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10/01/2023

Here is a tragic love story of Sappho, the famale inventor of lyric poetry 💔
It says that the legendary Greek poetess, born on Le**os 620-570 BC, laped from the Leucadian rock in the sea because of her unrequited love for Phaon, a young and handsome sailor. Sapphos' poems are both intimate and sincere. Her lire music is immortal.
In the Orsay museum she was honoured in statuary made of marble. The cold white stone in the hands of James Pradier unveils the desperation and condemnation in her eyes due to the impossibility of her love flame to burn mutually and happily..

There are millions of unique human stories. This is only one of them..

04/05/2021

The best 1 Day Trip from Paris; Normandy

As all museums of Paris are closed for now (till 19 May 2021) because of the pandemic situation, we’ll escape to its beautiful surroundings.

Previously outside Paris, we have already discovered the troglodyte habitat, the Château Gaillard in Normandy, and have visited the best of the best of Chartres. This time I propose to discover the most beautiful ruin of France: the Jumièges Abbey

No doubt, France is a real home for Abbeys. There are 82 currently active abbeys and monasteries here: 41 for men, 35 for women, and 6 mixed.

For the weekend out, I’ve chosen the path of Abbeys. With 3 extraordinary ones to visit on my way (about 30 min distance from one another by car): St.-Martin-de Boscherville, Le Bec-Hellouin, and of course Jumièges Abbey. The last one has captivated and charmed me once for all. And you’ll find out why.

The role of abbeys was very important in France since the Middle ages. To have a status of an Abbey meant to be very rich, to have sufficient autonomy, spiritual, intellectual, and social power. It was like an independent state, with its rules and orders, where each inhabitant (be it monk or a servant) worked hard for it to prosper.

The Abbey was a place of educated people, who read and prayed a lot, made art, wine and cheese, and many other things. You needed to deserve the right to be there, to justify your presence.

The intellectual and cultural role
It is remarkable. The abbeys were the guardians of the writings of Antiquity in the first place. The monks worked out on their own manuscripts as well. In the XIII century, it was the apotheose of this activity in the monastery. The Abbey opened the first schools, promoted Art like Romanesque in the 11th and 12th centuries, Gothic art in the 12th and 13th centuries, and Baroque in the 18th century.

Their religious influence
It is indisputable. Basically, the Abbeys were the centers of spiritual life and missionary. With their arms wide open for the religious pilgrims from all over the world: England, Germany, the Slavic, and even Africa, South-East Asia, Latin America.

On the social level, they were great makers of land and builders. Take for instance all those famous monastic cities like Cluny, Corbie, Fulda, Saint-Gall. They also received travelers, facilitated exchanges creating numerous markets and fairs. And the donations, of course. A great source of wealth. Can you imagine what an enriching and influential human carrefour it was?

The Jumièges Abbey was an excellent representation of a such powerful place. It was founded in the 7th century by Saint Philibert. In the beginning, with only 70 monks in the year 654 that has grown to 800 in the year 670.

Looking at its ruins today I see, that throughout history, the Abbey knew the taste of suffering and challenge. Survived the Vikings, the Normande invasions, the wars of religion, French revolution, its patrons’ negligence, and indifference, today it is still there to remind of its great past. Telling its story even through its ruins.

Artistically it is a real masterpiece. It represents a tandem of Gothic and Roman architecture style, still preserved today. The Jumièges hide the other treasures to admire such as the Church of Saint Peter, the precious Carolingian remains, and its 15-hectare English-style park.

Today the Jumièges Abbey appears as an emblem of the romantic landscape. As a place of inspiration for many artists, explorers, and adventurers like you and me. Victor Hugo was in love with the place and visited it several times.

And what I love about the ruins is that they give a space for imagination. What would tell you yours?

29/04/2021

Here I propose to you some ideas about France and the French that I've received living here. They’re based on daily observations, valuable personal experiences, reading, interacting. Besides, for me as a personal guide in Paris, it is a professional duty (and pleasure) to stay up to date, to explore, to look behind the curtains, to shed light on things, and share after. It can be subjective, I know. That’s why I encourage you for your own experience 😉
In the meanwhile, I invite you to find out about mine.

