musée de l'orangerie | paris

{via}

Paris is known for so many wonderful things... love, lights, food, annnnd museums. Most people will tell you that you can't miss the Louvre when going to Paris. And, I can't disagree - the Louvre's collection is unparalleled. However, Mr. H and I didn't go to the Louvre this time. We skipped the Mona Lisa and opted for the Orangerie instead - and I'm so glad we did

{via}

The Orangerie is home to Monet's Water Lilies as well as works by Cézanne, Picasso, Matisse, and Renoir, among others. The building itself is beautiful - it was built to shelter the orange trees of the Tuileries Palace. 

{via}

It's a beautiful walk from the Louvre through the Tuileries Gardens to the Orangerie. And, thankfully the lines aren't the ridiculously long lines you have to sit through at the Louvre. We only waited 10 to 15 minutes here. Plus, the museum is small, which allows you to take all the art in versus feeling overwhelmed and dazed by the time you leave.

{via}

The Water Lilies are breathtaking. Unlike the Mona Lisa, whose small scale tends to leave most first-time viewers underwhelmed, the Water Lilies are massive. You are completely encompassed by them when you walk into the long, oval room. 

{via}

One of my favorite things about the Water Lilies is that Monet painted them with the intention of creating a space where Parisians could escape a the exhausting pace of the city and find the calm and peace that he found at Giverny (his garden). 

{via}

I was amazed that Monet realized the need for such spaces almost 100 years ago. Now, our insanely busy culture needs places like the Orangerie more than ever. It's incredible to walk into the room and feel the speed and tension of the city melt off of you as an atmosphere of peace takes over. Because of that aspect of the Orangerie, it is my favorite museum in Paris.

-mrs.h

afternoon tea in heaven... a.k.a. Ladurée

After weeks of living out of our suitcases, it feels great to be home again. Where to start? Since we began the European portion of our trip in Paris, it's seems best to begin with a Parisian post. But, we could never cover Paris in just one post. So, I'll begin with our favorite sweet spot in the City of Love.... Ladurée. 

Ladurée is one of the city's most beautiful and tasty patisseries. Established in 1862 on rue Royal, this pastry shop makes the most heavenly macaroons I've ever tasted. It's the perfect stop amidst a stroll along the Champs-Elysées. If you choose to sit outside and enjoy the weather, make sure to still walk inside and take a look at this iconic building. It will transport you to the glory days of Paris. The perfect shade of green that coats the building with a ceiling that includes painted angels baking the pastries makes Ladurée one of the most romantic spots for an afternoon tea in Paris. You'll literally leave feeling like you just had afternoon tea in heaven after tasting the macaroons and other pastries. 

What to order:

➺ A sampling of macaroons - the flavors constantly change, but lemon was our favorite. 

➺ A sampling of tarts and pastries... you can't go wrong with any you choose!

➺ If you are a tea person, this is an iconic salon de thé (tea salon) in Paris and the perfect place to enjoy a cup of tea. 

➺ For you coffee drinkers, don't worry the café is delicious here too. Mr. H and I were exhausted when we arrived at Laudrée so we ordered a café au lait for an extra jolt of caffeine.

Bon appétit!

-mrs.h