Hotel Lambert: the aftermath

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYIuQHdio6fdY2Jc0b3OPCM3gn_2A3IWfgQH9IMjKnJsg5nywXI0JykRW7-UlUYGmVqdfclAJh9mFSPOY0McDsV2Cid5sGfQZGljmPeP-uv6KArq6a2V4jrjNdL2wQOyEd4vkxsIcH19lj/s1600/H%C3%B4tel_Lambert+wiki.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYIuQHdio6fdY2Jc0b3OPCM3gn_2A3IWfgQH9IMjKnJsg5nywXI0JykRW7-UlUYGmVqdfclAJh9mFSPOY0McDsV2Cid5sGfQZGljmPeP-uv6KArq6a2V4jrjNdL2wQOyEd4vkxsIcH19lj/s400/H%C3%B4tel_Lambert+wiki.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Everyone must know by now that the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H%C3%B4tel_Lambert">Hotel Lambert</a> (that storied Hotel Particulier at the tip of the Ile St Louis in Paris) was heavily damaged by fire on July 10th, 2013.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYnuaKp55fQXlq_NqQ3b_xNGBxF2DKRBmpTyu9c2ph2sxW1QWrEP_NWjLG8XCF1TjHvQhul8KwOfxYEjJ8aTVz_tW7kKxLY4gkMvRS2sU1my5kLfgE-Mz1L9POWfmpUmifO9HknKYnc00O/s1600/Hotel+Lambert+fire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYnuaKp55fQXlq_NqQ3b_xNGBxF2DKRBmpTyu9c2ph2sxW1QWrEP_NWjLG8XCF1TjHvQhul8KwOfxYEjJ8aTVz_tW7kKxLY4gkMvRS2sU1my5kLfgE-Mz1L9POWfmpUmifO9HknKYnc00O/s400/Hotel+Lambert+fire.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>I had just left a month previously, having stayed a block away as usual on the Ile St Louis, but friends were staying in another apartment nearby and happened to be there for the dreaded fire. They sent me these images of the excitement and devastation shown here.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnhioI864ZUaWvvg-WjDuHsTRyUJ8Y-YLDzQZjjD-TygIKenQFZoHTSkktc4EsFijGUVxQiXdMHMIWqR8UwhuMonyYwab-6nM1qsJkO0yjZlXfxEPzSIzLufUONcjhViIH7JSBSjq9ZmHt/s1600/Hotel+Lambert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnhioI864ZUaWvvg-WjDuHsTRyUJ8Y-YLDzQZjjD-TygIKenQFZoHTSkktc4EsFijGUVxQiXdMHMIWqR8UwhuMonyYwab-6nM1qsJkO0yjZlXfxEPzSIzLufUONcjhViIH7JSBSjq9ZmHt/s400/Hotel+Lambert.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The fire started at the very end of a long renovation in the roof above the storied <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:H%C3%B4tel_Lambert03.jpg">Galerie d'Hercule</a>, seen above.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg794Wd5be8VQmRJbYoCHRjeYGvvr4VcI45_x80d8mi8vaqg89AoIEXoimXLJku-B8MACUdbkCNvMfms-Z9MLggUmRSEp6DGwTwXnVVUgzR7hHGP8D24JKFK9zYhBryjuBN6NFjXYq0bRY4/s1600/Hotel+lambert+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg794Wd5be8VQmRJbYoCHRjeYGvvr4VcI45_x80d8mi8vaqg89AoIEXoimXLJku-B8MACUdbkCNvMfms-Z9MLggUmRSEp6DGwTwXnVVUgzR7hHGP8D24JKFK9zYhBryjuBN6NFjXYq0bRY4/s400/Hotel+lambert+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Crews battled the fire for days; sometimes these heroes do more damage than good but the fire had to be fought!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDXLRwEyEt2KPA2LnJr94hNfKOIhGK84J2dOfyayf9mrPn7635br-lu1FZ6y6VsTq6_Rs-QAoY5PAttSbQBSvpHDjCnBrwD5JUMBE6ZBdsQC8pm7-1mr-W9CwHGc6E3_cfNA_CixZaxbkh/s1600/fire+fighters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDXLRwEyEt2KPA2LnJr94hNfKOIhGK84J2dOfyayf9mrPn7635br-lu1FZ6y6VsTq6_Rs-QAoY5PAttSbQBSvpHDjCnBrwD5JUMBE6ZBdsQC8pm7-1mr-W9CwHGc6E3_cfNA_CixZaxbkh/s400/fire+fighters.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>The Ile St Louis was overrun by hundreds of firefighters and trucks; this may not sound like much but the Island is tiny and could easily fit into a modern American city block.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyPMY81DbfwJSDBZxhZacjp0Qmv1y4YHlK1fdGfFvLZRlIGRcuBIOJtmJGeZPHhG_AHblSAnXIY2aFKDqxjRELMHJIytwTEN3Pus3w7Ce0wDBTd6U4UhUFhDAl5wXRv0ND9ZuLIbQ869vw/s1600/ile+st+louis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyPMY81DbfwJSDBZxhZacjp0Qmv1y4YHlK1fdGfFvLZRlIGRcuBIOJtmJGeZPHhG_AHblSAnXIY2aFKDqxjRELMHJIytwTEN3Pus3w7Ce0wDBTd6U4UhUFhDAl5wXRv0ND9ZuLIbQ869vw/s400/ile+st+louis.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Confused and dismayed tourists still roamed the island amid all of the excitement. Notice the trucks and ladders at the end of the street above.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhjrECY0uzbLAQEtDMp1XsJJEWtIAaiLnGKXCCHOZuxYLRKeGeb0Lga_XjUDfY4umnXZvMEhuXJTl1TlwfIpbc6kq9rYxJ-TL3nkkgwXL0J5-7k-rjoS6LtHR0uFcN8OiBpmPOeWJ3Fsy-/s1600/Roof+damage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhjrECY0uzbLAQEtDMp1XsJJEWtIAaiLnGKXCCHOZuxYLRKeGeb0Lga_XjUDfY4umnXZvMEhuXJTl1TlwfIpbc6kq9rYxJ-TL3nkkgwXL0J5-7k-rjoS6LtHR0uFcN8OiBpmPOeWJ3Fsy-/s400/Roof+damage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The true aftermath and damage of the fire hasn't been shared publicly yet but these images are disturbing to say the least.  Fingers crossed and hopefully we all will know soon enough the fate of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H%C3%B4tel_Lambert">Hotel Lambert</a>.

