In Paris, does anyone not...
 

go to the museums? Is that considered an anathema?

I often don't go to museums in Paris; just shopping, strolling, eating, drinking. Just do whatever you like; it's your holiday.

Try this test.

Stand near the Louvre for 30 minutes. Count the visitors. Multiply by the nuber of hours a week the place is open, and then by 52.

Now divide that by 6 million (the rough population of the Greater Paris departments) plus 15 million (the local tourist board's normal estimate of Paris' annual visitors).

Multiply that figure by 10, and separately divide it by 10 (because my numbers are probably wrong)

Whatever. The absolute, overwhelming majority of Paris inhabitants and visitors happily go from one year's end to the next without ever darkening an art gallery's door.

They shop. They eat (do you realise there have been people on this board saying they were too busy in Paris to eat!!). They look at Parisians. They work (Paris is, after all, one of Europe's major second-tier commercial centres). They train spot. They tomb spot at the Pere Lachaise. They go to Johnny Halliday concerts (yes, I though he was dead too). They gawp at what goes on at night in the Bois de Boulogne.

Because, like all sensible people, they realise life may well be too short to hang round museums.

Mind you, if you do go to Paris and fail to visit the Musee Cluny you're mad.

Dear lucky,

I guess that you are not aware that upon leaving France the Immigration inspectors ask you for your museum receipts. If you cannot produce them from at least two different Parisian museums you are not permitted to leave the country.

I said this once before and was slammed for my "snobbery". But I've never understood why people who don't care about museums or art generally feel compelled to go spend their vacations in art museums. Is it just because they feel they have to? If you don't go to art museums at home, why would you go to them when you travel. Many people hit the Louvre and head for the Mona Lisa -- you can watch them passing a wealth of incredible art and ignoring it, but get to the Mona Lisa, stand there and say "oh isn't it wonderful", then leave. There is little doubt that they only went so they could tell everyone they saw it. Also you can often see people hurrying through museums looking ONLY at the labels and actually not even glancing at the paintings. Then if they see a name like Monet or Rembrandt they will bother to look up at the painting. I've never quite understood that.

In the same vein we had two friends with us in Paris who really didn't want to spend a lot of time in museums, but had already resolved themselves to giving up a day or two to do so. Oddly enough, the musuem strike started the day we got there, and they were off the hook. They are probably the only people in all of Paris who were thrilled that all the museums were closed that week.

patrick, I expect many of them go because they think its the "right thing to do and people back home will think them a bit odd if they didn't go. The old "top 10 checklist" approach.

What irks me is the travel partner who
tries to turn an hour visit into a four hour "read every sign and view every picture" endurance test. That's why I often visit museums alone. Everyone has thier own interests and limits.

An arts professor once told me that many people spend more time reading the sign than actually looking at the picture. Anyway, what I like to do is sightsee in the morning (not necesarily museum) then have a good lunch, then go shopping. Or to the beach, depending on where I am. Then an aperitif and a good dinner.

I wouldn't understand it, but we love museums. It is your vacation after all, so you should go and do as you wish.

I think Patrick has a point, but of course it depends on where you live and whether or not art museums are available. We attended a wonderful Chagall exhibit on Saturday at San Francisco MOMA and will soon be going to see Degas Sculptures at the Legion of Honor. We are fortunate to live in an area where art is easily accessible.

I suppose if we lived in a very small town far from a city with museums and we still had our interest in art, we would be thrilled to see what we had only seen in books when traveling.

We feel fortunate to have been to the Louvre, Dorsay, Prado, Uffizi, Accademia, etc., but that's our interest. If it doesn't interest you lucky03, that's fine. I don't think not going would make you a pariah!

There was a column by Art Buchwald where he and some friends try to see how fast they can get through the Louve. They have to see/run by the Mona Lisa, Winged Victory, and something else. The best time of the group was around 5 1/2 minutes. The column was reprinted in one of his books and was mentioned in "The DaVinci Code."

Like Degas I have family that spends waaaaaay too much time looking at the signs while I'm ready to hit the road. The solution I've come up with is to take the docent led tour. You hit the lightlights, you get more info than on the cards, maybe a bizarre insight, and you're out of the museum.

In Paris I have to break up the shopping with something!! LOL, actually, wherever I go, I go to museums. We were in Jacksonville Florida a few weeks ago and we went to their museum, and a nice one it was!
I think maybe because we are close to so many amazing museums here in NYC, it is just natural to us to want to see them in other cities. Besides, what a great way to spend a couple of hours, seeing up close in person, stuff that so many people only get to see in books.

I get stressed out in the Louve. The nerve of all those people coming exactly when I arrive from half way around the world!

When the going gets tough, me and the "little wife" stand side by side (think a large space) and start vigoriously swinging our ample hips; letting our large fanny packs reak havoc on the slow and weak!

