Paris Study Tour

In the Summer of 2012, I had the opportunity to partake in a ten day study tour to Paris, France. Our group of Interior Designers led by two faculty were able to visit many of the famous buildings and interiors we soon learned about in classes. Our hotel was situated downtown so we easily strolled along the streets looking at shops and eating the french cuisine. On one of our first days we took the short metro trip to visit the Eiffel Tower(left) for the first time that week and also visited the magnificent Arc de Triomphe (right). These structures seem small in images but when climbing the Arc you realize just how tall they are from being so out of breath once you reach the top, looking out at all the streets sprawling from this central point.

 Next we spent an entire day at Notre Dame, walking the grounds and explore the enormous cathedral. Throughout the trip we had the opportunity to sketch several of the buildings and this sketch was one of my favorite to work with. We spent a maximum of 30 minutes sketching each building and this was a quick one at 10 minutes.

We spent half a day exploring the Louvre in all its enormity. First we were led to what the teachers believed were the "big three" pieces to see, the Venus de Milo, Mona Lisa and Winged Victory. Then we could explore the rest of the museum as we saw fit. That evening a group of us decided to go back and experience the Eiffel Tower at night and saw its light up show as we were headed back to catch the last metro train to our hotel with an ice cream crepe in hand.

Another day was spent visiting Villa Savoye and the Musee de Orsay. Again we had the opportunity to sketch around Villa Savoye and I sat up on the top floor sketching part of the building. I was surprised at how the walls were dirty when we arrived. In all the images you see these pristine white walls and it did not seem the same in person but it still was amazing to see such a famous structure.

 Then there was the day we visited Montmartre, seeing Sacre Couer and having portraits drawn by the artists nearby. My friends and I later returned for one's birthday to visit the Moulin Rouge, which was quite the experience in itself.

One of the last days we visited the palace at Versailles. I was enthralled by everything I saw and if the palace wasn't enough, walking the grounds took your breath away. However, they also had some contemporary sculptures displayed throughout the palace that weren't too appetizing. Some were interesting and create a unique dynamic with the space but then there were objects like the large pink feather helicopter that I feel just did not mesh well and wasn't very attractive to be honest.

I am sure I have left out some things we saw but the trip was so filled with wonderful experiences and places that it is difficult to think of everything upon returning. Now a year later I think about visiting the star outside of Notre Dame once more, ensuring another trip back. And maybe I will on my next semester to Italy!