Paris – Klimt, the Lizard King, Picasso, and My Dream House

On my second day in Paris, the weather was sort of gloomy and overcast, but I was still able to explore areas of the city that I previously missed. I started wondering why I was so tired, and then I noticed that I walked more than 15 miles. My feet are really hating me tonight, but it was totally worth it. I took in Klimt at Atelier des Lumières, visited Jim Morrison’s grave at Père Lachaise Cemetery, wandered around the Marais, checked out the Picasso museum, wandered around some more, and then checked in on my dream house (Musée Rodin).

Walking Across Paris

I can’t think of many things in life that I love more than walking around the streets of Paris. I woke up early and walked a 5k from my hotel to Atelier des Lumières. I love Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the Seine early in the morning.

Atelier des Lumières

Just after I got back from Paris in March, a lot of the Paris blogs started to rave about Atelier des Lumières. The photos made it look magical, and it was even more magical in person. Atelier des Lumières (Workshop of Light), a museum created in an old iron foundry, uses projectors to create an immersive, animated experience of an artist’s work. I saw the Gustav Klimt exhibit. It was about 45 minutes long and set to beautiful music. Inside the hall, you watch the artwork come alive. To further play with the immersive experience, the projections are displayed in one section of the hall with an infinity mirror and in another area with a small indoor river. It was crazy busy, but if I had more time, I would’ve like to have stayed for multiple shows because it was so beautiful and peaceful.

Cimetière du Père Lachaise

After my first visit to Paris, I had two places that I was disappointed to have missed – the first was the Père Lachaise cemetery. Granted, on my last visit, I went to Montmartre Cemetery and fell in love with all of the cats, but I’ve always heard that Père Lachaise was insanely beautiful. I was not disappointed. Also, I think it was one of the best places to see Fall colors and find a bit of a Halloween vibe, which I always long for in my October trips.

Also, I grew up listening to the Doors and reading Jim Morrison’s poetry. When I was that 16 years old in my bedroom covered in Eiffel Tour posters, I dreamed of my little hippie self paying respect at his grave. When I didn’t visit in March, I felt like I had let younger me down.  His grace is a small, unassuming spot wedged between tons of other graves, and if I hadn’t had Google Maps and heard all the chatter around the area, I’m not sure that I would have found it. I tried to visit twice while in the cemetery, but every time I got close, it started to rain. Whatever that means.

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Musée Picasso

The second place that I regretted missing was the Picasso Museum. I had to see that beautiful building and the insanely gorgeous staircase. Before the trip, I watched the second season of Genius, which was about Picasso’s life. It was exhausting. He seemed exhausting. However, it was fantastic to go into the museum with the background about him before seeing so much of his work. I had lunch in the rooftop cafe, and ended up getting run off by the most aggressive bees I’ve ever seen.

Also, my first night in Paris, I twisted my ankle pretty bad. I have walked so much and have absolutely ruined my feet on this trip. Every time I turn around, it is like the art is reminding me. Seriously, how much art is there of women taking care of their feet? Is this some freaky Tarantino foot thing?

Le Marais

After the museum, I wandered around the Marais district for a little while. It is a very beautiful and interesting area of the city. I’d love to go back with more time to explore.  One of my favorite stumble-upons was the Hôtel de Ville. One of my favorite photographs is Le Baiser de l’Hôtel de Ville by Robert Doisneau. Growing up, I spent so much time studying his photographs to see Paris and learn more about what makes for great photography, so it was just one of those kismet moments for me. Plus, there were lion statues. I have a lifelong love of lion statues.

Notre-Dame De Paris Et La Seine

Next, I stopped for a rest at Notre-Dame and took a walk along the Seine. I’m not sure what it is, but some sort of beautiful, amazing, full feeling comes over me whenever I walk along the Seine. Another magical Parisian spot.

Musée Rodin

After a nap back at the hotel, I went to visit my dream house (Rodin Museum) to ensure that they were keeping everything beautiful. On my previous trip, the grounds were limited because of a stage set up for a fashion show (How did I end up there during both Spring and Fall fashion week?!). The house and the grounds were more beautiful than I remembered. I wished that I could bring it all home with me.

And that magical staircase. And what is it about those hands that feels so incredibly intimate? Rodin was such an insanely amazing artist.  His work never ceases to amaze me.