December 9, 2011

France Roundtable - Favorite Art in France

Monet's Water Lilies

In general I'm not much of a joiner.

But when Christine of Why Go France invited me to be a part of the France Roundtable, a group of five bloggers who write about France, I thought it would be an exciting collaboration. Every month a theme will be chosen and we'll each share our thoughts, advice and experiences.

The first topic, our Favorite Art in France, was an easy one, though I did find it difficult to choose just one favorite!


Water Lilies at l'Orangerie

Living in France means being surrounded by art, whether it be a modern sculpture garden that suddenly appears in a field of poppies, the amusing Space Invader mosaics in Paris or the serene statuary that adorn the churches.

Ultimately I decided that if I had to choose my favorite art in France, it would be my favorite museum in Paris.

Water Lilies at l'Orangerie

Water Lilies at l'Orangerie

At the far end of the Jardin des Tuileries stands a small museum that houses a unique treasure - two large, oval shaped rooms encircled in breathtaking, colorful canvases of waterlilies.

More specifically, Les Nymphéas, by Claude Monet at the Musée de l'Orangerie.

I think this is a truly special place, a place of simple beauty and tranquility, and a place I visit again and again.


Musée de l’Orangerie
Jardin des Tuileries
75001 Paris
Open everyday, except on Tuesdays, May 1st and December 25th from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Monet's Water Lilies

Monet's Water Lilies

To see what the four other members of the France Roundtable had to say about their favorite art in France, just click on the links below:


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9 comments:

Diane said...

Between the ones you have chosen I would never be able to pick a favourite. I love them all. Diane

Rosa said...

It's my favourite too. I hope to visit the gardens of his inspiration one day.

Emm said...

What a lovely new resource, thanks. The waterlilies are among my favorites. I'd add a vote for Matisse's work along the Med coast, esp. the harbor at Collioure, life and color and activity.

emiglia said...

This is my favorite museum in Paris too. I think the artwork in it is mind-blowing, but it doesn't hurt that the museum is so small and doesn't leave you feeling winded, like the Louvre can.

The Field of Gold said...

Seen those. Fantastic. As Emiglia says, it really good that there are these massive artworks without too many other distractions.

Jennifer said...

Diane
It isn't easy to choose!

Scintilla
I've never been to Giverny either, but it is on my list. One day...

Emm
I love Matisse as well, and Collioure is an amazing town! The light and the colors! I can see why he lived and worked there.

Jennifer said...

emiglia
The size of the museum is a definite attraction for me too. I can sit and study those canvases for hours!

Field of Gold
Also, it never seems to be packed with people, so you can really enjoy the artwork without fighting your way through crowds to see it.

Anonymous said...

We were just there last weekend. Did you see the Spain exhibit too? I loved it!

Jennifer said...

Camille
No, didn't make it on this last trip with my mom. She wanted to see other things and there just wasn't enough time. I'll be going again on my next visit.