When we go for a visit or when we immigrate to another country, we already carry a certain idea of it. Which is a bargain full of stereotypes, prejudices, and sometimes even expectations.
Some of them turn out to be true, the others, false. Does anything appear in your head? Like that the Italians can’t live without coffee 10 times a day. That they take the“food” thing too seriously (especially spaghetti) and are real champions when it comes to gesticulations – all seems to be true! But that all men there are heartbreakers, is false!) In Germany, they drink a lot of beer (the October fest wouldn’t exist)- true! But that they're reserved, even cold sometimes - false! I assure you they are friendly! (I lived there for some time too). The Brazilians are all amazing footballers… Ummm, not all of course. So it is false! The Americans are loud - true. Definitely. Often smiling, - true again. Eat only in McDonald's – false. The English people talk a lot about the weather. It is true, indeed. But many of them dream to live in London – false. Ukrainians are kindhearted and generous. Although they need time to let you in. In their hearts, I mean. Yeah, this is certainly subjective)

The French. What is true and what is false about them?
Well, they are producers of excellent champagne, wine, and cheese, - true. Are to some extent snobs and chauvinists – true again.
And here I propose to you to go further…

Idea 1. Do the French kiss each other all the time?
True.
I'm talking about the way they say hello to each other when they meet (no erotic meaning here) This so “french” habit does not pose the slightest problem to the French themselves. But to the foreigner, sometimes, it does. Touching the cheek of the almost unknown person at any time can put you in the right mess, I assure you! The social code of the “la bise” was not always evident to me; whom should I kiss? The family, friends? Do I have to kiss a superior as well? How many times? What was sure is that I don’t have to kiss my dentist or the employer, with whom I just had a job interview (unless I meet him at a friends' house after))

The kiss can even be a diplomatic issue. For example, Angela Merkel, a fine diplomat, has never refused hers to Nikolas Sarkozy. Who was also entitled to the diplomatic “bise” from Michelle Obama, who in her turn refused it to Silvio Berlusconi? Oops.
Where it comes from? No one can give a rational explanation for this ritual. Maybe because there is none. Or maybe it is just in human nature to love rituals.

Dominique Picard, the french psycho-sociologist explains :
"The kiss is an important gesture of greeting because it marks the opening and the closing of a meeting", "such a greeting is like a recognition of identity, a way of telling someone that he is not a stranger, that he is part of us. It is a recognition that you need to feel to know that you exist in the eyes of other”
Well said. I have nothing else to add.

Idea 2. France is the number 1 in tourism
True, but...
France, thanks to its natural, artistic, and culinary treasures, is considered to be the world leader in tourism.
France has the reputation of dominating the world of tourism.
In terms of entries, it comes first: no less than 75 million people cross its borders each year (before the Covid epidemic) It is more than in the United States, China, Spain, or Italy!

Most of them are its northern neighbors; Germans, English, Dutch, Belgians, and its neighbors to the south: Italians, Spaniards, Portuguese. Americans represent less than 5% of the total.
In terms of revenue, the situation is less optimistic. According to the classification established by the World Tourism Office, France is third behind the United States and Spain. Why is such a drastic difference? It is because more than 14 million visitors have France just as a transit country.

It is indisputable that tourism is an extraordinary resource for France. The receipts are between 30, and 40 billion euros every year! But is it really enough to occupy the first place?

Idea 3. French cinema does not export
False
The current cinema world is dominated by the USA. Among national ones, the French cinema resists best to it.
In addition, it has allowed many artists from Europe and around the world to express themselves. Famous directors, such as Krzysztof Kieślowski, Andrzej Żuławski, Gaspar Noé, Edgardo Cozarinsky, , Anatole Litvak, Michael Haneke, Paul Verhoeven, Otar Losseliani, John Berry, Roman Polanski are counted French. Conversely, directors of French cinema, such as Jean Renoir, Jacques Tourneur, Jean-Jacques Annaud, Jean-Pierre Jeunet, Olivier Dahan, Luc Besson, Francis Veber or Agnès Varda, Julie Delpy, Claire Denis have led fruitful careers abroad.

