Let’s Explore

Check list to see and do
Destinations
Tours, Guides, Walks & Wheels
Museums
Sightseeing
Famous Graves
sightseeing destinations in Paris, around Paris, outside France, within France

Let's Explore, Museums

Charlotte Perriand, Architect/Designer/Artist at FLV

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Two images of Charlotte Perriand facing the valley and on the "Chaise basculante" Tilting Chair

Are you interested or curious about the synthesis of architecture, art and design? Two noted artist/architects who fit that description are Charlotte Perriand and Frank Gehry.  Charlotte Perriand “imagined an ‘art of living’ that broke the codes of the time.” The Charlotte Perriand exhibition at the Fondation Louis Vuitton may be closing February 24, 2020 but you have time to download the audio guide! This exhibition and audio guide have a “use-by date” and will not be available once the next exhibit opens April 1. Listen to the stories of her career in interviews and exhibit descriptions. You will find them fascinating. Charlotte Perriand was a member of the Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret studio. 

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Let's Explore, Museums, Practical Info, Transportation

Shuttle Arc de Triomphe to Fondation Louis Vuitton

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Fondation Louis Vuitton shuttle facing Arc de Triomphe next to metro

Do you prefer light, airy, electric transportation? Would you like a scenic ride along the fashionable Avenue Foch to and from the Arc de Triomphe? When you plan a visit to the Fondation Louis Vuitton (FLV) you have alternatives: Line 1, Buses 63 or 244 or the FLV shuttle. The requirement to use the shuttle is to have an admission ticket to the museum. Oh my! What if you decide to go to the museum on a whim and have not purchased a ticket!?

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Eiffel Tower, Let's Explore

Madame Eiffel Tower Celebrates 130 Years

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Image of Eiffel Tower, Invalides in background, 130 years

In May 2019, the Eiffel Tower turned 130; however, why not celebrate the birthday all year long.
To celebrate this event, an interactive Fall Event is underway at the Eiffel Tower until the end of November on the esplanade, under a dome covering about 300 m2, is free and open to everyone. Visitors walk over screens on the ground that reproduce the image of the girders …. which feels likes walking over nothing, experience the monument’s wind resistance and become painters of the Eiffel Tower

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Let's Explore, Museum exhibitions

A Rare Moment in Paris with Frank Gehry

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Frank Gehry Fondation Louis Vuitton conversation with Jean-Louis Cohen

Frank Gehry had just left the auditorium in a conversation with Jean-Louis Cohen at the Fondation Louis-Vuitton. After listening to his architectural journey as it relates to the “free and independent” architect Charlotte Perriand, I walked up to him. I thanked him for sharing his thoughts and for his unique design of this Fondation Louis Vuitton museum shaped like a boat, which is the symbol of Paris. He touched my arm and asked if I had seen the Charlotte Perriand exhibit, which had opened the day before.

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Let's Explore, Seeing Paris

Notre-Dame Bell, Emmanuel, Rings for Chirac

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Image in front of Hotel de Ville in hommage to Jacques Chirac

Walking along the narrow rue Galand the sound of a muffled bell ringing reverberated against the walls. Sitting at the café, looking at my watch, it was around 11:20 on a Monday morning. My friend guessed it was a church nearby; I guessed Notre-Dame. Couldn’t be…. perhaps the towers were damaged. The constant soft ringing was not signalling the quarter, half or full hour. Earlier I had heard on French television the time for the funeral ceremony that would pass from Hôtel des Invalides to Saint-Sulpice.  We walked toward Notre-Dame from where the mystery sound originated. Emmanuel, the 300 year old was ringing.  The ringing was manually orchestrated. The first time since the end of the Second World War. 

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Let's Explore, Seeing Paris

Hôtel de Marle’s Hidden Rooms at l’Institute Suédois

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Visitors have the chance to choose the next color of the stairwell walls #l'Institute Suédois

Take a guided visit until October 13, of residential apartments in the Hôtel de Marle in the Marais (l’Institute Suédois). The tours are usually given in French. If you wish another language, like English, show up an hour before. Tours are Wednesday to Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 4pm. Go to reception at 3 pm and request an English tour. The Swedish Institute will arrange a guide for the exhibition “Hem fois 6” (Feel at home in 6 different apartments).

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Cemeteries, Events and Trade Shows, Going Out

Journées européennes du patrimoine 2019 & cemeteries

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poster for the Cimetière des chiens celebrating 120 year anniversary

I came across an anniversary for all who enjoy the peace and quiet and sculptures of Paris cemeteries. One of the out of the ordinary is the Cemetery for the Dogs (Cimetière des chiens) on my list of Paris cemeteries and maps from an older Colleen’s Paris post. The city of Asnières-sur-Seine is celebrating the 120th anniversary the third weekend in September, which is also the annual Journées européennes du patrimoine (Heritage Days in Europe).

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