When I travel, I go to do the things that make me happy and enjoy. Paintings don't thrill me so I go to museums that have sculpture. If I want to learn something that a museum has to offer, I go. If I don't care, I enjoy myself in other ways.

In a nut shell. Go to Paris and enjoy the life, wander the streets, sit in a sidewalk cafe and people watch with a bottle of wine and a plate of cheese. Absorb everything you want to absorb from Paris and when you go home, you'll have the fabulous memories and wonderful feelings.

This thread seems to relate to my "organized tour" concerns. This is my first trip abroad, and I chose to accompany this group to Paris 'cus I'm unfamiliar with European travel. The catch is that the itinerary (one week only) includes: the Louvre, Musee d'Orsay, the Marais, Palace of Versailles, & Opera Garnier. My friend is going with me, and she also isn't super excited about doing all the museums. So....for those of you who have travelled with an organized group, how tacky will it be to skip many of those attractions, and do more individual explorations? We still want the comfort of the group for hotel accommodations, a couple of dinners, etc. Just looking for opinions. Thanks!

lololol...that was quite a picture degas!

Seriously, I love museums...but do not expect any of my travel partners to also love them. Therefore we have ....solo day's. I recommend this approach to all. That way everyone is happy. I couldn't drag my best travel partner anywhere near another museum if she were paid to visit. So she does what she does best while...she goes shopping.(grin)

I also have a major tiff with paris museums...three visits now and I still have not been able to see the Musee d'Orsay. I have been to the Louve...I have been to just about every other museum...but that one eludes me. (and in my typical american fashion, I assume it's me...they hear I am on my way and they strike!).

I love museums...the history...seeing the objects in person. you can go to just about any museum now on the web and see it virtual...but it is not the same.

JMHO

Hey, lucky03 - when I went with a friend on her first trip to Paris, the Louvre was high on her list of places to visit. After 1/2 hour, she said to me, "I don't want to spend all day looking at a bunch of old stuff!" So we went shopping - she was good at it and had a great time. In other words, do what you like that will make the trip memorable.
Colette - it's perfectly okay to ditch the group FIRST THING IN THE MORNING before the tour starts so they aren't waiting for you to come out of the first museum and go to the second while you've gone off for a glass of breakfast wine. Courtesy is all that matters here. However, on a first trip to Europe, sometimes you will learn some ropes and see things on those annoying tours that will awaken some sleeping interest. Give it a chance first; then head out on your own.

Shanna-----some good points made! Thanks for your reply. Altho I had never thought about "breakfast wine"!!! Mmmmmm.....where else but Paris to do that!!!! :) :)

I was just in Paris and I decided not to pressure myself to go to a museum. I just shopped, walked and ate the whole time (6 days). The weather was so nice that I didn't want to be cooped up and some stuffy museum looking at a painting of a lady doing her laundry on a rock. i often wished it would rain when I was in paris so i would have an excuse to go see that painting of a lady doing hert laundry on a rock. The last 4 times I went to paris i had nothing but beautiful weather!

Ira, You are correct. All foreign visitors are required to show 2 museum or cutural receipts upon leaving France. I took a cue from the gypsies and pickpockets a Australian tourists backpack and stole his receipts. Besides when I was going through the cultural check (Contrôle Culturel)I distracted the guard with a large sausage and a bottle of wine so they never asked to see my ticket stubs.

Go figure.

Perhaps habits about museums reflect education, family, culture. Friends in France use museums the way some use movie theatres - to see whatever is being offered, if of interest. Certainly, when you visit Paris, or other great centers, seeing the museums is important, and one or two ought to be included in the itinerary -along with your goal - am I seeing the building, the contents, or other museum goers. I find all to be valid. What I don't find particulalry useful is the stress some seem to project onto visitng museums - making it a major decision seems beside the point, and counterproductive.

Yes, I am sure plenty of people go to Paris without visiting museums. It's a personal preference, isn't it? Some would not miss any museum, others would not feel comfortable in museums. Both types can be culturally astute people. We've been to Paris five times, have never been to the Louvre,(but possibly will sometime) and I think we would enjoy the Musee D'Orsay. Walking the streets and getting the flavor of the city seems more to our liking.
It seems strange to feel one is pressured into seeing artwork(as the "thing to do") if one does not enjoy it that much. One takes what they want out of traveling.....there is so much offered!!!

Colette - it's your money, time and holiday. To me that means the person I am paying money to does not get to tell me what to do, if anything it's the other way around.
Do what you want with the tour and then go your own way for the rest of the time (I've actually done this in the past and had a great time - you may well find a few people from the tour joining you rather than endure another trip though a gift shop..........)
Once you start heading off on your own there will be no stopping you.
I hope you and your friend enjoy your trip - I assume its your first time in Europe?

I love museums so always go to some in Paris as that is one of the things I enjoy about the city. I don't always go to the Louvre or Orsay every time I'm there, though, which means I don't go every year.

Basically, I think anyone should do what they want on their own vacation, it's their time and money.