Every year, more than 300 French films are released abroad. Among the most famous ones is the Fabulous Destiny of Amélie Poulain, The Emperor's March, Two Asterix-Missions, Cleopatre and The Olympic Games, La Mome, Coco before Chanel.

So, what is the secret of the really good French cinema that is being exported?
It must be the question of the quality. Be it the mainstream films, documentaries, cartoons, auteur films: anything can work, if the quality is there.

Important to say that the French cinema is also sufficiently sustained by the policy of the state. It is largely promoted on TV, by international organizations, and film festivals (Viva the Cannes!)
And even if the French cinema will not rise to the level of American, it is already in a decent place among her European neighbors.

Do you like the French cinema yourself?

Idea 4. French people are good enough at foreign languages
False
According to a recent survey, 30% of French people believe they can speak English. It is much less than in northern Europe, but more than in the south. The French have the reputation of being particularly resistant to the languages of others. The other confirmation is the 3rd place in Europe in TOEIC results.
If the situation is delicate with German, Italian, and Spanish too. Having all this linguistic diversity on its territory and taking no advantage of it, it’s a real pity.

So, where does it come from?
Probably due to the fact that the French language has long been used abroad. The Italians, Spanish, Portuguese spoke it. But also in the west-eastern countries and former colonies.
As a result, the French who traveled thought they could spare learning. Another version is the absence of the "musical/linguistic ear". The fact that can be caused by the poor varying sonorities of the French language. Which makes it difficult for the person to learn and practice a new language.

Will do for now with the ideas about France and the French. Hope you found some interesting ones for you! To be continued.

15/03/2021

The best 1-day trips from Paris; Château Gaillard

France is certainly famous for its numerous chateaux. Undoubtedly, this country is a real treasury of the most beautiful medieval and renaissance palaces and castles. Be it the famous Chateaux of the Loire Valley, of Brittany, the ones near Paris, or those in the south of France, their diversity and architectural beauty can’t leave indifferent.

This historical and cultural wealth is the main reason why nearly 90 million tourists (in 2018) yearly cross the borders of this country. As a guide, adventurer, and a simple human being, I adore exploring those unique sites and share the best of the best with you in my blog of ideatourparis after.

Last time we’ve discovered Chartres. This time we’ll go to Normandy region and explore le Château Gaillard in Les Andelys.
I was so inspired and impressed by the story of the fortress, that I could not wait any longer to find out more about it. Are you ready to travel in time and space with me? So, here is what I’ve got.

The appearance
At the end of the 12th century, France is in a war with the English. At that time, the king of England is in the possession of Normandy. His name is Richard Heart of Lion, nicknamed so for his bravery and military talent. His adult life the king spent in the southwest of France. That’s why, they say, he spoke only in French with his soldiers! It’s a fine mess, I must say for a legendary English king!
In the meanwhile, not less ambitious King of France, Philippe-Auguste, reinforces his troops to rejoin Normandy to the rest of France. It was at that time when Richard I decides to build a solid fortress to keep the toothsome slice of Normand cake to himself.
So, 6000 workers were engaged to build the indestructible building, called later the Château Gaillard.

The construction of Château Gaillard only lasted a year.
But the fortress came out impressive, heavy, indestructible, and esthetic enough. The location in Andelys was chosen not by accident. It was placed on a 100-meter cliff, overlooking the valley of the Seine, in the area where the river narrowed and made a loop.
The plan of the English king was to leave only a small area of access to the castle. It was the plateau opposite the river, - a relatively narrow spit of land rising to the fortress that was easy to defend.

