APRIL 2019 : PARIS : DAY 6 : PICASSO, VAN GOGH AND MORE GARDENS

Despite rain today we had a full program planned and we were able to walk and discover more of the city.

We caught the Metro to the 4th arrondissement (we are staying in the 17th), which is a much older and historic section of the city. Again, there were beautifully maintained public parks.

This is Jardin Lazare-Richline, established in 1575.

This is the Picasso Museum, housed in a stunning chateau, Hotel Salé, which was built in 1826. The main stairway remains but the gallery has been recently renovated and is full of light and views. The present exhibition is a duel celebration of Picasso and Alexander Calder, an American, who was a multi-media artist like Picasso. Calder’s claim to fame is his development of the ornamental mobile but he was also a sculptor and painter in the Cubist style.

Some Picasso favourites...

 

Then it was only a half-hour walk to the 11th arrondissement and the Atelier des Lumieres experience. I had fortunately pre-booked this exhibition as it has proved very popular. It is a creative light show in a large space, in which patrons can move around to appreciate the special effects. At present the program has three sections. A short piece called Verse, an action-packed Japon rêvé and then the very emotionally-charged, Van Gogh - all set to a very evocative soundtrack.

Japon Rêvé

A short Metro ride and then a wander past the Bastille and across the bridge to Île de la Cité.

Our sister-in-law, Tracy, had suggested a quirky restaurant for lunch, Au Vieux Paris on the Île de la Cité, constructed in 1512.

Despite the chilly outlook we persevered and walked past Nôtre Dame.

Street stalls along the Seine on the Left Bank

Our destination was Jardin des Plantes. A large garden and park by the Natural History Museum.

As it was our last night in Paris, we took Andrew and Ebba out for dinner at Les Papilles, a popular restaurant near the Luxembourg Gardens. A very happy evening but complicated with a interesting set of changes on the Metro and train. All forgotten as we enjoyed a delicious set menu of fresh produce. A fitting end to our stay.

M&M