Paris: A Celebration of Art, Literature, Music, and …Haute Couture!

Well if Notre-Dame is iconic Paris, the literature, art, and music are not too far behind. We cannot come to Paris without sampling a little of each. With Notre Dame so present in our minds, what better than to explore the home of Victor Hugo, who gave life and breath to the cathedral through his tale of Quasimodo, The Hunchback of Notre- Dame.Hugo was a poet, writer, politician, and all round influencer.

He is also known for the classic Les Misèrables. In each classic, Hugo cut to the oppression, suppression, and hope for redemption. A well-loved figure, he lived in exile for a time following backlash of his searing portrayal of abuses of wealth, power and religion in his works. His home is one of the apartments in the lovely Place des Vosges in the Le Marais. Filled with works of art and family portraits, additional paintings of his characters, Quasimodo, Esmeralda, Cossette and Jean Valjean are lovingly displayed among others. 

Also in the Marais, the Carnavalet Museum covers all things Paris. Beginning with a display of signs from early times, it fills two mansions in the Marais. Sweeping staircases, beautiful wood floors, exquisite rooms styled to the times, exhibit life and works of art and culture of the times.

Beautiful gardens with manicured shrubbery create a visual delight. 

Paris continues to distinguish itself for its visual and cultural artistry. A new music venue, La Siene Musicale, located on the l’Île Seguin, is both visually and aurally stunning.

Giving new life to the island which previously housed the Renault auto factory, this music venue evokes a ship docked on the island. Its glass globe with a solar sail complete with photovoltaic panels that move to seek maximum sunlight on the outside, and honeycomb acoustic tiles on the inside provide a feast for the senses.

Concerts ranging from classical (we saw a Chopin piano concerto with a world class Russian pianist), to broadway (traveling companies) to Dylan ( Bob performed here in December). 

And, of course, no visit to Paris is complete without a stop at the Louvre. While 80% of visitors come for the Mona Lisa, the museum offers far more than a single smile.

“The Mona Lisa is the most famous, the most visited, the most written about, the most sung about, the most parodied work of art in the world”
Kenneth Clark

     This time, we were drawn to a dazzling fashion couture exhibition, staged throughout the opulent Napoléon III apartments.

Imagine rooms dripping with gilded opulence, now adorned with stunning creations from Dior, Chanel, Givenchy, and more. Ooh la la!

Paris, as always, leaves us inspired. Until next time…