What an incredible museum/gallery/palace!
So much to see, and we really tried our best. Started off with a masterpieces tour where we took in Victory, Venus de Milo and the Mona Lisa, all of which were actually better than I expected.
Then a lunchbreak at the beautiful and very smart cafe in the collonade of the Richelieu wing, Le Cafe Marly, where I had the best cheeseburger I have ever eaten.
Then back in for a more meandering tour talking about the building itself, taking us round the Napoleon III rooms and many other places. And the rooms themselves are so opulent, magnificent ceiling paintings and gilding, never mind the splendid contents.
A quick calorie intake at the Angelina cafe where we tried the much lauded hot chocolate l'Ancienne which was thick, gloopy and sweet, such an indulgence.
Then after a little more wandering we decided to go ... but on purchasing our guidebook, we noticed 2 pictures we wanted to see, 'Jeune Homme Nu' by Flandrin (which I had on my wall for a few years at university), and the Vermeer. Both were exceptional and I am so pleased we spotted them.
Really, so many outstanding pieces that it is impossible to give them all the attention and credit they deserve. And not just the masterpieces, also various unexpected 'wow' pieces.
Then out in the fresh air at 9:30 to have dinner at Au Pied de Cochon, where Charlie bravely ordered the pigs trotter speciality of the house. Maybe not quite as yummy as the confit de carnard I ordered, but at least we both enjoyed the creme brulee.
Full and exhausted we walked back west to the hotel ... maybe a slightly more restful day tomorrow, we can barely feel our legs!
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