November 10, Paris, after some walking and museum viewing......Then we went off in search of great pastries. On the way, we decided we had not done the Louvre justice, so we decided to make a small detour through it. This was a good decision.
The Louvre is a set of buildings built over the centuries. In the middle ages it was part of the city's defensive wall. Later it was converted to a chateau, and Francois I gave it his inimitable Renaissance touch. The biggest projects were undertaken by Louis XIII, XIV, XV, Catherine de Medici, and Napoleon III. They are all unique, but built to compliment each other. The sight from the courtyard is overwhelming!
Speaking of the courtyard, this is where the unspeakable pyramid is situated. It is the cover over the subterranean entrance located in the middle, was designed by I.M. Pei, an great architect, but is an abomination. Of course, what else could be done? Almost anything would not fit. So the supporters talk about the magic of the juxtaposition of the old and new, a classic Egyptian form in modern materials situated amidst baroque masterpieces.
We did not go inside on this trip, there was not enough time. Looking into the galleries where you can is exciting, the space, the light, and of course the masterpieces. We will plan a full visit for another trip.
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