TRIP #3 – PARIS 201: BEYOND THE EIFFEL TOWER
arthisto August 30th, 2011
Paris in the Morning
PARIS 201: BEYOND THE EIFFEL TOWER
MAY 30 – JUNE 5, 2012 ~ 7 DAYS ~ GROUP SIZE : 6-8
PRICE PER PERSON: $3,400.00
Paris is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, no doubt about it. My guests and I have been visiting for years, and it is high time that AHA offered a Paris 201. And so, in the late spring, May 30 – June 5, 2012, we will do just that. As its title describes, this itinerary will be a more under the surface and a farther afield, visit to Paris. While everyone else is standing in line at the Eiffel Tower or the Musee d’Orsay, we will go off the beaten track to the gems that the Parisians themselves enjoy:
- Porte de Clignancourt, the famous Parisian flea market
- Musee Rodin and gardens
- Musee Cluny and courtyard
- Giverny
- Musee Marmottan
- Musee Edith Piaf
- Cinematheque Francaise
This itinerary is for those who have perhaps enjoyed the great sights of Paris before, or are satisfied to see them from a distance, while experiencing some hidden treasures. On this trip, for example, at the Porte de Clignancourt, in the market’s antiques section, you will feel like a time traveler. I have spent many happy hours just wandering around the narrow winding paths, packed with booths selling things of all description. From Louie XVI furniture to second hand french dish towels, it is all here, and it is huge. I especially love the antique linens and baby clothes.
As mentioned above, this trip will include museums that don’t make the “must see list” carried by weary first-timers. These museums have gardens, courtyards, and are quietly enjoyed by Parisians. For example, Musee Rodin is so beautiful, set in August Rodin’s private home and studio, it houses his most remarkable works, such as “The Kiss”. In the garden sits “The Thinker”, huge and masterful, along with several other enormous sculptures.
The Musee Cluny displays art and artifacts from the Middle Ages in a very well preserved 15th century abbey, built on top of a Roman Bath. All levels are excavated and quite unbelievable!
Monet's Kitchen Door
We will spend an afternoon at Giverny, Claud Monet’s home and wonderous gardens, and be back in Paris for dinner.
Another treasure trove that is off the track, and thankfully so, is the Musee Marmottan. Located just a metro ride to the outskirts of Paris, housed in a beautiful 19th hunting pavillion, the largest collection in the world of works by Claud Monet, numbers 165. Some of Monet’s personal collection is in this museum as well, and include his favorite pieces of art by his friends, Pissaro, Renoir, and Sisley. Some of the most famous Monet’s can only be seen here at the out-of-the-way, Musee Marmottan.
We can visit the Musee Edith Piaf, a small apartment packed with memorabilia, intimate letters, photographs and more, lovingly collected by her fans.
We can wander through La Cinematheque Fancaise. A museum to the history of the cinema and the evolution of film, with an amazing display of movie memorabilia dating back to the birth of cinema.
Having said all that, for me, a first day in Paris will always include an off loading of travel woes, “eau du fuselage”, and a settling down, in the beautiful, majestic and peaceful Notre Dame. But from there, let’s dig deeper into Paris!
I will provide a suggested reading and viewing list for all travelers that sign up for Paris 201: Beyond the Eiffel Tower. In this way, you will be knowledgeable and well prepared for your visit.
- A New Itinerary , Art and History , dates , descriptions , Destination Updates , destinations , painting , sculpture , Upcoming Trip
- Comments(0)