Art Art Art

Our Local Expert Says:

Recently renovated and well worth a look.

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Built in 1900 for the Universal Exhibition, the pont Alexandre-III takes its name from the Russian emperor who laid the first stone. It's a magnificent example of art nouveau style decorated with nymphs, cherubs and other sea monsters. The four golden statues depict Art, Commerce, Industry and the Sciences. At the time of its construction, the authorities would not allow the ornamentation to obscure the view of the Champs-Elysées or the Invalides - happily for us the view is still wonderful! This superb example of 19th century engineering crosses the Seine between the Invalides and the Grand Palais. It is definitely one of the most beautiful bridges in Paris.

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This is where Auguste Rodin spent the last years of his life, from 1908 to 1917. Since then, his superb sculptures and private art collection have been housed here. There are a number of sculptures in the garden, including his best-known piece, the Thinker. Trees provide welcome shade and the benches placed beneath make these peaceful surroundings the perfect spot for meditation and relaxation. An annex to this museum - the Villa des Brillants, which the artist bought in 1895 - is located in Meudon.

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At Club des Poetes, you can dine while listening to poems by known actors, singers and poets. But regular people also get a chance in the spotlight. Prove your talent and recite a poem and entertain the crowd. In short, you can come here for dinner or for a drink and socialize with the talented locals and tourists.

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Close to about 2.5 million people per year visit this splendid museum. It dates back to the 19th century and is primarily known for its impressive art collection, both impressionist and neo impressionist. Originally this museum was a station which later was transformed into this awe-inspiring structure. It not only has a gallery but also restaurants, cafés, seminar and meeting rooms, exhibition halls and much more within its premises. They also hold film festivals, concerts, and shows and guided tours for students as well as adults of all ages. It basically strives to revive and promote art and infuse it in our daily lives. Works by famous and prominent artists are on display throughout the year. So come and be enthralled!

Our Local Expert Says:

To avoid the crowds go early.

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Only a few people know that the third largest museum worldwide used to be the main residence of French kings and emperors for six centuries. The Old Fortress was erected in 1190 under the reign of King Philippe Auguste to protect the kingdom from the invasion of northern tribes (the Vikings). During the 14th century, the palace was extended under Charles V and became from time to time a royal residence. The greatest changes in the original palace were made under King François I. The medieval Grosse Tour was destroyed and replaced by a sumptuous palace, still considered a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. In 1594, Henri IV decided to build a passage between the Tuileries Palace and Louvre Palace, still known as the "Great Gallery". The "Cour Carrée" was part of a vast program conducted under Louis XIII and Louis XIV to embellish the king's residence and is a symbol of the classical period. After Louis XIV moved to Versailles, the Louvre knew a static period. The most recent construction is the Glass Pyramid erected by Leoh Ming Pei under French President Mitterrand, which is now the main entrance to the museum. With 35000 pieces and a surface of about 740000 sq. ft., the Louvre... read more

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From the first show of Van Gogh in Paris in 1901 to the present day contemporary fine art, this gallery has done it all. With five generations of fine, contemporary and modern arts under its belt, the Galerie Bernheim Jeune deserves all the public acclaim it gets. Featuring the magical works of Pedoussaut to the jubilant sculptures of Selinger, their collection is a celebration of the aesthetic. You too can own a small yet affordable piece of artistic genius with the fine arts books and limited edition prints available for sale.

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Galerie Jerome De Noirmont was established to expose the art patrons of France, to the work of partially unknown artists that were otherwise internationally recognized. Founded in 1994, it tried to and continues to serve as an efficient showcase for emerging new talent. The gallery also finances the creations of a selection of artists and lets them evolve freely in their respective creative paths. Come and see the eclectic works of French artists and photographers and mingle with Parisian celebrities at this trendy gallery.

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Le Boeuf sur le Toit is mentioned in Billy Klüver's book 'A Day With Picasso: Twenty-Four Photographs by Jean Cocteau'. This is because Picasso, Maurice Chevalier and others were regulars at this place. The famous restaurant has taken its decor from the 1930s. It serves excellent French cuisine like Crisp Green Beans with Smoked Salmon and Brill 'a la plancha' served with ribbons of Chicory. The dessert menu includes Pineapple Slivers infused with Basil, Iced Coconut Soup with Mango and Chocolate-Hazelnut Puff.

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Also known as the Museum of Modern Art, this museum consists primarily of two sections. It has an unmatchable selection of work from the early twentieth century. The impressive list of artists includes Vlaminck, Zadkine, Picasso and Braque. Check out the division, which highlights the story of electricity. Works by contemporary and experimental artists are also displayed here. There is also a division devoted to music and photography. Once you're done touring the museum, stop by the book store.

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Located near the Palais du Luxembourg, this is one of Paris's finest museums. The Musée du Luxembourg originally had a permanent collection of 19th century sculptures and paintings. Today however, the gallery holds only temporary exhibitions. Call up for details about the different programs, which are decided by the Ministry of Culture and the Senate. The Museum also extends discounts to large groups.

Our Local Expert Says:

Recently renovated and well worth a look.

Description:

Take a trip to the beautiful gardens of Tuleries, where the Orangerie Museum is. The museum stocks a host of famous and fabulous artists such as Cezanne, Matisse, Picasso and Henri Rousseau. All the artwork in the museum was handed over by Jean Walter and Paul Guillaume, two art fanatics who have ensured that all these works are exhibited together, so that the public can appreciate them in all their glory. There is a surprise in the basement, the Oval Room - Monet's 'Water-lily', which is on permanent display.