Hotel Lambert: the aftermath

Everyone must know by now that the Hotel Lambert (that storied Hotel Particulier at the tip of the Ile St Louis in Paris) was heavily damag...

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Louvre staircases: It's a factor of scale

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHxEA201W194Obq-7SVqQZJ3ZAhFaZ5wkW2EgylvYnuFOJKFwTWnx7T2Qxb0yysACBx6-B4pOI_otLdtQL2MPiqFJ3mLTpMmR22PltifUNZKkmE1yBFzCv8x6EdU6zzda9NBLTPgQZcnqr/s1600/Louvre.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHxEA201W194Obq-7SVqQZJ3ZAhFaZ5wkW2EgylvYnuFOJKFwTWnx7T2Qxb0yysACBx6-B4pOI_otLdtQL2MPiqFJ3mLTpMmR22PltifUNZKkmE1yBFzCv8x6EdU6zzda9NBLTPgQZcnqr/s400/Louvre.JPG" width="293" /></a></div>The Louvre is totally overwhelming; Not just the collections which are astounding but the sheer scale of the building.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifwA-nswKN9YCE8idb-OXl_-SAjzzG6a881NSuTxOATzUwI8W7f4K4MHXUYSINlD2kIA-oOJhcMdO5G7z2AD8TaLL5uR7i0lS2evF3FBUKeN-1_H0KW73M8NqAqcw2vksCn3US6N3PvJXT/s1600/Louvre+entrance+court.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifwA-nswKN9YCE8idb-OXl_-SAjzzG6a881NSuTxOATzUwI8W7f4K4MHXUYSINlD2kIA-oOJhcMdO5G7z2AD8TaLL5uR7i0lS2evF3FBUKeN-1_H0KW73M8NqAqcw2vksCn3US6N3PvJXT/s400/Louvre+entrance+court.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The entry under the I.M.Pei pyramid is probably the most stressful place in all of Paris. Not just because of the crowds but the pickpocket warning signs posted EVERYWHERE are rather disconcerting.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGjJ6OBY9_e0a069EUktnGMWFQDVnWuzz66q1KuD6SbhrceJZTd_s9SoYXK7wivaS8x17aKkWbpkscZWqTHRfbf3rWy3x6v9OYag6erJMeQ8HHEft5YBLItU-UjYsOSVKqtf2R-OV68L_K/s1600/Louvre+Cour+Marly.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGjJ6OBY9_e0a069EUktnGMWFQDVnWuzz66q1KuD6SbhrceJZTd_s9SoYXK7wivaS8x17aKkWbpkscZWqTHRfbf3rWy3x6v9OYag6erJMeQ8HHEft5YBLItU-UjYsOSVKqtf2R-OV68L_K/s400/Louvre+Cour+Marly.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Once you enter the museum itself you can find pockets of calm, such as in the Marly Courtyard above.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc5Jsc9XEbPJ_HXHj818nHsOuutcdiHcHhWwR9LpYW3FR6msQI5UrBNFax4BQ3OBc5kC58cYued-U03neCzVo4WXaRsuRIYST2l_SiieKKgAOvO_G1MEtCY9NR0J6lDoNdLuIyJ3X0dJXf/s1600/Louvre+Escalier+Lefuel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc5Jsc9XEbPJ_HXHj818nHsOuutcdiHcHhWwR9LpYW3FR6msQI5UrBNFax4BQ3OBc5kC58cYued-U03neCzVo4WXaRsuRIYST2l_SiieKKgAOvO_G1MEtCY9NR0J6lDoNdLuIyJ3X0dJXf/s400/Louvre+Escalier+Lefuel.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The most amazing thing in the building to my eye are the numerous staircases.  Even the smallest of these, such as the Lafuel staircase, are on an enormous scale.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF7ywKLUuEsL5U1H3ZlqvkBjUyo4WQcnvBdWsfqKyqA0J-byTKejqXdtb8Q5zrwVXkVH0LguwtxMLgNK1SfgNy0DIPj7fd0r5DSZ8VJhrUq9o7Y75lz2TIusEhuwk1ZldLeEiSyZH39Eii/s1600/Louvre+Escalier+Lefuel+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF7ywKLUuEsL5U1H3ZlqvkBjUyo4WQcnvBdWsfqKyqA0J-byTKejqXdtb8Q5zrwVXkVH0LguwtxMLgNK1SfgNy0DIPj7fd0r5DSZ8VJhrUq9o7Y75lz2TIusEhuwk1ZldLeEiSyZH39Eii/s400/Louvre+Escalier+Lefuel+2.JPG" width="281" /></a></div>Here you can take a deep breath away from the crowds and just enjoy the beautiful building.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhae6muKRDijkJ3twJ2hJr-s7-TIhTm32yyTwe0Qfezjb_Sc0oZ5qm6gdP3RzG7cLwHScp71_L6oFovPqUzITT-PTMzvnLYM9RvZgkCG_kOMyHa5D_7aEpq_KjkMDO8rIJu0oE5GpRLenXc/s1600/louvre+sculptures.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhae6muKRDijkJ3twJ2hJr-s7-TIhTm32yyTwe0Qfezjb_Sc0oZ5qm6gdP3RzG7cLwHScp71_L6oFovPqUzITT-PTMzvnLYM9RvZgkCG_kOMyHa5D_7aEpq_KjkMDO8rIJu0oE5GpRLenXc/s400/louvre+sculptures.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Because you step out of the stairways and even on a weekday this is what you encounter; hoards of people RUSHING towards you!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9b1aWnuA4MBH6mGLYtKRdvV7rl92hokAwZEvMphsLs7n10Oe0drymTThfuRQ1JVUqXap75m6Q6_AH1e4Pk8rYDhJbJ8GehQVumzcXjEvmujXxsanMD4_4G-Szrr-jOhNh2vSsj6UxtYAC/s1600/Louvre+Daru+staircase.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9b1aWnuA4MBH6mGLYtKRdvV7rl92hokAwZEvMphsLs7n10Oe0drymTThfuRQ1JVUqXap75m6Q6_AH1e4Pk8rYDhJbJ8GehQVumzcXjEvmujXxsanMD4_4G-Szrr-jOhNh2vSsj6UxtYAC/s400/Louvre+Daru+staircase.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>The Daru staircase is also of an immense public scale. It reminds me of a drawing by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mc_escher">M.C. Escher</a>.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtXGGr-zDZqXPYUwue8Llnrg3IZv4AMqfu6qHg9E6A8akF8pmrbvwjK44Dfrtcdk7s4u9JfJEiQfCQUxOKQtPOOo4E5hoSCQ2L_3HCQmM4_OCjEsFI7y1dzhYo7wK30FGJg-l0liALtIIn/s1600/Winged+victory.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtXGGr-zDZqXPYUwue8Llnrg3IZv4AMqfu6qHg9E6A8akF8pmrbvwjK44Dfrtcdk7s4u9JfJEiQfCQUxOKQtPOOo4E5hoSCQ2L_3HCQmM4_OCjEsFI7y1dzhYo7wK30FGJg-l0liALtIIn/s400/Winged+victory.JPG" width="293" /></a></div>And of course the tourists with their cameras (who cannot look at an artwork EXCEPT through the eye of their camera lens for whatever reason) are continually falling down the stair or else stepping on you.