Musee D’Orsay, Paris

A view of the Musee D'Orsay from the footbridge, Pont de Solferino

 

Some weeks ago, I promised a fellow-blogger that I would post something about our experiences visiting Musee D’Orsay and especially eating in its extraordinary salon. We have enjoyed meals there on three occasions that I can recall, each visit an exploration of senses and tastes. The food is excellent, the service exceptional, but the surroundings are what bring us back. It is pure splendor and harkens back to its days as the dining room of the hotel when this building was a grand railroad station (Gare d’Orsay). I highly recommend the museum’s web-site for information about the building PLUS detailed information about all of its holdings (if you want to know the name of a painting or sculpture in the museum, or the name of the artist, with a little poking around, you should be able to find the info you are looking for – isn’t the internet great?). This post also gives me the opportunity to post a bunch of photos of the Musee (inside and out). Now, if you don’t like ornate interiors, might as well not go any further…

Dining in the Musee d'Orsay Salon

Another view of the Salon…I think I was shooting from the hip so as not to disturb the patrons. I could staighten in in PhotoShop, but what the heck.

Pastries lined up for viewing (and consumption).

The ceilings are a wonder…

Ceiling tondo by Gabriel Ferrier overlooking the south portion of the Salon

Close-up view:

Wider view showing how the pieces come together:

Champagne, anyone?

One must have champagne when dining here…as we did to celebrate our 25th Anniversary in October 2009 – our treat for the day before we headed into the museum to look at the Impressionists (we ate first and then, fortified, took on the art!). As I recall, I had risotto (it was a cool day and this warmed me nicely) and Kathy had pissaladiere (a Provencale onion tart with anchovies). If you go to the Musee, make reservations and take the time (and a few Euro) to dine in elegance.

On a previous visit, we were allowed on the terrace overlooking the Seine. Perhaps because it was later in the season, I don’t know, but on our most recent visit, the terrace was closed. I hope that is not a permanent decision.

A view upriver to the Louvre from the d'Orsay terrace.

Finally, my favorite photo from the day…it is a bit cliche, but instantly recognizable.

View of Sacre Coeur through one of the clock faces on Musee d'Orday

Last and least, Woody Allen has produced a new movie, “Midnight in Paris“, just shown at the Cannes Film Festival and opening in the U.S. next week. Looks interesting, if only for the views of the City of Lights.