Between shopping we managed to squeeze in some of the sites, and to my delight strolled through the famous Tuileries Gardens on our way to the Saint Germaine neighborhood. The garden begins at Concorde square, where the obelisk and gilded fountain stand and where among many others, Marie Antoinette was beheaded. At the end of the beautiful gardens stand the Louvre. In between are reflecting pools, classical and modern sculpture and the kind of place to jog, walk, relax, or sketch that makes me envious of the locals.
Nearby is Galerie nationale du Jeu de Paume, a place also not without its dark past. During World War II, Nazis held a bonfire on the grounds to destroy “degenerate” art including Picassos and Dalis. Today it stands as a museum with a focus on photography and one that is open until 9pm, making it a perfect spot to get in some culture after shops had closed.
On exhibit was a Robert Frank Americas show where his famous and stunning candid portraits were juxtaposed with his work in Paris. For once, Americans seem cooler: the photos boast a free, new world compared to the old world beauty of his work on France. The exhibit was crowded with Paris' young and hip. Also on display were the large photos of Sophie Ristelhueber which were interesting, but less memorable.
But what do you think?