Colette, I have been on a couple organized group tours and really enjoyed the museum visits as the ones I was on had expert guides/archeologists so you are getting a good guided museum tour for free, plus you won't have to wait in lines. That itinerary only had two museums on it, the two biggies, so I don't see that as being so many museums, unless you are counting Versailles as one. Of course, do whatever you want to do -- I don't understand the question about whether it is tacky or not, it's your money and time, do what you want. The only thing is, if convenient, you might notify the tour leader if you have one who is responsible for your group that you won't be there, so they are not worried about you or thinking you missed it or holding up departure wait for you.

In fairness to the people seen charging through museums as if through an obstacle course, many galleries aren't all that 'user friendly.' A guided tour or even a tip sheet(like the kind Rick Steves includes in a lot of his guides) can make a visit a lot more enjoyable. Otherwise the whole thing is apt to feel like trying to play tennis before one has learned to hit the ball.

But who can really say why some visitors aren't looking at the art? Maybe they are only using the museum for a clandestine rendezvous, say to meet a lover or to exchange state secrets...

Thanks for all of your replies---yes, Matthew, it is my first time in Europe. I enjoy a museum or 2, but only being in Paris for a week, I really want to do the people/street scene also. Christina, as to my question re: "is it tacky to ditch the group"---I kind of know the tour guide, and don't want to offend him after all the time, work and effort he's put into organizing the tour. But....true, it is my $$$$, my time, my holiday, so I think I'll do my own thing, do a couple of tours, and as you've all said, communicate to the group so as to not hold anyone up! As always, you Fodorites are the best!! Merci beaucoup!

Please consider going to the Musee D'Orsay. It is such a delight and very easy to get around in. An hour there is a good investment of your time even if you are not a big art lover.

Do a google search and check out the art and building itself. Also has great views from the terrace outside the upper level snack bar.

hansikday-----I'll put it on my list! Thx for the recommendation and I'll do a search to check it out!

Colette, I'd just tell him the night before that you won't be joining the group for the tour or dinner or whatever. Don't leave him standing around waiting for you.

Sometimes I've been tempted with the prices of these tours..but having dinners at hotels or a chosen restauant just doesn't cut it with me! Especially when there is so much else available . And sometime the hotels are so far removed from where I want to be that even with a great price it is not worth it!

I must admit that I enjoy museums and sometimes tend to go overboard as I did last year at the VanGogh spending more time than initially planned. But I want to enjoy the city experience, also. So sometimes I am torn between the two. I think in Paris, the Musee d'Orsay?? will be on the list, but not sure about the Louvre...already saw the Mona years ago. Still wonder what all the hype is. Can someone explain?

Not everyone loves museums and art as much as some of the posters here (ncluding myself) and that's perfectly okay. Besides, there will be more room at the Louvre and the Orsay for us art lovers, so I wouldn't mind a few less reluctant visitors cramming the halls!

What I like to do in Paris - or most any other European city - is devote a day to say, shopping and eating, and the next one to something completely different such as a museum visit. I also think that when traveling with one or more people, allowing for a "solo" day is a great idea. That way everyone wins.

Well dln, the style for footwear this year is the pointed look..The Podiatrists are laughing all the way to the bank!!:)

I, too, love the D'Orsay but be warned that unfortunately some of the works are not as well-illuminated as they might be and on cloudy days it becomes slightly disappointing..but don't let that stop you from going.

The Musee D'Orsay is a great choice. All my good buddies hang out there: Pissarro, Monet, Renoir, Signac, Manet, Gauguin, Caillebotte and even Vincent.

Hi Colette,

I suggest that you do go the the d'Orsay; the Imprssionists are wonderful. Don't stand up close, though.

On the day they do the Louvre, go to the Musee Jacquemart-Andre for a great 'hotel' with, perhaps, the world's best collection of Egyptian art, among other good stuff. You can also have lunch there.

BTW, the Marais is an area, not a museum.

:-[F], somehow I answered the wrong post!!

I love Art and enjoy going to the Museums. I cant count of how many times I have visited the Louvre and the D'Orsay! It is like a ritual on my part and somehow if I dont visit these place, when I go to Paris,I feel like something is missing!

During our 8 days in Paris Aug-Sept we didn't go to one museum. It was very relaxing just tracking down restaurants {which can be time consuming if you don't take taxis], sitting in parks, checking out hotels and having a long aperatif before dinner. We spent one entire day in BHV-Bazar Hotel de Ville- which is like a modern museum for the home. They call it a combination of Macy's and Home Depot. Through the years we have been to most of the Paris museums. In London we did pop into the National Gallery and the British Museum [to see the new addition] because those are free and the French ones are not [except for the Louvre on one Sunday a month, I think]. But the d'Orsay should be seen at least once-it's beautiful.

Degas: isn't Degas with his cohorts at the D'Orsay?

lucky03, how nice of you to ask. Look for "The Dancing Lesson" on the second floor.