europe trip 2014, day 11.

The Marais: 1

The Krauses: 1

We are back to conquer the Marais! This is our last full day and we wanted to get as much done before our departure. First, we went to the Carnavalet Museum, and it was just amazing. This museum was free, there were no lines to fight, the collection was entertaining, and the museum itself was beautiful. For those not wanting to spend a day or two at the Louvre just trying to stick your head through the crowd to get a peek at a painting, check this one out.

“Behind this somewhat mysterious name is hidden one of the capital’s most genuinely Parisian museums. The oldest of the municipal museums tells the story of Paris from a bygone era (a prehistoric dugout canoe dating from 4600 BC) to the present day, in all its immense variety. Although it is essentially a history museum, the musée Carnavalet is nevertheless an art gallery exhibiting mostly original works in keeping with the spirit of the genius of Paris.”

We also lucked out and caught the “Paris Freed, Paris Photographed, Paris Exhibited” exhibition, which documented the Paris resistance and liberation by the French armored division and Allies.  It might sound odd, but it is actually an exhibit celebrating an exhibit that was commissioned just a couple of months after the liberation of Paris. The goal was to assemble as much information as possible regarding the liberation, and the emotions surrounding the event. There were pictures and videos that ripped our hearts out, but also showed us the spirit of the Parisians through an extremely difficult time.   Mere hung in there like a champ, and even enjoyed the temporary exhibit. 

Notre-Dame de Paris Model

If I ever have to get a wheelchair...this is it.

After such an emotional couple of hours, it was time for Les Café des Chats. How could your spirits not be lifted with baguettes, cheese, and furballs? While a café with a bunch of cats hanging out might freak some people out, cat lovers think it is awesome. The staff was friendly, the cats were cute, and we even had one beggar watch us eat our meal…just like our cats would do. 

Our lunch surveyor

Next, we hiked it from the Marais all the way to the Musee d’Orsay. By the time we got there, it was already started to get close to closing time, so we had to make it quick. We saw the Monets, the Van Goghs, the Renoirs, and some really cool Art Nouveau furniture. It was worth the visit, but I wish we had more time to take it all in. 

More Invader sightings

The real Notre-Dame on our walk to Musee d"Orsay

We left the museum as it was closing and headed back towards Saint Germain to find a drink (of few) before dinner. While doing some people watching at a sidewalk bar, we decided our dinner plans. Being our last night in Paris, we picked up some sandwiches at Cosi and walked to the Eiffel. Eating dinner on the lawn was perfect. It doesn't get more romantic being there at night with the tower lit up, and the sparkling each hour. 

Shout out to my brother in law, Hank!

Views from our dinner spot.