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuSWtH8vD6e-g6nesipF_0KcO5XQ2REms_hliO-Zn51AoCB7sHFGsaj5xzlfrc9BaER6xh-YM0khIMWsYoy3FyAfP4uap5tyzOlldlN9EdV2C-xUzWM5hFkj7G_3zMRhPAODHAHLOki1Yv/s1600/winged+victory+through+crowds.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuSWtH8vD6e-g6nesipF_0KcO5XQ2REms_hliO-Zn51AoCB7sHFGsaj5xzlfrc9BaER6xh-YM0khIMWsYoy3FyAfP4uap5tyzOlldlN9EdV2C-xUzWM5hFkj7G_3zMRhPAODHAHLOki1Yv/s400/winged+victory+through+crowds.JPG" width="288" /></a></div>The vantage points through these spaces are amazing.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM5nidqzaMiSCLfdRIeb9BNsrKnjjWIs2oRKT4mD7SUgrg-z_s8j_N4o1NA7TzNzmch5tmJkF6Iq5niFKOqOyhislYwnkz_AutCP21eDwVtXEaUUkLXE1-SJZD2JDLVrkRaHj8Q35TZ_Uy/s1600/winged+victory+through+crowds+detail.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM5nidqzaMiSCLfdRIeb9BNsrKnjjWIs2oRKT4mD7SUgrg-z_s8j_N4o1NA7TzNzmch5tmJkF6Iq5niFKOqOyhislYwnkz_AutCP21eDwVtXEaUUkLXE1-SJZD2JDLVrkRaHj8Q35TZ_Uy/s400/winged+victory+through+crowds+detail.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I think much of this architectural detailing is overlooked in favor of the amazing collection of artwork. Save a day for art and a day for architectural looking perhaps?<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVLdfDxEtq0sdj3x7M1bm0Pahy9M6FN2ZQqYSWdtaFcUOGpFrZnz-dOxfV0sRb8NmTHW82fJRNF1ZlUf6T2ecFFViDf9WTm5zxglPpmuel_235WNP5fO8T8HIzuBth13vHcuEiYu7idNGT/s1600/Louvre+Cour+Lefuel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVLdfDxEtq0sdj3x7M1bm0Pahy9M6FN2ZQqYSWdtaFcUOGpFrZnz-dOxfV0sRb8NmTHW82fJRNF1ZlUf6T2ecFFViDf9WTm5zxglPpmuel_235WNP5fO8T8HIzuBth13vHcuEiYu7idNGT/s400/Louvre+Cour+Lefuel.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>The LaFuel courtyard is unfortunately not open to the public although visible from the galleries inside. Wouldn't this make a great cafe?<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRRgJTV0tIOdN7a34jQz7vBagteJ0w-aUdyEt2rM5aRbvE0JLMOup-wm7yckLJpS44_wuOBNS0su3hjtyhWdOu6vh7LCx7S-TDgvQNV0kBbekTbmWoT8VMRoEDrD90i0fOt6VhurWONbDK/s1600/Louvre+Cour+Lefuel+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRRgJTV0tIOdN7a34jQz7vBagteJ0w-aUdyEt2rM5aRbvE0JLMOup-wm7yckLJpS44_wuOBNS0su3hjtyhWdOu6vh7LCx7S-TDgvQNV0kBbekTbmWoT8VMRoEDrD90i0fOt6VhurWONbDK/s400/Louvre+Cour+Lefuel+2.JPG" width="296" /></a></div>Loved the columns on the porte cochere above.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK_zW0nEtI8ljZZqCDmNsGtPGtSNcBmt_IHfYrkAnsFLp1sZv7ogC8jnpvG5hgUamp9nfF-EaKGkCS3J_LAhDt1eVE08iJkIFKsaZ7bWh7kb-2vp0h5krAeM9_OjHlv1pnhljiy5PF2l9c/s1600/IMG_4564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK_zW0nEtI8ljZZqCDmNsGtPGtSNcBmt_IHfYrkAnsFLp1sZv7ogC8jnpvG5hgUamp9nfF-EaKGkCS3J_LAhDt1eVE08iJkIFKsaZ7bWh7kb-2vp0h5krAeM9_OjHlv1pnhljiy5PF2l9c/s400/IMG_4564.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Speaking of cafes this staircase had a lovely cafe ringing its upper level.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxfEKzhFB5lm6DbyrvVz0hRBmn52hCg1geeGd2Q0EtN4HuFzKyDE3DEsthY9umppMHH_BwKDkR6lfHowvPWnrhS_2GLikZaS4ZJQ3BvL73PNUcLrERRg3y2IKhvNclI-4V2gOg1EXTash1/s1600/IMG_4563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxfEKzhFB5lm6DbyrvVz0hRBmn52hCg1geeGd2Q0EtN4HuFzKyDE3DEsthY9umppMHH_BwKDkR6lfHowvPWnrhS_2GLikZaS4ZJQ3BvL73PNUcLrERRg3y2IKhvNclI-4V2gOg1EXTash1/s400/IMG_4563.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Wouldn't you love to have a meal here? It must be one of the prettiest cafes in all of Paris (and thats saying something).<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOg_hW3vZM1xn-Tf3Yn6o5Ia2k5o2II8vIzj3eLZpZ3eg1FK3trQPi6cTxTIr8Zqyr59EpuPMOQocQZPwMUh7C9Dm1t1hHA2UBB_ajLhOxv8xHB7U5DjsXrXcYU6_cgP8iBVT16cQGtSP6/s1600/IMG_4562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOg_hW3vZM1xn-Tf3Yn6o5Ia2k5o2II8vIzj3eLZpZ3eg1FK3trQPi6cTxTIr8Zqyr59EpuPMOQocQZPwMUh7C9Dm1t1hHA2UBB_ajLhOxv8xHB7U5DjsXrXcYU6_cgP8iBVT16cQGtSP6/s400/IMG_4562.JPG" width="291" /></a></div>The ceiling decorations throughout are amazing.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisOrJbaJ5P3fSI0RmB30PfHhPirZK-fksFbHKYFy3OarE0h1yoyfo8kO4TJIn0c7GFqAT0aEeJcCCqra8sWbP1q43rIEopk3SFsChyvyovnX7CqeJytb5voFGV6Y3-dxyd1pKzsyDT6hK7/s1600/IMG_4557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisOrJbaJ5P3fSI0RmB30PfHhPirZK-fksFbHKYFy3OarE0h1yoyfo8kO4TJIn0c7GFqAT0aEeJcCCqra8sWbP1q43rIEopk3SFsChyvyovnX7CqeJytb5voFGV6Y3-dxyd1pKzsyDT6hK7/s400/IMG_4557.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>And all of the abundance of natural light keeps the museum from feeling too cold.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimM3lhkLRmaaaRoI_cUdIKyAR9yMV5lFjtzFqfrRt0MDi-Kh6NSHhuEyh5yPgxAQwKmzNYNtGgdbsHaC5fwf_1fva9Y6I62mjAmMTRdXy-6WN8whwjT-j5ui6u9nbxqMYIOD9Al2QfJHL4/s1600/IMG_4541.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimM3lhkLRmaaaRoI_cUdIKyAR9yMV5lFjtzFqfrRt0MDi-Kh6NSHhuEyh5yPgxAQwKmzNYNtGgdbsHaC5fwf_1fva9Y6I62mjAmMTRdXy-6WN8whwjT-j5ui6u9nbxqMYIOD9Al2QfJHL4/s400/IMG_4541.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>What have your impressions of the Louvre been on your visits? Are there certains days to go which are better than others?

