Notre Dame and Picasso Museum

The next day we set out for Notre Dame which is located on the Ile de la Cite’ which is an island on the Seine. We took the metro to the station of Cite’ which let us off near the entrance. 430 feet in length and 228 feet high it loomed over this part of the city.

Once through the main entrance the view takes in the high vaulted central nave, and rose windows high above all around the interior. Another breathtaking sight. We got an audio tour however it was hard to discern which portion of the cathedral they were talking about. There were several little alcoves off the main section, several pieces of art, gold crowns, statues, etc. It was the catholic version of the Louvre. What impressed me the most was the sheer architectural vastness of it.

Afterwards, we wandered the Le Marais neighborhood looking for the Picasso Museum. The cobbled streets narrowed, the buildings got closer and this seemed a more intimate neighborhood than the ones we had explored in the past.

(Looking up the street near the Picasso Museum)

As it turns out this neighborhood is an ethnic mix of Jews, former Algerian settlers, Asians and others. Once we found the Picasso Museum the building was in a renovation stage and honestly, the least impressive of any of the buildings we had seen or been into.

Once inside it was stifling – funny how the most memorial thing about this famous museum is the outside disarray and how hot it was inside. We thought it probably had to do with all the (much) older people inside (yeah, it looked like the ladies group of the neighborhood met there for afternoon gallery visits before they took their tea). Also, unlike the other museums, the art itself was non-inspiring to me. I know, I know. Picasso’s art cannot be compared to anyone else’s and should stand alone. Ok, so it does.To me it stood alone as what one would paint if they were heavily tripping on acid.

Once outside and able to breathe, we went to a nearby café’ for coffee.

(The cafe' is the little green corner of the building)

This little old guy jumped up the moment we came in and took our order which we grunted and pointed at since he only spoke French. He hurriedly got our coffees and sat back down. Looking around on the walls he had several pictures of the artist Picasso and even one of Salvador Dali’. Hmm, maybe Dali’ got his inspiration from Picasso? Having been to a Dali’ exhibit in London – which, I might add is not for the lighthearted – I could almost see the contrast.

(Can you tell the difference between a Picasso and a Dali'?)

Afterwards we wandered into the Les Halles district and found Saint Eustache which aside from Notre Dame is known as one of the most beautiful churches in Paris. Its interior plan was actually modeled on Notre Dame, with five nave and side and radial chapels. It took 105 years to complete this church. Upon further reading this church supports one of the largest soup kitchens in Paris feeding almost 300 people per day.

(Saint Eustache and kids playing on a sculpture just outside)

Now that’s what I’m talking about – not only a beautiful place to worship but they help feed the people instead of constantly asking for tithe or handouts. I was just as inspired by this church as I was Notre Dame. Unlike its predecessor it was very old and crumbling and needed renovation badly. Inside there were rickety chairs that people sat on to see and hear the service and you feared they would collapse landing you in a heap on the floor. Yes, it’s best to stand when going to a service in this church.

Next up: Versailles