Our Local Expert Says:

For sunny days only. This building belongs to the state, and not to the Church, and that's why you have to pay to enter. The tours are well worth it. It's a fairly quick visit.

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Located in the center of the city within the Palais de Justice complex on the Ile de la Cite, La Sainte Chapelle (Holy Chapel) is a small Gothic chapel constructed in the Rayonnant style. Built by King Louis IX from 1238-1244, the chapel housed holy relics from the Passion believed to be Jesus' Crown of Thorns and a piece of the True Cross. These items were purchased from the Byzantine emperor Baldwin II in 1239 for a huge sum of 135,000 livres (the church cost 40,000 livres to build) due to the King's desire to elevate France as the leader of Western Christianity. La Sainte Chapelle provides visitors with a spectacular visual experience, since the entire upper tier of the chapel is surrounded by enormous stained glass windows.

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On of the first Gothic Cathedrals, Notre Dame is still used today as a Roman Catholic Cathedral and is the seat of the Archbishop of Paris. Take note of the famous stained glass and use of "flying buttresses" through out. These and many other features make it one of the finest examples of French Gothic Architecture.

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This museum was founded from the private collection of an industrialist from Lyons, Emile Guimet, who left it to the State in 1885. He had gathered many art treasures during a scientific mission to the Far East studying world religions. Over a period of years, other bequests and archaeological acquisitions were added. The works exhibited illustrate the art and spiritual history from South East Asia, India, Afghanistan, Central Asia, Japan, and Korea.

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This is a typical Parisian restaurant with a beautiful courtyard. The menu has an extensive list of recipes that are made from fresh and seasonal products.

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It was Bresson's wish to start his own foundation. Today, the Fondation Henri Cartier Bresson is home to the artworks and archives of this great photographer. The foundation organizes three exhibitions per year, to showcase the talents of photographers, painters and sculptors. It also allows access to the precious archives for research purposes. If you are looking for quality art, this is where you should be. Free admission on Wednesday evenings (6:30p-8:30p).

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Commonly known as the Beaubourg, this distinctive building was commissioned in 1968 by the then President Georges Pompidou, and opened in 1977. Most Parisians were initially shocked by its unconventional 'inside out' architectural style: air conditioning, escalators and lifts are all on the outside, giving the interior unparalleled freedom. Extensively refurbished in the late 1990s, the centre is home to the Musée National d'Art Moderne and the Bibliothèque Publique d'Information (BPI) as well as temporary exhibitions, cinemas, and other attractions. Hours vary for individual attractions.

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It is located near the famous Sorbonne University and is one of the best examples of 15th century architecture. The museum showcases armour, chests, ivories, mirrors and hangings which were gathered by Alexandre du Sommerard to portray the Medieval ages and the Renaissance. There is a whole room depicting the most amazing pieces of art from the 16th century, such as Dutch tapestries full of flowers and birds, a woman spinning while a cat plays with the end of the thread and a pretty woman in her bath, overflowing into a duck pond. But the best exhibit is that of 'La Dame à la Licorne '- The Lady with the Unicorn, which features six inscrutable scenes of a beautiful woman flanked by a lion and a unicorn.

Our Local Expert Says:

Where great Frenchmen are laid to rest, there is a beautiful church to the northeast, one of the oldest in Paris.

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Erected between 1764 and 1790, this neoclassical building was commissioned by King Louis XV in honour of Saint-Genevieve who had cured him from a grave illness. The Revolution secularised it quickly and made it a Temple de la Raison. Today, visitors admire the doric columns of the crypt, the resting place of famous writers and philosophers such as Emile Zola, Victor Hugo, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Voltaire, the scientists Pierre and Marie Curie, and Andre Malraux (minister under General Charles de Gaulle's presidency). Its 83 metre high dome looks like that of Saint Paul's in London and that of the Invalides. The façade is inspired by the Roman Pantheon. The monument dedicated to Diderot and its frescoes of Saint-Genevieve are particularly fascinating.

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Got a pair of super-chic, but grossly oversized shades? You'll blend right in at this hip bar-restaurant whose sidewalk terrace is forever brimming with big-sunglasses-wearing beautiful people. But if that's not your scene, not to worry. The interior of the place, with its comfy purple pleather chairs and ruby-colored bar, is much more laid-back, and the staff is friendly. Best of all, the food--so often an afterthought at trendy places--is surprisingly good. Dig into the grilled chicken-pesto salad, the smoked salmon club sandwich, or the goat cheese penne. A great place for lunch, dinner or to refuel post-nightclub.

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François Pasteau's restaurant is so popular that he regularly turns down potential clients at the door. The Norman décor is charming, its prices are reasonable and the cuisine, inspired. It includes Endive Tatin with Goat Cheese, Stuffed Escalope of Cod Oriental Style or a Citrus and Chesnut Lillet Chaudfroid. The restaurant is quieter and more relaxed in the evening.

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This museum is the brain-child of Dina Vierny, who was the former model of sculptor Aristide Maillol. The museum is a tribute to him with his sculptures and drawings on display. In this two-storey museum, works of Marcele Duchamp and Russian artists such as Vladimir Yakilevski and Oscar Rabin are also exhibited. 18 sculptures of Mailol have been displayed outside the museum.