The Delightful Left Bank or Rive Gauche of Paris
Bonjour mes amis,
I’m getting quite the Paris tan from all of these sunny days! Hot, but just enough breeze to be very tolerable. We had a most enjoyable day on the Left Bank yesterday. I’m aware that many of you love the museum photos and accompanying facts, and some of you would rather see photos of people and scenes from around Paris. I try to mix in a little of both. Today is one of those “historical” posts which will hopefully expand and enrich your knowledge.
We have been to the Cluny Museum or Musée de Moyen Age (Museum of the Middle Ages) many times mainly to see the breathtaking Unicorn Tapestries. This museum has been closed for over two years with renovations going on since 2015. Part of its history was as a residence or hotel belonging to the Cluny family and taken over by the state for preservation as a museum. It sits on the site of many Roman ruins along Boulevard St. Michele. When Bernie and I entered yesterday, we were just astounded at the difference…so much lighter, a much more dramatic, artistic presentation, just exquisite. Those would not have been our words from previous visits. After a little reading on the renovation, much of it was about making the Cluny more handicapped accessible with elevators, etc. and more appealing in stature as a premiere museum. There’s a lot of competition in Paris!!! We highly recommend a visit at only 11.5 euros. Take your time and be swallowed up in history from roughly 500 to 1500 a.d.
After leaving the Cluny, we stopped at the Place in front of La Sorbonne, the famous university symbolizing the Latin Quarter. The scene was a replica of the painting the Tysons bought at Montmartre, including the red canopied restaurant where we had lunch.
Next stop was the Pantheon on top of the hill and so picturesque. It’s a neo-classical temple which honors the Gods of French culture and a resting place for those held in the highest French esteem. It’s very famous for its pendulum. Read about it below.
I meant to add that Josephine Baker is the newest addition to the crypt at Le Panthéon.
Seems as if I am always in a hurry so please forgive errors or misspellings. It’s 90 miles an hour around here! The Tysons are due for breakfast and the coffee is hot.
L & B
August 10, 2022 @ 10:32 am
There is nothing you post or show photos of that is not interesting to me as it is “Paris live”. I especially enjoyed this day as the 5th and 6th are my hoods. I am happy for your sunny days. Thanks again for your posts.
August 10, 2022 @ 10:47 am
I remember visiting the Cluny, but it seems lighter and brighter with the renovations. This brings back great memories of our trip visiting these same revered places.
August 10, 2022 @ 11:37 am
Wonderful art lessons today! Thanks.
August 10, 2022 @ 12:38 pm
Amazing place and great photos. Thinking of the French people’s history of great accomplishment in thought, arts and crafts – even as this war or that horror happened – is good for me to remember.
August 10, 2022 @ 2:12 pm
Thank you for the education! Wish the mirror had been there when we visited. Oh the pictures!!!!!
August 10, 2022 @ 2:34 pm
Thank you for the fabulous tour. Quite a day!!
Nancy
August 10, 2022 @ 4:04 pm
So glad to know the Cluny is open again! Thanks for sharing the photos.
August 10, 2022 @ 4:46 pm
Wonderful pics of the “new” Cluny. Cannot wait to see it.
August 10, 2022 @ 5:49 pm
Count me squarely in the “museums and facts” camp. Great blog entry today!
August 10, 2022 @ 7:15 pm
I’m impressed in that you covered a lot of territory in today’s post. The 4 of you have wonderful energy. Each day is filled with adventures. The new Cluny looks very user friendly. I remember the tapestries as amazing. Thanks for the look see.
August 10, 2022 @ 9:17 pm
Thank you. Another very interesting day in Paris! Love the photos and commentary as always.
August 11, 2022 @ 6:53 pm
I love the Left Bank! Do you remember the name of that street that was in “Midnight in Paris”? I was taken there, but do not remember exactly where it was!!
August 12, 2022 @ 5:11 am
Betsy, Saint-Etienne-du-Mont is the church right next to the Pantheon and if you look it up, maybe it will name the little street.
August 13, 2022 @ 7:14 pm
This was my favorite so far. Love the Moulin Rouge pics and the Cluny. I have a replica of one of the Cluny tapestries in a guest bedroom that my mom got somewhere. Can’t wait to hear about the Musee d’Orsay. Thanks so much for taking us all with you!
August 14, 2022 @ 5:28 am
Lynne, I’m running behind on posting. We’ve been so busy. But I will try to catch up soon.
August 24, 2022 @ 2:51 pm
Not sure I responded, but thank you!!