realize that my favorite sculpture was by Rodin. It’s the Thinker. I now have a Thinker bookmark and Thinker post-its. I might have to go back and get a t-shirt.
I really liked the museum. It was meant to be raining but the sun was out as I was walking around the grounds. And yes, it did bother me that the two bushes/trees, whatever they were, next to the Thinker where not the same height or shape. Just thought I’d put that on the record.
I enjoyed exploring and then went inside. I was asked to carry my handbag in front of me rather than on my side. Fair enough, I might have knocked into something. So, if you’re ever there and it’s raining. Don’t worry about it. You won’t miss anything. The inside part of the museum is very extensive and super interesting. It focused on the process and gives an insight into Rodin’s work and some of the details you might miss otherwise. I was stunned by everything that was in there. It’s so totally worth it. Of course, I would still walk around outside for a bit if possible and especially have a look at the Thinker. That’s right between the entrance building and the main exhibition.
It was lunchtime and there was a little bistro/café/restaurant – check the end of this post for the difference. Now, if you want a good deal in France – have a set meal. They call them “formule”. I had the pasta meal. It came with a dessert of my choice. Don’t be afraid to ask how that system works. It can be confusing.
There were no single tables, so I sat down at a big table where two men were having lunch. They were regulars and were eating the same thing I was. One of them didn’t get a spoon for his dessert so he asked for a “cuillière” for his dessert. The server was confused but said okay. He came back with a plate of shredded Gruyère. We couldn't stop laughing. Only in France would you be given cheese for your dessert instead of a spoon. It was too funny. I probably told all of you already, but anyway.
As I said above, I’ll leave you here and see you back soon for part 3.
P.S.: have you ever wondered about the difference between a café, a bistro, a brasserie and a restaurant? I asked AI to tell me. The answer was too long. I asked for a one sentence definition of each - so here you go.
Copilot said the following:
Certainly! Here’s a concise breakdown of the differences:
Café: Enjoy coffee and pastries in a relaxed setting.
Bistro: Casual spot for classic French comfort food.
Brasserie: All-day dining with a lively atmosphere.
Restaurant: Broad term for any dining establishment.
Bon appétit!
Outstanding images!! Geometrics!!
Love the architecture most especially! You are so right; the story of the cheese is hysterical! Love it. I quite agree; the trees at each side of “The Thinker” need to be symmetrical in my mind but I am not an artist, just a fan. 😘