There is just so many things to do in Paris and if you have not already, check out our other Paris tours:
After our tour of the Eiffel Tower we realized that we had a duplicate tour at the Louvre. We called the help desk at Europe Express and we told them that we already did the Louvre tour and asked for a refund. Which they mentioned they would be taking care of but it took about 3 weeks to get a refund.
Since we found ourselves with an entire day of free time we wanted to go to Musee d' Orsay. My sister is not a fan of museums so it is my mom, Kevin and I that went. The museum was busy but definitely not as busy as Louvre so it was actually pleasant walking around the museum. When you buy a ticket to Musee d' Orsay, it comes with the ticket entrance to Musée de l'Orangerie which, unfortunately we did not get to see because we ran out of time
Musee d' Orsey
Our story begins in the late 19th century when the Gare d'Orsay was constructed as a railway station for the Exposition Universelle of 1900. Designed by architect Victor Laloux, the station boasted a grandeur that reflected the spirit of the Belle Époque. Its massive iron and glass structure became an architectural marvel, symbolizing the technological advancements of the era
In the 1970s, the French government recognized the need for a dedicated space to showcase art from the period spanning 1848 to 1914. The Gare d'Orsay, with its soaring arches and expansive interiors, was deemed the perfect venue. In 1986, after extensive renovations, the Musée d'Orsay opened its doors to the public, housing an unparalleled collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces.
It has a lot of interesting art, furniture and sculpture pieces like this guy.
Musée d'Orsay stands as a testament to the artistic brilliance of the 19th and early 20th centuries. Visitors can wander through galleries adorned with works by renowned artists like Monet, Van Gogh, Degas, and Cézanne. The museum's extensive collection includes paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, and photography, offering a comprehensive view of the period's artistic evolution.
It also included a couple of Vincent Van Gogh's self portrait.
The Musee d' Orsay clock tower has a straight shot view of the Sacre Coeur and the Louvre.
The best art installation I think is the sculpture by Rodin the "Gates of Hell". You can sit in front of this sculpture for a good hour to see all the intricate pieces of it.
Galeries Lafayette, established in 1893, has earned its place as a Parisian institution synonymous with fashion and sophistication. Its flagship store, situated on Boulevard Haussmann, has become an iconic landmark, drawing locals and visitors alike into its opulent embrace.
It is a high end mall and we have no interest in shopping for high end anything. We are interested however interested with the pièce de résistance of Galeries Lafayette is undoubtedly its spectacular dome. Designed by architect Ferdinand Chanut and completed in 1912, this majestic glass and steel structure crowns the store with a breathtaking display of elegance. The dome stands at 43 meters in height, offering a celestial view of the city and bathing the shopping floor below in natural light.
After dinner, we went back to the hotel because we are exhausted after all that
Dôme des Invalides
My mom wanted to visit Napoleon's Tomb so we took her to Dôme des Invalides. My sister wasn't feeling the museums again so just a trip for my mom, Kevin and I.
The Dôme des Invalides, located within the Hôtel des Invalides complex, was commissioned by King Louis XIV in the late 17th century as a tribute to the military prowess of France. Its primary purpose was to serve as a royal chapel for the residents of the Hôtel des Invalides, a hospital and retirement home for war veterans.
Perhaps the most renowned aspect of the Dôme des Invalides is its association with Napoleon Bonaparte. In 1840, Napoleon's remains were interred within the crypt beneath the dome, creating a monumental tomb that pays homage to one of France's most illustrious military leaders. The tomb is surrounded by six colossal Victory statues, adding to the majestic aura of the space.
The Dôme des Invalides is also home to the Musée de l'Armée, a military museum that showcases a vast collection of artifacts, weapons, and uniforms spanning centuries of French military history. Visitors can explore the museum to gain a deeper understanding of the nation's martial heritage.
The museum was interesting because it had displays of Paris army through the years.
I mean.... who cleaned this armor when the joust went through it and thought... "hey... I can display this in my living room for ambiance"
Paris Catacombs Tour
Beneath the bustling streets of Paris lies a network of ancient quarries that date back to the Roman era. In the late 18th century, as Parisian cemeteries became overcrowded and posed public health risks, authorities made the decision to relocate the remains of millions of Parisians to these underground tunnels. This marked the birth of the Paris Catacombs as we know them today.
Descending into the Catacombs, to what felt like steps that would never end we arrive at the entrance of the Paris Catacombs. Visitors are greeted by a cool, damp atmosphere and a sense of entering another world.
Our tour was from The Walks of Italy Team and our our guide was Leo. She was awesome. She calls herself a "Cataphile" which is defined by wikipedia as "A type of urban explorer who visits the ancient catacombs and quarries linked by tunnels beneath Paris"
The tunnels, initially used as limestone quarries, now serve as the final resting place for countless souls. Winding passages lead to chambers adorned with carefully arranged stacks of bones and skulls, forming intricate patterns that evoke both fascination and reverence. Our tour guide showed us where remains would be dropped from this hole instead of carried down.
 Although I am not sure in what... bags? Luggage? She didn't say.
The corridors are marked with signs based on when the bodies when entered into the catacombs and the street above it in this case we were below Avenue de Montsouris
The corridors are long and slightly creepy. It is easy to get lost in the catacombs if you do not have a guide. There are watchers along the route though you would eventually see someone.
While the catacombs were initially intended as a practical solution to the city's burial crisis, the arrangements of bones and skulls over time have taken on an artistic quality. Skulls are carefully stacked to create patterns and designs, and some chambers feature inscriptions that offer a glimpse into the lives and stories of those interred below. It's a haunting yet strangely beautiful testament to the impermanence of life.
Exploring the Paris Catacombs is a unique and immersive experience, and guided tours provide invaluable historical context. Knowledgeable guides share tales of the catacombs' history, the process of transferring the remains, and the significance of this subterranean necropolis in shaping Parisian culture.
I hope you that you enjoyed reminiscing about other Paris attractions through our Paris Catacombs and Musee d' Orsey travel guide. Our favorite and something that we were looking forward to was definitely the catacombs but everything else was a pleasant surprise specially the art at Musee d' Orsey.
TTYL