Paris In July: What's Your Favorite Recommendation?

Rick and I will be spending three full days in Paris in early October on the way to England.

We've been there before so we've seen the "regulars" -- d'Orsay, Louvre, Notre Dame, Montmartre, all that. But it's a big city and loads more to see!

So, if you were going to Paris for a few days and had seen all the biggies, which attraction, shop, cafe or restaurant, museum, or other spot would you choose?

Remember -- early October!

Thanks for the recommendation and here is mine -- a must for history and medieval fans:

The Musée de Cluny - Musée national du Moyen Âge, formerly the Musée national du Moyen Âge, or just the Musée de Cluny, or the Musée national du Moyen Âge – Thermes et hôtel de Cluny.

Here's what I wrote about it after my 2009 visit!

All the pix in this post are from there!

Happy to share today with the last of Tamara's Paris in July at Thyme for Tea! Check her site and if you are a fan of Paris or France, visit some of the fun links posted over the last four weeks!

A Favorite French Musee

Today I am going to take you to my favorite museum in Paris -- The Musee de Cluny (also known as Musee national du Moyen Age) and often called Cluny. Here's a little traveling music. You'll find it in Paris' 5th arrondissement not far from the Sorbonne.

The museum's home is an exceptional Parisian monument -- the Cluny Abbey Hotel, which was built in the late 15th century, partially on remains of third century Gallo-Roman baths.

Its styles combine Gothic and Renaissance architecture and you'll find gargoyles dormers and craggy walls.

To tourists, Cluny may be best known for housing the famous Lady and the Unicorn tapestries (15th century).

The tapestries have their own room, a windowless chamber (and getting pix here is tough without flash!)

Considered one of the greatest works of art from Middle Ages Europe, there are six scenes that tell the story of chivalry, virtue and romance. Look carefully to discover which of the senses the tapestry depicts -- sight, sound, touch, taste, smell and one often interpreted as Love. The detail on the stitching is exquisite.

But there are other remarkable treasures here as well, including medieval sculptures...

illuminated manuscripts and stunning stained glass.

The stained glass is really remarkable, the colors as vibrant and beautiful as they no doubt were the day they were made.

The collection of medieval and Renaissance art and objects came largely from Alexandre du Sommerard and was acquired by the state upon his death. The museum opened in 1843.

There is a great sense of peace in this museum. It's more than the religious and historical artifacts that lend to the feeling of sacred space.

It is simply a feeling that surrounds you, wandering in the quiet, cool areas.

This isn't on everyone's "see it on my first trip to Paris" list -- but I would encourage one who loves history to rethink that! It's well worth it.

Happy to join in this week with Paris In July and Dreaming of France as links become available.

At both sites you'll find links related to French travel, museums, films, books, music and more.