3 levels of fortifications
In the opposite to the plateau, an advanced triangular-shaped structure made the first defense. There were towers from which archers could shoot, and a ditch all around 12m deep as an extra obstacle. When the enemy was at the gates of the Bastille, he had a lot to do to pass the 5-meter wide wall. And even if he passed this first line of defense, he would find himself exposed in the castle's farmyard becoming easy prey for the defenders.

This second level is particularly original from the architectural point of view. Instead of building smooth walls like in the medieval castles of that time, Richard Coeur-de-Lyon projected a scalloped exterior surface. Such an unusual form allowed large projectiles to roll on the structure rather than hitting it head-on.

There was a single door on one side of the enclosure. To reach it the attackers had to walk along a whole part of the wall, giving the defenders time to throw stones and hot oil on them.
The death of Coeur-de-Lyon and the fall of the fortress

Richard I decides to attack the castle of Châlus near Limoges. It was a fatal decision. During the battle, he was hit by an arrow that struck him in the shoulder. He died two weeks later. His brother takes over the power and the lands. King John is definitely less fearless than his elder brother. He decides to sign a treaty with Philippe-Auguste that made him the vassal of the King of France for all territories outside England. The c***y King of France knew thus that he would be able to recover the lands of the vassal if the latter didn’t respect the laws. So, it happened, very soon the king John was condemned for their disobedience to the king, and the sentence was applied. The French king will have a strong intention to reconquer the Norman lands. And so, he did.

The French army was strong at that time and the English troops were few. It took only a couple of days to take the advanced positions of Château Gaillard. The defenders and the inhabitants of the borough took refuge in the castle, hoping that the fortress was really impregnable and would protect them. They were wrong.

In the meanwhile, the French troops surround the castle.
Governor Roger de Lacy was in charge of the castle at that time. He understands that there was enough food to withstand a year of siege, but he cannot keep all of the inhabitants of the village inside. So, they were obliged to leave the fortress. The French soldiers will allow about 1000 people to flee, which didn't please Philippe-Auguste. So, the following group of fugitives was immediately slaughtered. The rest was left to sink or swim, stuck between two enemies. They will eventually die of hunger and cold. To me, it was the most shocking part of the story.

Attack on the Bastion
After 7 months, Philippe-Auguste loses his patience and starts to act. With the help of the constructed covered causeway, the French get access to the first ditch staying almost untouched. Having reached the foot of the first enclosure the soldiers start to use fire to gradually crack the overheated stones. When that part of the wall collapses, the defenders were forced to find refuge behind the first enclosure.

There were rumors that the French has discovered a small window a few meters high that served as a latrine and wasn’t protected. The other sources say that the French entered through the chapel which was poorly protected, but that the men of the King of France invented the history of the latrines so as not to admit that they had desecrated a holy place.

Anyway, the Normans use the fire to stop their enemies, but due to bad luck, the wind pushes the smoke towards them. The latter must flee towards the second enclosure.

The second enclosure also falls
The same day, Philippe-Auguste decides to take the second rampart using his catapults. The English soldiers no longer have time to run for shelter in the dungeon. Soon after the interior courtyard was taken, and Roger de Lacy and 129 of his knights eventually surrendered.

Eventually, the King of France Philippe Auguste recovers all the lands controlled by the English, which extended to the south, in the Pyrenees. In 1204, Normandy was again French.
Château Gaillard will be repaired, then it will see other battles, especially during the Hundred Years War. It will pass on several occasions from the French to the English, and vice versa.

Today, Château Gaillard is a symbol of a bygone era with a special aura surrounding it. Many tourists visit it every year, both for its old stones and for its great flora. Plants brought from Palestine by the Crusaders of Richard Heart of the Lion still grow and become very well acclimatized.

Here is some practical information.
The entrance fee to the castle is € 3.50 for adults, € 3 for children, students, big families, over 60s, and people with disabilities. The castle is free for children under 7 years old. You can reserve a guided tour as well, which gives another meaning, and more profound knowledge about the site.

