My first stop in Paris, every time, is always Les Arts Décoratifs. It’s part of the Lourve and located pretty close to it but much smaller, not in scope but in size. They have all the french treasures squirreled in their vaults. It’s a feast for the eyes.

These ivory figure blocks are part of their permanent exhibition and my favorite display.

This from their site: ‘An original, multi-facetted institution, Les Arts Décoratifs pursues the objectives it was given at the outset: “to keep alive in France the culture of the arts which seek to make useful things beautiful” and to maintain close links with industry, forging numerous partnerships with firms operating in various fields. With a collection of over 700,000 pieces grouped by period and theme into nine departments, Les Arts Décoratifs presents masterpieces of French decorative arts spanning the Middle Ages to the present day. Showcased in our permanent exhibition galleries and regularly shown in temporary exhibitions, these works can be enjoyed by French and international visitors alike.’

I have hundreds of photos from there. I am always informed, excited, in disbelief, amazed, shocked and inspired by what I find there. You get the point. It’s a hidden treasure.

After I drop my bags at the hotel I will drag myself, on 2 hours sleep, to their doors.

My last visits from 2017 changed what I worked on once I was settled into CAMAC in Champagne. That residency was a lot closer to Paris so I had an opportunity to visit a few times.

I have 24 hours in Paris before I rent my Mini and drive down to the residency. I had planned to do a proper stay of a couple of days in Paris but there was a last minute vacancy at VCCA FR and I can get in there a bit sooner than planned.

Au revisor pour le moment.