Winding Down a Wonderful Paris Visit with the Tysons
Bonjour mes amis,
Finding the time to post has been a challenge for me so this will be a few days’ worth. We’ve pushed hard, and all of us are tired. The heat has not been our friend. Sharon & Johnny have an air-conditioned hotel room but L & B have nothing but hot all the time. It’s really taken a toll on me this go around. Could it be age?? Surely not.
Friday, we explored the Musée d’Orsay on the left bank. And how can one possibly “represent it” in pictures? The most interesting fact about this museum of the impressionists is that it was once a train station until the trains became so long that they would no longer fit inside! The artwork that is so cherished from the masters like Monet, Manet, Van Gogh, Cézanne, Degas Renoir, etc. were rejected by Le Louvre because they were considered scandalous and unworthy. Can we all say BIG MISTAKE. The impressionists faced harsh opposition from the conventional art community in France. The name of the style derives from the title of a Monet work, Impression, Sunrise. It began with a group of Paris-based artists during the 1870s and 1880s and is “characterized by small, thin, yet visible brush strokes, open composition, emphasis on light and its changing qualities, ordinary subject matter, unusual visual angles, and the inclusion of movement as a crucial element of human perception and experience.” (Wikipedia). The connection of these artists to Montmartre is so very special and why a stop at the little museum there is so very important!
Here’s some samples of our tour and I hope I haven’t misidentified anything. Forgive me if so as I am no art connoisseur. Feel free to correct any mistakes in your comments. First Van Gogh.
Toulouse-Lautrec
Now for a tour downstairs which includes the very famous clock. Think train station! The statue of liberty is the first image that greets you.
The last series of photos were scenes and replicas of the Opera House, Le Palais Garnier. And as we were leaving, we said good-bye to Thomas Jefferson back out on the street.
That evening was our dinner at Le Grand Colbert which was something Sharon really wanted to do. It was their treat to us (Meci!!!!) Very nice but loud, busy, and I think a bit disappointing. 
We had a fun brunch at our apartment on Saturday, but Sharon did not feel well the rest of the day so we cancelled our meal at Georges on top of the Pompidou museum that evening and opted for a street café we like, Le Royal Turenne. Johnny rated it one of the best: duck followed by a banana split!
This morning (Sunday) we took them to the market at the Bastille, but it was a slight representation of its usual vibrant self because of “vacance.”
We had a final lunch at Carette followed by some teary farewells. It’s been a memorable two weeks, and we wish the Tysons a safe and uneventful trip home. They depart in the morning at 6:30!! Au revoir, and bon voyage, dear friends!
As for us, we’re doing laundry, changing beds, and waiting for it to rain and cool down.
L & B
August 14, 2022 @ 2:02 pm
I love the Impressionists! So I very much enjoyed your post. It has been fun following along.
August 14, 2022 @ 2:31 pm
How’s your trip in New York? And so glad you enjoyed sharing the visit with Sharon and Johnny?
August 14, 2022 @ 2:03 pm
Two weeks already!! Wow, what a great time you all had. Yes, it’s all about the hot weather. I lived in the Caribbean and Florida (heat and humidity)a total of 44 years and the last 16 I have been in the NC mountains. I thought it was normal to be hot and sweaty all the time. Hope it cools down soon because you got things to do!
Thanks for sharing, Martin
August 14, 2022 @ 2:18 pm
I always love your posts, but this year they are appreciated even more. We long to travel again and enjoy the musings and photos that virtually take us on a journey, too.
August 14, 2022 @ 2:31 pm
So many paintings of note, which we’ve only seen on postcards or calendars! Wow. And the art museum had my favorite chairs, so far. You obviously packed everything possible into your time with these special friends. It was great to watch it unfold in pictures. And we love the photo that the boys took of the girls, with themselves in the reflection.
August 14, 2022 @ 2:40 pm
What a wonderful photo tour of a magical place! I visited Musee d’Orsay years ago and marveled then at the beautiful impressionist works. Working through your beautiful photos provided me a lovely escape from my current situation and am sure is just what I need for my healing process. Thanks Linda and Bernie!
August 14, 2022 @ 3:00 pm
Karin, it is SO good to hear from you and we are delighted that you are doing as well as can be expected! My goodness, what an unfortunate accident. I’m glad to bring you a little joy, and I know you are thrilled that Emily has had a good few days down in Auburn! Everything comes at once, mais oui?
August 14, 2022 @ 3:28 pm
We are at the airport in Huntsville waiting to start our journey. See you soon, once we’ve settled in!
The Musée d’Orsay is perhaps my favorite museum. Thank you for the art tour.
August 14, 2022 @ 4:32 pm
Praying for NO DRAMA and safe arrival! Tomorrow is a holiday so should be a great time to enter the city!
August 14, 2022 @ 4:23 pm
Life is short and the Linda and Bernie Paris energiser bunnies show us how to live it xxxx xxxx
August 14, 2022 @ 4:31 pm
Merci!
August 14, 2022 @ 5:21 pm
d’Orsay was my favorite! Thanks for the recollections. Bilbro’s on the way! Oh what fun. I’m so sorry you’re still having to struggle with the heat. I do believe it’s age. This has been a horrid summer! One report I saw said in 20 years, we’ll look back and ‘22 and wish for those temps. 🤯
August 14, 2022 @ 5:26 pm
Ugh!
August 14, 2022 @ 5:34 pm
HEY! Thank you for the shout out! LOVE that painting. Love love love that museum! Get some rest, hoping for rain and a cool down for y’all. Much love!!!
August 14, 2022 @ 5:48 pm
Thanks for the lovely remembrances of the d’Orsay. Loved Monet’s various impressions of Rouen cathedral.
August 14, 2022 @ 5:56 pm
Always a treat to get up in the morning and follow your adventures through your photos. Especially enjoyed the tour through the Musee d’Orsay, realizing that we never saw this much during our visit many years ago! Many thanks! Now…get some rest before the next tour!
August 15, 2022 @ 3:37 pm
I enjoyed the cutaway of Musée d’Orsay, most anything Monet is good, and the man with his dogs on what appears to be a cooler day is inviting. Thanks again.
August 15, 2022 @ 3:39 pm
Another beautiful day of art treasures and happy times. Thank you for sharing yet again, Linda. It is so beautiful to be there with you all.
August 15, 2022 @ 7:10 pm
Linda, Musée d’Orsay is a stop I’d like to add if we can. I can’t imagine going to France and not seeing the Impressionist masters!
August 16, 2022 @ 5:52 am
Got it! Sent you a long email.