More than 800 years later, Château Gaillard tells us a part of the past, reach in events and tragedies of the common Franco-English History. The medieval castle, even today very tired and aged, gives an impression of the past power, solidity, and invincibility. And the evidence to us, its visitors, that nothing stays impregnable and even fortresses like that can have a relatively short, though remarkable life.

09/03/2021

The best 1-day trips from Paris; Chartres
France is only Paris; no doubt about it!

So, as soon as I can, I put on my comfortable walking shoes, make some sandwiches, and set off to explore the great gems of France, less known than Paris, but no less impressive.

In the “ beautiful escapes ” outside Paris, today is Chartres. To visit this city is always a promise of a great day and the same emotion. Charged with history, charming medieval atmosphere, gastronomic insights, art, and romance, it is the perfect destination no matter the season. Only one hour away by train from Paris, it is worth staying a couple of days.

Let me start with a short historical review. Chartres appears early in the history of France. It has been occupied since the Paleolithic by the population who settled on the meeting point of the rivers Eure and Couesnon. The city later became the capital of the Gallic tribe called Carnutes, from which it took its name. Throughout history, Chartres knew the patronage of several great men of the state from Henri IV to Jean Moulin. Its citizens desperately protected and supported it during the hard times by all means.

Evidently born under the lucky star, this city survived several fires, the Hundred Years' War, French Revolution, Franco-Prussian War, was miraculously saved, but heavily injured during World War II. Today, having both; its well-preserved past and solid anchor in modernity, the city is reinventing itself nonstop.

And now, let me share some places I would recommend you to visit if you’re, by any lucky chance, a guest of Chartres. There are several ways to discover the city. As a guide, I do it mostly on foot during the walking tours. There is an option to do it on a bicycle (long live to electric ones!) You can rent a bicycle (electric as well) in the local tourist's office (8 Rue de la Poissonnerie)

It is good to know that Chartres is crossed by 2 tourist and cycle routes: the path of Saint Jacques de Compostelle and Veloscenie which connects Paris to Mont Saint Michel. Can you imagine how far you can go!

However, choose the means you like most; be it your two legs or two wheels. Important is to really enjoy the city; making no fuss and no muss.

So here What I do. Firstly, I’m visiting the Cathedral of our Lady of Chartres. In such a way I tune the state of my mind on the sublime frequency)

Born from an ancient Celtic temple, it was converted in 1145 into the Roman cathedral and in 1194 into Gothic. From the 12th century till the present, the cathedral becomes an important destination for travelers from all over the world. Tourists come to admire the architecture and its great historical heritage. The Christian pilgrims walk hundreds of kilometers to honor its famous relic, the Sancta Camisa, said to be the tunic worn by the Virgin Mary at Christ’s birth.

Today the cathedral is included in the list of the World Heritage by UNESCO, who describes it; quote: “Chartres Cathedral is both a symbol and a typical building: the most extraordinary example that we can choose to elucidate the cultural, social, and aesthetic reality of the Gothic cathedral”
I can spend hours inside of the building contemplating. There are so many details, so much admiration for eyes, and food for thoughts. Constructed between 1193 and 1250, this Gothic cathedral is in an exceptional state of preservation. The wow face is guaranteed when you watch the stained-glass windows of the cathedral. Interesting to know that they were financed by guilds of merchants and craftsmen, and by wealthy noblemen, whose names you can find at the bottom. It takes time to decipher those theological themes and narratives, but it is so exciting at least to try.

Secondly, don’t miss the labyrinth!
Giant, reminding mandala labyrinth, symbolizes the journey of life. Follow the direction to the West Rose window of the cathedral. And if you see the figures walking in a circle or even kneeling sometimes in the dark, absorbed by their prayers, you’re on the right way. Each of them is looking for their own way to salvation. You too can try if you want!

Thirdly, climb the Cathedral tower
The 200 or so steps will bring you to the top of the north tower. The panorama more than 100m high certainly deserves that physical effort. Besides it is a rare opportunity excessive for the moment to public (to specify, anyway, because of the Covid situation) I’ll tell you more; it is possible to visit the Crypt in the candlelight! (with the local guide and a ticket)
It gives the shivers, I assure you!

