While staying in a Paris vacation apartment, you get to indulge in one of the popular afternoon pastimes by visiting museums. Though visitors can be treated to the city's notable architecture, there are more artwork pieces exhibited in its museums. There are museums holding numerous collections by Impressionist artists, Claude Monet, Rodin, modern artists and many others. If time is of essence, the following shortlist of museums is a must:
Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle
The National Museum of Natural History at Jardin des Plantes is accessible by metro. It is composed of the Grand Gallery of Evolution, the museums of Mineralogy, Paleontology and Entomology, a menagerie and a vast collection of plants in its gardens, both housed and not. There is even a dedicated rose garden to display several of its species. You can expect to see fossils and skeletons of humans and endangered species, different crystals, insect specimens, as well as some exhibits and well laid-out gardens. Many people who visit can increase their awareness of how intermingled man is to his environment by taking a short trip through time.
Centre Georges Pompidou
With its unique building architecture and exterior, the Pompidou Centre seeks to push the boundaries of contemporary and modern art, and separates the true enthusiasts from the rest of the pack. Walk through tubes and explore the works of Matisse, Dali, Fernand Leger and many other modern artists that are housed here. Allow Paris to treat you to hours of whimsy through Pompidou's exceptional exhibits and you're likely to broaden your art palate.
Musée d'Orsay
Staying in vacation apartments that are within walking or bicycle distance of Musée d'Orsay is a good idea. You can quickly go to the museum when you wish. This mostly impressionist and post-impressionist museum at 1 Rue de la Légion d'Honneur may need another visit or two for you to truly take in its vast collection. Van Gogh's Starry Night, Monet's Women in the Garden, Degas' Ballet Rehearsal painting and Small Dancer Aged 14 sculpture, Rodin's Ugolino, and many more paintings, sculptures, decorative and graphic arts and photographs can make you come back again and again for more. They even offer guided tours for children, so you can be free to wander on your own if you so desire.
Musee Du Louvre
See the Venus de Milo, the Mona Lisa and the Louvre Pyramid. The most beautiful thing about the Great Louvre is that it's not limited to these three famous pieces. You can navigate through a maze of masterpieces that range from ancient civilizations like Egypt and Greece, to Renaissance and Contemporary Art. Immensely popular with tourists, this museum is as synonymous to Paris as the Eiffel Tower.
Cozy Paris vacation homes near these museums can be found through Vamoose.com. These French vacation apartments often come with amenities such as washer/dryer, dishwasher, air conditioning and many others. You can narrow your search by clicking on your preferences and selecting your price range. If you choose well, these art havens might be just a stroll away from your Paris vacation apartment.