Louvre staircases: It's a factor of scale

The Louvre is totally overwhelming; Not just the collections which are astounding but the sheer scale of the building. The entry under the I...

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Louvre: Apartments of Napoleon III

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjottuQrf9s8X9kImy4Ein8Y6YR8Oc6rsbZTri91MwWc9BqQa-Cu6RyVf1BbAz29lYyFXmF7CnDSExKCDoS662vFpjnzYpydQuFdVnz5QWQimkrfiNfsMmWdlhINL5tLpe3v9umjDocosT4/s1600/apartments+of+napoleon+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjottuQrf9s8X9kImy4Ein8Y6YR8Oc6rsbZTri91MwWc9BqQa-Cu6RyVf1BbAz29lYyFXmF7CnDSExKCDoS662vFpjnzYpydQuFdVnz5QWQimkrfiNfsMmWdlhINL5tLpe3v9umjDocosT4/s400/apartments+of+napoleon+3.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>One thing not to miss at the Louvre, out of many items not to miss, are the state apartments of Napoleon III. I've visited a lot of opulent places in my travels but never seen something on this scale and so completely over the top.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl53FzIkG7cAWLBd3iTydWey7l25H5mLUeaFhn268-0UvIfaSMfof5X-A7H0KQNK9kK4QFNFXLFFiDBOvr05csRl_cGmRvZ_89QduwE8vhRPsjTRHFM0RgZ53CZsiiJ9kS_xUviwkCj6S5/s1600/1+enfilade.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl53FzIkG7cAWLBd3iTydWey7l25H5mLUeaFhn268-0UvIfaSMfof5X-A7H0KQNK9kK4QFNFXLFFiDBOvr05csRl_cGmRvZ_89QduwE8vhRPsjTRHFM0RgZ53CZsiiJ9kS_xUviwkCj6S5/s400/1+enfilade.JPG" width="293" /></a></div>Built between 1854 and 1861 by the architect Hector Lefuel, the set of rooms was basically built for partying and entertaining. How could you fail to impress guests of the State when this is the setting?<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgti6PW1MMPivITqn50bXasQ3l65GAF__0ylQV20Ea-mNODrw9V__OogZydeIKjKAvWWwpluW1UsgfNuVXV7qhYvNMxWmtItxD9yppa1Tntg8_f_xad3FinIUB3hgzZqmYT07SaBiFUFAmz/s1600/2+door+detail.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgti6PW1MMPivITqn50bXasQ3l65GAF__0ylQV20Ea-mNODrw9V__OogZydeIKjKAvWWwpluW1UsgfNuVXV7qhYvNMxWmtItxD9yppa1Tntg8_f_xad3FinIUB3hgzZqmYT07SaBiFUFAmz/s400/2+door+detail.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>Long hallways lead you past anterooms designed for large scale gatherings through a stately enfilade until you reach the Grand Salon.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG1_7rIlmve22sOnbIcoyRIXlmxM_LpoCVzZjbez2eGPbkIBiFgVYahWxiUKN5lInHJOVPpuE9WqShOozzlJ1DR9XZG7TQu3D3hF9U_XPx8zJQED6fo2WspQn-ye-emHw3n-tw1QGxhMxu/s1600/3+enfilade+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG1_7rIlmve22sOnbIcoyRIXlmxM_LpoCVzZjbez2eGPbkIBiFgVYahWxiUKN5lInHJOVPpuE9WqShOozzlJ1DR9XZG7TQu3D3hF9U_XPx8zJQED6fo2WspQn-ye-emHw3n-tw1QGxhMxu/s400/3+enfilade+2.JPG" width="300" /></a></div> Every square inch is ornate; designed to within an inch of its life. And it's totally magnificent.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie3qMf5MnDp_E_hbm0zGkTNmce97J4OMnqXmGlhue2cvGV5x2aGmfsWWCU-YR66q9maRjGGmQ5trjzmOdGNF1PP8xxZdkFefceneHx3Leg2ODK8LHk96gKOo3541v9i2jLDf2jfXHqqkHO/s1600/4+hall+chandelier.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie3qMf5MnDp_E_hbm0zGkTNmce97J4OMnqXmGlhue2cvGV5x2aGmfsWWCU-YR66q9maRjGGmQ5trjzmOdGNF1PP8xxZdkFefceneHx3Leg2ODK8LHk96gKOo3541v9i2jLDf2jfXHqqkHO/s400/4+hall+chandelier.JPG" width="292" /></a></div>The ceiling of the Grand Salon is a painting by Charles-Raphael Marechal depicting the building of the wing itself:  <em style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18.15625px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The Reuniting of the Louvre and the Tuileries by Napoleon III.