Musée d'Orsay, Impressionism

Day 2 of my mini Paris getaway. In continuation of the Louvre Musuem exposition from yesterday, I visited the Musée d’Orsay. Apart from the fact that it was once a train station, I was especially looking forward to the special exhibit on Paris 1874 Inventing impressionism. My favorite artist of all time -Claude Monet, the very originator of Impressionism- would be on display.

I eagerly walked past the entrance and was immediately awed. Something about these museums utilizing all their ceiling space was incredible. It was a grand train station, with brown arcs and flowers engraved everywhere. Sculptures lined down the center with entrances to exhibitions along the way.

Top view of the Musée d'Orsay.

I really liked how the orange ledges along the way sectioned off spaces but also served as a resting place for the patrons. I was pleasantly surprised at how the densely packed the Impressionist exhibition was. In the tiny space I constantly moved from piece to piece, captivated by Monet, Renoir, Pissarro, Cézanne and more. I loved the softness, light movements, blurred lines, and pastel tones. It was everything I liked in a painting. Here are some examples of Impressionist paintings.

Monet - Impression, Sunrise 1872

Monet - Les Tuileries, 1876 (Personal favorite, I just stood there looking at this for a while. What does this remind you of?)

Monet - Rouen Cathedral Series, 1890

There's just something about Monet's paintings that are so captivating yet mystical. The softness of the strokes draw you in, as if you're hypnotized. The trance-like images are like blurred recollections from a dream.

Eugène Boudin - Various skies, 1824-1898

Notre Dame Cathedral, Shakespeare & Co. bookstore & Food

After being inside for a couple hours I walked around to get some fresh air and saw lots of tall, tan renaissance architecture. Compared to the Netherlands the city was more busier and less maintained. I had a couple hours to spare so just explored, walking around. I hopped into a cute restaurant and had the best omelette in my life. Sometimes something simple is better than something fancy.

I went to the Notre Dame Cathedral and Shakespeare & Co. bookstore. Because the cathedral was being restored we couldn't see it up close. Having cranes and other construction equipment in the background really felt out of place. Before going in the I thought the Shakespeare bookstore would be tiny but was large with upper floors and wider chambers. It was cool to imagine how famous writers would gather and talk here. I ended up spending an hour there.

Lots of tall, tan buildings

Best omelette in Paris!

Notre Dame Cathedral in mid restoration after the fire

Shakespeare & Co. bookstore

Afterwards I walked around more exploring some vintage shops and had a couple pastries. The sayings are true. French pastries are truly the BEST.

For dinner I went to Ober Mamma, recommended by an Airbnb host. I got the truffle pasta which absolutely melted in my mouth and was surprisingly fulfilling. The unique pasta shapes were fun to eat. Maybe I should try to recreate it back home.

Ober Mamma - LA FAMEUSE PÂTE À LA TRUFFE

Arc de Triomphe & Everything at night

I wanted to hit all main landmarks at night, so I did just that. After a late dinner I wandered throughout the central area on subway and foot. It was tiring and stressful -especially when I got on the wrong train- but I got to see all the places I wanted. The Louvre was more calmer at night with less people. The Arc was simply majestic and enormous. I wonder how they were able to build something so big without modern technology.

The Louvre at night

Arc de Triomphe - Personally the arc looks better without the Olympic signs!

The golden Eiffel Tower reflected on the river

Reflection

Being at the Louvre for 5 hours the day before and the d'Orsay for 2, I did get a bit of museum fatigue but it was truly amazing to be exposed to all these legendary artists. I was walking around the whole day so definitely did get my steps in. Walking around, exploring is the best way to absorb a new place. All the food I had was amazing too,

The end of my Paris getaway is coming to an end, but I definitely want to come back for some pastries. Stay tuned for final part of Paris.