When we were on the Metro traveling towards the Marais area, we discovered that neither of us was carrying a camera.

I have visited the Musee Carnavalet (the History of Paris museum) at least twice, but I felt as if I saw different periods of time or objects today.  Part of the museum is closed off for "security" reasons.  I wonder if some of my memories are from the unavailable parts of the museum.  This is the first time, that I have come back from visiting the museum with a desire to know more about the history of France and of Paris.



I think that part of my interest was piqued because I was in the company of the Professor (without a group of students along).  He frequently pointed out paintings on the wall of buildings or places in Paris that we both are familiar with.  The painting of the Conciergerie looks as if it could have been done within the last few months.  Another one of the Pantheon shows acres of wilderness surrounding it that are now covered with buildings and the Sorbonne painting has buildings shown that no longer exist.  There was a painting listed as being of Belleville where we recently ate Chinese food.  Circus performers were the center of the painting.

France has had a turbulent history.   One uprising in the middle of the nineteenth century arose because of a siege of Paris by the Prussian army.  The siege lasted for about four months.  In the meantime, Napoleon III was defeated.  The Upper and Middle classes of Paris fled the city leaving a remnant of soldiers and refugees to face starvation and bombardment.  Following the siege a new French government was formed.  (Siege of Paris during the Franco-Prussian War).



This picture of the Place Vendome is typical of much of the art work displayed.






Other paintings display moments in the history of the city such as fires or conflicts.   Still others are of entertainers from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

After visiting the Carnavalet, we walked over to the Place de Vosges.  Even in the winter it is a pleasant spot to sit on a bench for awhile.











Victor Hugs's house is in a corner of the square.  Along with the Carnavalet, it has no fee to enter.  Next time we'll  visit Victor Hugo's small house first and the Carnavalet with all of its rooms and information second.  Hotel du Sully is close by here as well.  I think that only the exterior is open to the public but it is worth a visit.