The lower town of Chartres, - is so charming!
The "Little Venice" as it is called, is crossed on all sides by the Eure and dotted with small stone bridges. Très Charmant! It is very pleasant to walk in this almost bucolic environment. From down there the Cathedral seems to sit majestically at the top of the city and look down on us, simple mortals.

I adore wandering haphazardly along the river. To see the boats floating at the foot of the houses along the banks… seems like time stops there. Did you ever have such a feeling?

Chartres in Lights, I highly recommend!
Every year, from spring to autumn, the heritage of Chartres is illuminated on the 24 most beautiful sites in the heart of the historic city. The projects of light create the scenography on the facades of the Cathedral, the Museum of Fine Arts, or the Collegiate Church of Saint-André. Normally, it lasts a few minutes each and tells a story. Often it is linked to the history of Chartres. Accompanied by the sound and incredible highlights, it captivates from the first minute!
Your inner child will be excited!

In my “must-see” list I have also the Picassiette House
This house with an awkward name today is a museum. Certain Raymond Isidore took up the habit of picking up pieces of glass and earthenware and decorate the walls of his house with it. Throughout his life, from 1930 to his death in 1964, he covered his entire house: from walls to the ceiling. Furniture and the garden included! The site contains no less than 15 tons of dish and glass debris. This man was nicknamed “the Picassiette”

One can only admire such meticulous work. A real explosion of colors and symbols. Can you imagine how patient one must be to do it for more than 30 years! Certainly not me!

The Frescoes of Bel-Air
Here the bicycle is definitely needed! On your arrival or departure from Chartres don’t miss the frescoes of Bel-Air. This is a neighborhood totally redecorated by local artists. The quarter seems to be vivified thanks to those splendid colors and images on the facades. What a great idea! It reminds the beautiful street art in Paris.

How could I not mention Maintenon Castle?
The name of the Castle is especially associated with Madame de Maintenon. The life of this lady is captivating and full of twists and turns. The daughter of a thug in prison, she ended up as a marquise and then married to King Louis XIV (in the greatest secrecy) after having been governess of his numerous bastard children.
In 2013 the beautiful French garden was laid out around the castle in the honor of André Le Nôtre, the favorite gardener of Louis XIV.
And in the distance, find the Maintenon aqueduct. This unfinished work of art also has an original story. It was ordered by King Louis XIV to supply the Palace of Versailles with water. Due to a lack of financial and human resources, the aqueduct will never be completed and classified as a historical monument since 1875.

When you're hungry and if you’re gourmand…
In this case, I’ve got for you an incredibly romantic idea; Le Moulin de Ponceau. This gourmet restaurant is located in a pretty 16th-century house, in the lower town on the banks of the Eure. The decor is cozy, the atmosphere is friendly.
To guarantee yourself a romantic mood, reserve the dinner on the veranda overlooking the river! Oh, la, la!

And if it is never enough…
Visit the Église Saint-Pierre de Chartres, it was the church of the Benedictine Abbaye Saint-Père-en-Vallée, founded in the 7th century. At the time of its construction, the abbey was outside the walls of the city. It contains fine stained glass and, formerly, twelve representations of the apostles, which now can be seen in the Fine arts museum.

Other noteworthy churches of Chartres are Saint-Aignan (13th, 16th, and 17th centuries), and Saint-Martin-au-Val (12th century), inside the Saint-Brice hospital.

Last but not least the Museum of glass in Chartres!

This museum, as well as a number of the museums in Paris, is currently closed. But soon, it will reopen its doors to the public. You can discover the permanent collection of 70 authentic Renaissance-stained glass windows on the first level of the museum. The vast Gothic room normally hosts exhibitions of contemporary stained glass.

Well, I will certainly come back to Chartres again and again and every time, I’m sure, the experience will be new. Chartres belongs to those cities that stay in hearts and memory for a long time, if not forever.