</em><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg6FxHl4gVyR2XRYUpyOsyBojoCyMdHGMeHo2c3C9M-BqJy9c_xOIoG4kMCM-uqt7PzPSZkOJ8IxN5YS2TeDqHc3R8yuXvZ0TNxzvtr0_45nRKEFoWhH-aEoA2Uetfsm_w1fVNFtMoQ8kP/s1600/5+grand+salon+chandlier+and+ceiling.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg6FxHl4gVyR2XRYUpyOsyBojoCyMdHGMeHo2c3C9M-BqJy9c_xOIoG4kMCM-uqt7PzPSZkOJ8IxN5YS2TeDqHc3R8yuXvZ0TNxzvtr0_45nRKEFoWhH-aEoA2Uetfsm_w1fVNFtMoQ8kP/s400/5+grand+salon+chandlier+and+ceiling.JPG" width="296" /></a></div>I love the filtered light through the many windows. The low light from the now electrified chandliers almost appears as candlelight at this time of day.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMFDkbqhyqAqyt_d4Or3ET3B1fqdXBkeMRU0KtS9dbOPWfvt6ZoeA0aHlIhNg8CJcLhEnz1IWQOSobDm1YKz0ZiL7cazQa8CRKdGg5pKvbjjL6V5pIHyFJKmypu9MrqHwqlXntrOHWBTBf/s1600/6+grand+salon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMFDkbqhyqAqyt_d4Or3ET3B1fqdXBkeMRU0KtS9dbOPWfvt6ZoeA0aHlIhNg8CJcLhEnz1IWQOSobDm1YKz0ZiL7cazQa8CRKdGg5pKvbjjL6V5pIHyFJKmypu9MrqHwqlXntrOHWBTBf/s400/6+grand+salon.JPG" width="300" /></a></div> The view out the windows isn't so bad either.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh15x7meaoN_jhMz7unWw08nsoqTEbOkrUWhASwveKcthnGy-2PssQRPSrh56tS3lRe-BNzVKShY4ZQ6GBWGZvv6o-08XHtt9fCYHoPE7tAtwwnP6uGJyURYYyNEeel-9oT60yQUZiRDkTv/s1600/7+grand+salon+view+outside.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh15x7meaoN_jhMz7unWw08nsoqTEbOkrUWhASwveKcthnGy-2PssQRPSrh56tS3lRe-BNzVKShY4ZQ6GBWGZvv6o-08XHtt9fCYHoPE7tAtwwnP6uGJyURYYyNEeel-9oT60yQUZiRDkTv/s400/7+grand+salon+view+outside.JPG" width="292" /></a></div>I loved this little side table nestled between pilasters; a perfect spot to place your drink at a party or more likely for a candelabra.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC7GgbURJTTiR_WQ_dg1CXe1RLnZmec3h0xEAAN0Po8mhulnACL7Z9JeYdephyphenhyphencrUnW-i8wuO6Ijeg_1Oay4EcBMFOzJC6EqVPAS91zfUgrG8vaYXF-9pkkwRV2jJxraMiDLMa4rG_VB8j/s1600/8+side+table.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC7GgbURJTTiR_WQ_dg1CXe1RLnZmec3h0xEAAN0Po8mhulnACL7Z9JeYdephyphenhyphencrUnW-i8wuO6Ijeg_1Oay4EcBMFOzJC6EqVPAS91zfUgrG8vaYXF-9pkkwRV2jJxraMiDLMa4rG_VB8j/s400/8+side+table.JPG" width="298" /></a></div> Small rooms dot the enfilade, such as this card playing chamber.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY-58ZBrJQZ-S0-tsCyvaM-hTgetbDWc21pwm_COAi5XpBzrCveRKGALYu7tIA86LrxD7qjWHtQa0IZchrf-2hET__E6Uvd0Z4VZOpWKr_FW4pYPVdTh7bnS8qWhJTCdVq_CP2behf90cN/s1600/9+card+room.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY-58ZBrJQZ-S0-tsCyvaM-hTgetbDWc21pwm_COAi5XpBzrCveRKGALYu7tIA86LrxD7qjWHtQa0IZchrf-2hET__E6Uvd0Z4VZOpWKr_FW4pYPVdTh7bnS8qWhJTCdVq_CP2behf90cN/s400/9+card+room.JPG" width="288" /></a></div> The small dining room features magnificent wall murals.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOwRnr6B9_RL6S1J4uLJHb7N_UZFXKgofKhHs-TUxV-VlT_Dq68vyWWDaQaNQ4Lq2RH9V7jicXUWTT9AagzARJyvreavRduIqvNcuqY3AcDqnTq6QvU_PDKA_R20-48LHI-wy7gFVWAQyB/s1600/10+small+dining+room.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOwRnr6B9_RL6S1J4uLJHb7N_UZFXKgofKhHs-TUxV-VlT_Dq68vyWWDaQaNQ4Lq2RH9V7jicXUWTT9AagzARJyvreavRduIqvNcuqY3AcDqnTq6QvU_PDKA_R20-48LHI-wy7gFVWAQyB/s400/10+small+dining+room.JPG" width="296" /></a></div>The apartments have been faithfully restored and the upholstery and gilding looks brand new; probably the same as in the 1860s (minus the smog).