The history of Paris...in one hour

I had passed it countless times during my excursions in the third arrondissement and always marveled at the high stone walls and its essence of age and secrecy. I recently discovered that the enormous, hidden building was a museum.  Musée Carnavalet's buildings date to 1578 and was purchased by the city of Paris in 1866. Its magnificent gardens, staircases and architecture make it one of the most fascinating destinations in the Marais district. Also, it has one of the two remaining orangeries (like a conservatory) in the Marais. I had no idea this place even existed. 


We were in the mood for a cultural taste of Paris that Saturday and were attracted by the Musée's exhibitions, and its free entrance fee. Carnavalet hosts a grand selection of art, scale models of Paris' developments throughout the ages, the first gargoyles, and mementos that made the city famous. The gardens alone are worth the trip. 

The sign galleries were the most fascinating part of Carnavalet; the collection housed signs spanning from the 16th-20th centuries. I learned that signs were a necessity for shopkeepers, as most of their customers were illiterate. The better and more beautiful the sign, the higher the customer flow. Thus ingenuious shopkeepers created unique signs, such as the chat noir. 

 This little gem was founded in 1881 as Cabaret sign and is one of Paris' most influential images. Located at the food of the Butte de Montmartre, the Chat Noir epitomized the bohemian lifestyle and is still found on every post card and calendar in Paris. It wasn't until now that I understood what it was. 
Other metal signs, like griffons, huge scissors, Elms and forks covered the walls of the gallery and indulged the viewer in an eclectic array of Paris' visual history. 

The staircases of the museum (primarily an awesome workout) is also one of the Musée's greatest architectural features. Wide and grand, the stone staircases were as breathtaking as some of the art pieces themselves.

We mostly browsed the furniture and room galleries, as we had all been to Versailles and basically everything royal from that century looks alike. Been there, done that. 

However, I did find this dressing sectional quite unique and beautiful. And I am sure you are dying to see some of these ridiculously prodigal (GRE word, couldn't help it) rooms; don't worry, I'll indulge you.

After we had our fill of ornate rich people chambers we headed out into the sun, and the gardens. As I said, the museum is also famous for the beautiful gardens that lay in the center of the ancient stone buildings. Intricately designed and perfectly kept, the gardens provided the perfect respite after our march through the history of Paris.