OK, stop spoiler! I wish you could try it yourself!🙂

19/02/2021

Great museums to be reopen in Paris in 2021

Paris is the museum treasure; it is no secret. For many visitors it is a decisive factor to come to the city and stay here for a long time. Due to the sanitary conditions in 2020 many of them were temporally closed to the public. Some of them took an advantage of the situation by realizing titanic interior and exterior transformations.

And here I’m with the good news! A number of outstanding museums in Paris will finally reopen their doors to the visitors, if the sanitary conditions of the Covid-19 in 2021 will allow it, of course. Let’s stay optimistic anyway and let’s imagine ourselves already contemplating with our mouths wide open the masterpieces those places will soon expose. Here I’ve got the overview of the museums to rediscover and discover this year.

And I propose to start from the Hotel de la Marine.
The impressive Hôtel de la Marine, located on Place de la Concorde was closed for renovation since 2016. This is one of the most anticipated projects of 2021. After having been the Crown's furniture repository, then the Navy headquarters, the building imagined by Ange-Jacques Gabriel in the middle of the 18th century, was transformed into a museum. We’re all waiting for it to unveil its new finery this spring. It will be accessible from rue Royale and Place de la Concorde. The main courtyard will be carpeted and lit by hundreds of LEDs. What a show!

The interiors are also likely to impress with the ceremonial rooms and restored apartments; a restaurant with the Jean-François Trap label, a Ducasse tea room as well as a bookstore and several shops. Last thing, and not the least, the granting for twenty years of a space of 400 m2 to the Qatari family Al Thani to exhibit about 6,000 works of its exceptional collection of art. What a luxury!

The Carnavalet museum is comimg next on the list
In the heart of the Marais, the museum of the history of Paris, the Carnavalet museum, will finally reopen its doors for us. After being closed for nearly 5 years for a serious renovation this institution should finally be revealed to its patient and curious public. Housed in two Renaissance-style mansions, the Carnavalet Museum brings together 615,000 works! Impressive, isn’t it? On the program, we’ll admire works ranging from the Mesolithic (9600-6000 BC) to the contemporary era. And we will discover, at random, the new exhibition arrangements (especially for children), the gardens and the famous period rooms, which consist in reconstituting a historical setting, such as the room of the great Marcel Proust. When it reopens, 4,000 m² of the renovated museum should reveal itself to us, with just over 4,000 works brought together.

The Victor Hugo House
In the place des Vosges, the apartment that the author of Les Misérables lived in from 1832 to 1848 (just before his exile on the Anglo-Norman island of Guernsey) will be ready to welcome visitors again, eighteen months and 4.7 million euros of work later. An incredible house-museum to dive over 283 m2 in the privacy of the great French author. The opportunity to discover the lesser known facets of the writer and poet. Who was also a pro of China and born decorator, not hesitating to have the decor of his daily life made to measure. To join the permanent collections (for free), you can now enter by the service staircase, once used by Hugo who came and went discreetly. The entrance has been redone as well. Touch tablets replace the old wall posters. But the great novelty is undoubtedly the creation of this romantic garden in the interior courtyard, inspired by the one on rue Plumet in Les Misérables. With tea room managed by Maison Mulot. Delicious!

The Paris Sewers Museum
In the “unusual Parisian museums ” category, the Sewers Museum is there. Closed since July 2018 for renovation, it should reopen this year. You will learn how, for centuries, Paris’s main source of drinking water was its one and only sewer: the Seine. And how, thanks to Haussmann, a veritable water flow and distribution network was born. The visit includes the underground galleries which now extends over 2,100 km! More to see are furnished rooms and old pipe tunnels, bearing the same plaque and the same name as the street which overlooks them. Educational, the visit goes back in time, explains the various water purification techniques and presents the tools and machines that inhabit this parallel universe, buried under the capital.

I hope you feel motivated to visit Paris a little bit more now! I wish you an unforgettable visiting experience and open borders of course!

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