<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLGbvRJ0l8nBx-V3UXaAKPUYJANuvMOwiA_wxRwSnTGFeDQsXzREeEqfMp9bi9KuMEl_GsJVPusLNfHAFcUFDqVj7rA-B8G9Mkjc7QAczWokDteQFck5IGAHM66PEdCLFG5wwcE_PFjdO-/s1600/11+small+dining+room.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLGbvRJ0l8nBx-V3UXaAKPUYJANuvMOwiA_wxRwSnTGFeDQsXzREeEqfMp9bi9KuMEl_GsJVPusLNfHAFcUFDqVj7rA-B8G9Mkjc7QAczWokDteQFck5IGAHM66PEdCLFG5wwcE_PFjdO-/s400/11+small+dining+room.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The grand dining room features an immense table and a ceiling painted by Eugene Appert depicting exotic birds in flight.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAhamfN38cef3sTpMbE0XZdKlzO1Sj_8NusVfaYxtRwaPwl5-wesXNc2QRZw-y7JNWvNzy6GWIdJGJnz6evMl92FUzX-ZHH7-zIoZpE4RfDyMSN2zkFXfo2iSeSEkZABO6frxqegccKs32/s1600/12+dining+room.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAhamfN38cef3sTpMbE0XZdKlzO1Sj_8NusVfaYxtRwaPwl5-wesXNc2QRZw-y7JNWvNzy6GWIdJGJnz6evMl92FUzX-ZHH7-zIoZpE4RfDyMSN2zkFXfo2iSeSEkZABO6frxqegccKs32/s400/12+dining+room.JPG" width="296" /></a></div> The paneled opening at the end of the dining room sets the symmetry of the space as the entry is off center.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqbet827qlFHte6fAEHUP5-YpO66AjQcaXTssBFF1UbX8k68Ys6CxNzBgck8YcYdc85lvbTI02BviWTw-vHQB3IpEHAIM84Vwe-V0sS1idg4BOmgzSy_Q9Fu5hGhNRL0Q0Bdmig4MDuGku/s1600/13+dining+room.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqbet827qlFHte6fAEHUP5-YpO66AjQcaXTssBFF1UbX8k68Ys6CxNzBgck8YcYdc85lvbTI02BviWTw-vHQB3IpEHAIM84Vwe-V0sS1idg4BOmgzSy_Q9Fu5hGhNRL0Q0Bdmig4MDuGku/s400/13+dining+room.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>The large sideboard of course would have been loaded with cut glass, silver, and exotic fruits to impress guests.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOB_jXif0iOmGNUZ-WxpNP6UMZDMp8jZxmZ-PSsxSIhut7Mgq8IoPKCYTD0378-he4aHKIGCxarehDSTDXtNkyspXjJgisxgVetG8N5hTJtG57xu6au9M2XkijpExfHW-qNj2hxG_hUMNG/s1600/14+dining+room.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOB_jXif0iOmGNUZ-WxpNP6UMZDMp8jZxmZ-PSsxSIhut7Mgq8IoPKCYTD0378-he4aHKIGCxarehDSTDXtNkyspXjJgisxgVetG8N5hTJtG57xu6au9M2XkijpExfHW-qNj2hxG_hUMNG/s400/14+dining+room.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>This service hall of sorts runs the length of the apartments and dining room. Even the underside of the circular stair is decorated; no detail overlooked.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4KDd5LvSkh5KnVVOK5biU_6AUpxLQHIgtdwFDRUpI4SqCocdUEh1ORrfKjlaLkLHUr-9ryZxMDcb1xB_0k0_iywIieFIwnAGG5ySa3216cigWKP7OqTUe_B2qCfwq0GjEqAd9CkQUHpEV/s1600/15+spiral+stair.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4KDd5LvSkh5KnVVOK5biU_6AUpxLQHIgtdwFDRUpI4SqCocdUEh1ORrfKjlaLkLHUr-9ryZxMDcb1xB_0k0_iywIieFIwnAGG5ySa3216cigWKP7OqTUe_B2qCfwq0GjEqAd9CkQUHpEV/s400/15+spiral+stair.JPG" width="297" /></a></div> At the end of the apartments is a gilded bed and balustrade from the throne room of Napoleon I. Not your standard 1 bedroom apartment.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI3pwjGZDYEVH7ZLXntM5wBKDwJK317kbgOcN0rvZRtoOO2z8iVKvdnqnRlg0gLE_GxWH064BgBDCgG2LAgGwWj0ghyU2IRfTDQIK7qextPeZkAhbv_Xd9UBpoeckF8nfiZSZLkpXS6Aec/s1600/16+throne+room+balustrade,louis+xviii+bed.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI3pwjGZDYEVH7ZLXntM5wBKDwJK317kbgOcN0rvZRtoOO2z8iVKvdnqnRlg0gLE_GxWH064BgBDCgG2LAgGwWj0ghyU2IRfTDQIK7qextPeZkAhbv_Xd9UBpoeckF8nfiZSZLkpXS6Aec/s400/16+throne+room+balustrade,louis+xviii+bed.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><i>Before visiting the Louvre, make sure the apartments of Napoleon III are open on the day of your visit as they close periodically.</i>

