My husband has a fairly large camera that he will be taking on our trip to France. We love impressionist art so will be visiting many museums in Paris. I know flash is not allowed, photography is I think at most museums, but I've seen that backpacks have to be checked. His camera is in a backpack type bag. What has been your experience with cameras and bags in the Paris museums? How do you handle this? Any problems?
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32353 posts
Sharon,
Could you elaborate on "fairly large camera"? I have a similar "large" Camera, and haven't had any problems so far. In addition to Flash, Tripods are also usually prohibited.
A few specific examples of my experiences....
I tend to carry my Camera "in the open" and don't use any type of case when I'm wandering about. Having to take the Camera out of a bag every time I want to take a photo is a bit of a nuisance, so I prefer not to haul a Camera Pack around. Backpacks especially may be considered a "security issue", so it's probably not a good idea to carry one.
I've had no problems at The Louvre. On a previous visit in 2006, no photos were allowed of the Mona Lisa. However when I was there last year, photos weren't a problem (the Mona Lisa is behind glass, so a Polarizing Filter might be an idea). One caveat though - be vigilant for pickpockets when viewing the Mona Lisa, as they do "work" that area (visitors are sometimes so enthralled with the painting, that they're not paying attention to what's happening around them).
The best collection of Impressionist Art that I've found is of course the Musee d'Orsay. One of my favourites is Bal au Moulin de la Galette by Renoir. I believe the Gallery is undergoing renovations at the moment, so some of the collections have been loaned to other galleries. The building itself is beautiful, an old train station.
Other sites that I've had no problems with carrying a Camera - Rodin Museum, Notre Dame and St. Chappelle.
Happy travels!
Posted by
Oak Park, Illinois
4535 posts
He might have to check the bag if it is larger than a purse but the camera is fine.
Posted by
Sacramento
38 posts
The Marmottan in Paris did not allow any photos, flash or otherwise.