francophile friday: guest post from the boot

This week's francophile friday post is from Marissa over at the boot. She is currently living in Italy but recently took a trip to Paris and has kindly offered to tell us about her experience at l'Orangerie. Thanks Marissa! (Oh and I am secretly jealous about the Paul cart. It was one of my fave places to eat at the train station in Bordeaux before traveling somewhere.)

After a week of visiting museums in Paris, the Musée de l'Orangerie was like a breath of fresh air. I was completely transported while looking around the oval room at Monet’s precious water lilies. He intended them specifically for that spot, and I got goosebumps as we walked in. The brightness of the white walls made the panels burst and you felt as if you really were in the middle of his Japanese garden. The audioguide played tinkling piano music from Monet’s era, while a sweet British lady told us all about the lilies, in full detail. It was exquisitie, to say the least.

Next in the museum are the rooms housing the collection of the great art collector Paul Guillaume. The works are modern and fun and we loved the relaxed atmosphere. Plus, the audio guide was so informative that we left learning so much about artists we thought we knew well!

And after feasting your eyes on all that Cezanne, Utrillo and Derain what is the best part of the Orangerie? Hanging out in the beautiful Tuileries gardens after the visit and eating delicious pastries from a Paul cart. And people watching of course.

Thanks again to Morgan for having me here today, and I hope you'll all stop by the boot sometime for a does of style, food and Italian fun! :)