Louvre: Apartments of Napoleon III

One thing not to miss at the Louvre, out of many items not to miss, are the state apartments of Napoleon III. I've visited a lot of opul...

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A Grand Stair: Escalier du Ministre, Louvre

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_MeTQM_lau4Hy0PZ3k56VMqnZPjpBUY95_Qzdi30oceyWhrK2KLVK_RqIMnr9wmNdKoRvfFrs4FQXDdwwZP2R5rgSPkb01XuSlEQQsD3KdO07VTRuuIbM0vqxTHteZ5i1uIyuTceTsziY/s1600/chandlier+from+escalier+du+ministre.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_MeTQM_lau4Hy0PZ3k56VMqnZPjpBUY95_Qzdi30oceyWhrK2KLVK_RqIMnr9wmNdKoRvfFrs4FQXDdwwZP2R5rgSPkb01XuSlEQQsD3KdO07VTRuuIbM0vqxTHteZ5i1uIyuTceTsziY/s400/chandlier+from+escalier+du+ministre.JPG" width="297" /></a></div>While in Paris everyone will say to visit the apartments of Napoleon III at the Louvre. They're right, it's amazing! On the way to his private apartments you will pass through the <i>Escalier du Ministre</i> which is worth a blog post in its own right before moving onto the apartments themselves.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0T7lKJqPPuf15P1kcq7SHxjJ8kmcZxeu6MSqFYye9zOeX625lRpjvnGMsmcceyL9itL4f7uxxmxhyphenhyphenxUVLlNQM9K8bd81cVtGbQfZ31GPHJGIgCb57Y1OBVH37DFp8tcKqM0QIJ5C8PV08/s1600/1+escalier+du+ministre.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0T7lKJqPPuf15P1kcq7SHxjJ8kmcZxeu6MSqFYye9zOeX625lRpjvnGMsmcceyL9itL4f7uxxmxhyphenhyphenxUVLlNQM9K8bd81cVtGbQfZ31GPHJGIgCb57Y1OBVH37DFp8tcKqM0QIJ5C8PV08/s400/1+escalier+du+ministre.JPG" width="296" /></a></div>Originally the staircase was part of the ceremonial apartments of the minister of state. These were built to impress those who came for parties and on affairs of state and impress they do!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOagetlJqHE4f-ry6M5-uM1nyLKZcKJr4W_ZUh2vX3GaRkyQu3ecOFcsGjXmsky5SkDT5P8Fen5gP7udNPosshMyFWRbQUbk1ERxJEJlo0bfDX4nmIN19SVcREUNxry6Sb9JnFnuStrAkv/s1600/2+escalier+du+ministre+chandelier.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOagetlJqHE4f-ry6M5-uM1nyLKZcKJr4W_ZUh2vX3GaRkyQu3ecOFcsGjXmsky5SkDT5P8Fen5gP7udNPosshMyFWRbQUbk1ERxJEJlo0bfDX4nmIN19SVcREUNxry6Sb9JnFnuStrAkv/s400/2+escalier+du+ministre+chandelier.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>Napoleon III hired the architect Hector Martin Lefuel to design the "New Louvre" wing, now known in part as the Richelieu wing. Construction of the wing was at the height of the 2nd Empire period, 1854-1857. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8nACCzGkhcAN5af05LdGI7W69kEOTIge6lWhnJwypS41emMAH-K8to-bvtpSg4iAuWB3ERvXGylV7m3d5d0v5ZL2sCn0OPUezgE_8dM6SvUoPrLCQ24Qn8jOFBnESgaEKaDNUFImNyWnO/s1600/3+escalier+du+ministre+sconce.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8nACCzGkhcAN5af05LdGI7W69kEOTIge6lWhnJwypS41emMAH-K8to-bvtpSg4iAuWB3ERvXGylV7m3d5d0v5ZL2sCn0OPUezgE_8dM6SvUoPrLCQ24Qn8jOFBnESgaEKaDNUFImNyWnO/s400/3+escalier+du+ministre+sconce.JPG" width="273" /></a></div>Afterwards the staircase was decorated by a number of artists until 1861. I can see what took them so long! I love the chandelier and huge sconces built by Christofle and designed by the sculptor Morand.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMD1QDjk5p6LlPUwWVm1Hw7osaz0tCBu-CL_4Ju3WdLghfy8J0sZtc4ZxqBFnZdqN0cHcLrcxHZjnVcYncMviyE4feVr6874uU_2zuAXMCYj1YM2NZmz01k7_9T_h0EUuc6gypmdHkGwpX/s1600/4+escalier+du+ministre+doorway.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMD1QDjk5p6LlPUwWVm1Hw7osaz0tCBu-CL_4Ju3WdLghfy8J0sZtc4ZxqBFnZdqN0cHcLrcxHZjnVcYncMviyE4feVr6874uU_2zuAXMCYj1YM2NZmz01k7_9T_h0EUuc6gypmdHkGwpX/s400/4+escalier+du+ministre+doorway.JPG" width="301" /></a></div>The 2 stunning paintings at the top of the stair are by Charles-Francois d'Aubigny and depict the gardens of the Tuileries and the palace.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB7LgqquIZNL1cF7JUSh9tpk9JzKmaaWg-wid0mNtTgQRBAYy3TjOew7SWW6S9MjnfiMrzfO-eJJ_hQIl-TpdVL-thni9LXyc0QE4iZTQw5rqen0IPdIu1Nm5lK3SXh_M5qN6l0S31_NvX/s1600/5+escalier+du+ministre.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB7LgqquIZNL1cF7JUSh9tpk9JzKmaaWg-wid0mNtTgQRBAYy3TjOew7SWW6S9MjnfiMrzfO-eJJ_hQIl-TpdVL-thni9LXyc0QE4iZTQw5rqen0IPdIu1Nm5lK3SXh_M5qN6l0S31_NvX/s400/5+escalier+du+ministre.JPG" width="300" /></a></div> I love these interior doors found throughout Paris, I say we bring them back into current fashion!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqCcyxJYW5MMRv6GnYY4v4bWPYcmVkwSR6XaDy04ZClaSxwCFntAryDDK775qcDsrQR7GVFVRaINv2Ewp-w521TFNaHquG7zx8_N-lynlVgUpDaCAGY2SaEEMfQIoyrPJJhgHVqc-DnO3I/s1600/6+escalier+du+ministre+interior+door.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqCcyxJYW5MMRv6GnYY4v4bWPYcmVkwSR6XaDy04ZClaSxwCFntAryDDK775qcDsrQR7GVFVRaINv2Ewp-w521TFNaHquG7zx8_N-lynlVgUpDaCAGY2SaEEMfQIoyrPJJhgHVqc-DnO3I/s400/6+escalier+du+ministre+interior+door.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>Next up the apartments of Napoleon III.<br /><i>Click the photos to see larger in detail.</i>

A Grand Stair: Escalier du Ministre, Louvre

While in Paris everyone will say to visit the apartments of Napoleon III at the Louvre. They're right, it's amazing! On the way to h...

