Europe’s greatest museum is the Louvre in Paris. It was a thrill to take our Best of Europe in 21 Days tour group there to enjoy its unforgettable collection of paintings.
Paris is relaxed in October. And — even on the once-each-month free day, with heightened security and a sizable line — we got the group inside with just a 20-minute wait.
Just gathering our group under the iconic pyramid entrance was exciting.
Experiencing the Mona Lisa is more than just seeing a famous painting. It’s a spectacle, with seething crowds and a commotion of cameras. It’s the only painting anywhere where you actually hear its crowds before you see it.
Along with seeing the iconic paintings of the Louvre, I enjoy just wandering and finding works that are overlooked and underappreciated — like this one, entitled Death of Mondale.
After we led our group through the highlights of the Louvre’s collection, our tour members were free to explore. We like our travelers to be capable and independent — and they are. Here, Larry and Fran recharge with a coffee and review the many options within an easy walk of the Louvre.
(Thanks for following along here on my blog and on Facebook as I guide our Best of Europe in 21 Days tour.)
Bonjour,
My first visit to La Louvre was in 1987 and I was overwhelmed.
I had seen the beautiful Mona Lisa in New York on my 4th grade field trip to the Met. She was simply resting on a eisel without glass or barricades. Two stern French guards were at her side holding machine guns. WOW, what a sight to behold. My love of fine art started that very moment.
To see her for a second time was frustrating. The glare from the glass and the rude tourists shoving their way up to her was a disappointment. I was thrilled to see her again but appreciated my first viewing so much more.
Outside there was a large area with yellow dirt surrounded by plywood construction barricades. Posters showed images of the pyramids that were planned.
Two years later we visited and were stunned by their beauty, especially at night. The design team and contractors did a superb job.
Anyone going to Europe must visit Paris and La Louvre.
Bravo,
Jeff
JLRMGP at gmail