Paris - The Louvre and the Opera

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Geo: 48.8566, 2.35097

Today we went into Paris again. Travelling into Paris is very convenient without a car. We drove to Versailles and parked on the street (parking is free in August in many areas). Then by train to Paris and Metro to Place de la Concorde. Sonya went off on her own as she has seen the Louvre. We walked through Jardin des Tuileries, and then entered the Louvre through the underground Carrousel shopping mall (avoiding the long lines at the main Louvre entrance). We spent about 4 hours, and saw a minuscule part of the complex. We did get to see the biggies: the Mona Lisa, Winged Victory, Venus de Milo, the Napoleon Apartments. The best parts, for us, were the Greek and Roman, and Mesopotamian, exhibits. The complex itself is stunning - hard to believe that it once served as a home to the aristocracy. No wonder the French revolted (pay attention Canada Revenue Agency). After the Louvre, we walked up Avenue de L'Opera to Opera Garnier. There we had a coffee and a decadent piece of Tarte aux Pommes with ice cream and chantilly cream, before touring the Opera Garnier. This is a stunning building, with beautiful, sweeping marble staircases between the floors. We thought the Chagall ceiling, in the Theatre, was terribly discordant with the classic architecture of the building.

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Comments

[Teresa]

Australia was just as bad so I have a pretty good idea. But when in France do as the French! Enjoy, enjoy

[jimpat]

We agree! Glad you are still enjoying our blog.