Note - Yes we were at the Louvre when cake was thrown on the Mona Lisa. No, it was not us, we prefer to eat our cake!
Before attending a guided tour of the Louvre, Don and I toured the outdoor gardens, Jardin de Touleries. Originally this area was home to Catherine de Medici‘s own private palace. (Guess she didn’t want to share a castle with the king?!)
The garden had gorgeous coiffed trees, Horse Chestnuts, and many Lindenwood trees, ponds, grassy areas and flowers. The irises were finished and the peonies were half done too. Lots of work to keep an area this large looking beautiful. a couple of goats were kept busy trimming grass in the ditches!
The Louvre was very busy! We made our way to the glass pyramid which is the entranceway As of the 1980s. Designed by Chinder American Architect I.M. Pei. Initially the pyramid was met with derision but is now accepted as a brilliant design that allows light to enter to the below ground entrance that accommodates the large numbers who visit. The glass on the pyramid allows visitors to see the magnificent palaces above ground too.
Our tour guide gave a great tour with interesting facts. Even so it was rather overwhelming.
About 30 years ago renovators found that below the castle used for the Louvre were remnants off an old moat. It was interesting to walk through this area.
The Louvre and France have many art works that were stolen during wars. Thus the Egyptian collection - the sphinx and the monolith that marks the location of the bastile that was sacked during the French Revolution and was the site where they erected the guiloteen to remove the heads of the monarchy and other bourgeois.
Statuary from Greek and Roman period. Plus two male figures by Michelangelo.
French Crown Jewels.
Above are a few of the only 22 paintings attributed to Leonardo DeVinci. Of course his most famous being the Mona Lisa.
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