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Notes on a short visit to Paris

Posted by (Amsterdam) on

I just returned from a short visit to Paris. It was busy, but not crazy. The metro was, as always at times, crowded, but not packed. Everywhere I went I was so pleased by welcoming attitudes. I had a great time at a little Vietnamese restaurant as the waitress and I tried to figure out the prix fixe menu. Me with little French and her with little English. It was quite fun, and I had a wonderful meal.

Other short notes: The Medici Fountain is in the process of being cleaned. It has been restored to its former glory in white and limestone colors.
The Carnavalet Museum has reopened after 5 years. It is glorious and free! Make a time reservation. The mansion was built in 1548. Madame de Sevigne resided there, 1677-96. A mini Versailles plus centuries of French history. And not crowded.
The Nissim de Camondo Museum. So beautiful. A mansion built in the early 1900s on the edge of the Park Monceau. The owner, Moise de Camondo dedicated himself to the accumulation of of art and furniture from the 18th Century. It was nearly empty when I visited. Again, timed reservation.
Oh, yes, and perfect weather.

Posted by
4261 posts

Thanks for the report. For us Paris will have to wait till April, but I am bookmarking your post. I love smaller museums, especially those in private residences.

Posted by
7937 posts

That sounds like a great visit! The multi-cultural meal experience at the Vietnamese restaurant must not have been completely expected, but sounds like it will be a key memory from your trip. Thank you for sharing.

Posted by
9 posts

Thanks for this post! Great info!

I'd love to hear more about the Vietnamese restaurant you went to - we'd love to check it out when we visit Paris next month. Do you recall the name or general location?

Posted by
7803 posts

Thank you for posting, Kateja! First hand experience is very helpful to hear the current situations.

It’s great to hear the Carnavalet Museum is open again, too!

Posted by
3961 posts

Just what I needed this am. Thank you for sharing your visit! I have been reading about the reopening of the Carnavalet Museum. Sounds wonderful.

We missed The Nissim de Camondo Museum when visiting Paris. After reading “The Hare with Amber Eyes” by Edmund De Waal (a hidden inheritance) I am anxious to read his sequel “Camondo” prior to revisiting Paris.
https://www.townandcountrymag.com/leisure/arts-and-culture/a9474/camondo-museum-paris/

Posted by
14731 posts

Thanks for the update! I wasn't sure if a timed admission was required for Camondo - couldn't quite tell from their website so good to know.

Posted by
10600 posts

Thanks for the report Kate. I’m looking forward to going to the Carnavalet when we are there in April. I quite enjoyed the Nissim de Camondo Museum when I was last in Paris in 2018. Thanks for mentioning that hidden gem to those who don’t know of it. Fingers crossed the Medici Fountain is fully restored by the time we get there.

Posted by
9436 posts

Love this post, thank you!
The Nissim de Camondo is a favorite of mine, and the Medici Fountain is another favorite. My son was in Paris a month ago and we’ll be going together in October.

Posted by
3961 posts

In addition to the book "Camondo" mentioned up thread, I found another book to add to my list: "The House of Fragile Things": Jewish Art Collectors and the Fall of France, by James McAuley.

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