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Paris vacation - day 7

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHvF53DPjhvcfRs_KcTigJ_1H9BlIWvcXlbyKvgY2udNhjfsViIsTOvzdaIs8aMzUIBqfKAWLxRY6o-NJustcpBdGkqNSgtWqSVH8_HSJ-vtA8LtTUkQo_N-KMUme1Tt_-3ui7sxLxb4Cj/s1600/Louvre+Napolean+3+stairhall.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHvF53DPjhvcfRs_KcTigJ_1H9BlIWvcXlbyKvgY2udNhjfsViIsTOvzdaIs8aMzUIBqfKAWLxRY6o-NJustcpBdGkqNSgtWqSVH8_HSJ-vtA8LtTUkQo_N-KMUme1Tt_-3ui7sxLxb4Cj/s400/Louvre+Napolean+3+stairhall.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>Rainy day 7 was spent primarily at the Louvre. Overwhelming, immense, claustrophobically crowded, and over the top in every way possible, who can visit Paris without a visit to the Louvre?<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH0m_3TGI-VfkQ4N-pOf9ZZSEYTz8zkaIRwnuFh_5Xtp_Q4XD0gX-YZi9OmU0inQOXro3EOuWVPupdXMOy9qPLD7QxV7OHHyXOMkEBFW9wWpi2d0HP7_qfZ02PGh4RnMVEbfhHVro1ev-V/s1600/Napolean+3+grand+salon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH0m_3TGI-VfkQ4N-pOf9ZZSEYTz8zkaIRwnuFh_5Xtp_Q4XD0gX-YZi9OmU0inQOXro3EOuWVPupdXMOy9qPLD7QxV7OHHyXOMkEBFW9wWpi2d0HP7_qfZ02PGh4RnMVEbfhHVro1ev-V/s400/Napolean+3+grand+salon.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>The apartments of Napoleon III were luckily open and were awe inducing even after the splendors of Fountainbleu. The Grand Salon, seen above, reminded me of a hotel lobby in scale and how I would have loved to have had a drink there!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitcEsMdkMgMFPwAUGnaktwfrn6NZyW8CdlBXvFrLSUsygcG6KRVtkZ0UUrp7AMquSjUTmDSMZeUYDheQF5Epfb2bvemuH1nTt9Gx3Fum5_fVW1Q12FqWnvLz5gvGSRrkagDdmWebu2VMzd/s1600/Madame+Recamier's+bedroom.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitcEsMdkMgMFPwAUGnaktwfrn6NZyW8CdlBXvFrLSUsygcG6KRVtkZ0UUrp7AMquSjUTmDSMZeUYDheQF5Epfb2bvemuH1nTt9Gx3Fum5_fVW1Q12FqWnvLz5gvGSRrkagDdmWebu2VMzd/s400/Madame+Recamier's+bedroom.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>It was fascinating to see the furniture of Madame Recamier (including HER recamier) as well as numerous portraits of her including the famous one by David. The museum is so immense it is difficult to even follow the maps given upon entering under the Pei Pyramid but treasures abound around every corner.  While the highlights of the museum such as the Mona Lisa, Winged Victory, the Venus de Milo, etc., draw huge and overwhelming crowds, other parts of the museum are quieter and cafes are to be found in all sorts of corners for museum breaks.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj41b7c-WIutQUlawXsKqDyx6EpGKctsf4kZfe7BxVZZr2yDT1RzHmfxh1WS0bbRAzVg4u054WXu2ABqIdnWS_Wix-BQAREU9N7l6I_yWyiCKzUFzr1dFlzyF6hPM637Kknt_4mbxzK20y-/s1600/Madame+Recamier+by+David.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj41b7c-WIutQUlawXsKqDyx6EpGKctsf4kZfe7BxVZZr2yDT1RzHmfxh1WS0bbRAzVg4u054WXu2ABqIdnWS_Wix-BQAREU9N7l6I_yWyiCKzUFzr1dFlzyF6hPM637Kknt_4mbxzK20y-/s400/Madame+Recamier+by+David.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>I think the biggest surprise upon seeing many of the paintings I studied back in art history school is that many of the paintings by David and others of that time period are LIFE SIZE if not larger!  'The Consecration of the Emporer Napoleon' must be at least 30feet long and 20feet high. Vertically challenged Napoleon never looked so big.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEginOLOgswSsmpA0yLrPMThFG2kW5QmVomNJoWJphrVipS5kNj49aDCYtMwbVJ_wJDX68WL1jLoEJO62PKkDiSVDGH4TIL-P2TwXkPD9cdBzJ8_vRZwEH0h71tNb1hKqllZzcCVCj9NmZ2K/s1600/Louvre+stairhall.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEginOLOgswSsmpA0yLrPMThFG2kW5QmVomNJoWJphrVipS5kNj49aDCYtMwbVJ_wJDX68WL1jLoEJO62PKkDiSVDGH4TIL-P2TwXkPD9cdBzJ8_vRZwEH0h71tNb1hKqllZzcCVCj9NmZ2K/s400/Louvre+stairhall.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The stairwells are so large that you would think you were in Grand Central or some other train station. They provide excellent meeting points however and many have cafes or small gift shops.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF7Z21JPGXHILHWfeunFGfzTuNt7XDG7AfAfPsZ0Y4XG_G13B16G_i3PcW03JCHPrBQan4I8cyhS_0KpHg1ahh_Nc9Mhh7Y2pvm2aquKv8Kb-83fOzjcXfUjJ1pS2Gkw5Cv4W_ZhQEB6yk/s1600/Michelangelo+slaves.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF7Z21JPGXHILHWfeunFGfzTuNt7XDG7AfAfPsZ0Y4XG_G13B16G_i3PcW03JCHPrBQan4I8cyhS_0KpHg1ahh_Nc9Mhh7Y2pvm2aquKv8Kb-83fOzjcXfUjJ1pS2Gkw5Cv4W_ZhQEB6yk/s400/Michelangelo+slaves.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>Rounding the corner on my escape, I was shocked to see both of Michelangelo's slaves with no one paying any attention to them. It was a joy to be able to study them closely without being jostled about.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSrsFNT7mWAVTavl3hIkUM74sNrby1N6uLPaZafRwLKI33FalW0nCbwY-w6Yux3SaWA99ZuUqTHeWNjaCutP2XM-AuENjD2ltO-XzItfeJyDPAehBP1H9R7xqwHqQhijG9dliJlTWlhfC6/s1600/Winged+victory.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSrsFNT7mWAVTavl3hIkUM74sNrby1N6uLPaZafRwLKI33FalW0nCbwY-w6Yux3SaWA99ZuUqTHeWNjaCutP2XM-AuENjD2ltO-XzItfeJyDPAehBP1H9R7xqwHqQhijG9dliJlTWlhfC6/s400/Winged+victory.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>'Winged Victory' flies over a palatial set of stairs, straight out of <em>Funny Face</em>; The only thing missing was Fred Astaire!  A quick run over to the Marais for last minute shopping (I'm keeping Mariage Freres in business) before a quiet night at home and packing rounds out this magical trip. I hope you've enjoyed my daily recaps and find something useful for your own trip to the city of lights!

Paris vacation - day 7

Rainy day 7 was spent primarily at the Louvre. Overwhelming, immense, claustrophobically crowded, and over the top in every way possible, wh...

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