Montmartre
The small hill of Montmartre in northern Paris can be considered the birthplace of Impressionist art. In the late 19th century, painters from all over the world gathered here, pouring their hearts into their creations in rented small studios, chasing their dreams. Here, artists like Van Gogh, Pissarro, Toulouse-Lautrec, Cézanne, Gauguin, and others, who were considered 'madmen,' met each other, and the spark of Impressionism slowly ignited on the small hill of Montmartre. Although some artists never considered themselves part of the Impressionist movement, in the eyes of later generations, this term has become a hallmark distinguishing this group of people. Montmartre is best explored on foot; strolling here, one can easily discover many landmarks related to Impressionism.
Montmartre Museum
One of the charming aspects of the Montmartre district is the Renoir Garden, which is also the Montmartre Museum. This museum is located where many artists' studios from the 19th and 20th centuries were situated, including the famous Impressionist painter Renoir. His works 'The Swing' and 'Dance at Le Moulin de la Galette' were painted here. In the garden of this museum, many original scenes from these paintings are preserved, such as 'The Swing'. If the weather is good, you can see the Montmartre vineyard and enjoy a panoramic view of Paris from the garden. If you happen to be strolling through the Montmartre district, this is a place worth exploring.
Petit Palais
The Petit Palais in Paris is one of the most popular art museums in the city. After a comprehensive renovation, it now boasts modern facilities while preserving the historical architecture. The building itself is worth a visit, as it is a magnificent aristocratic residence. The exhibits include a range of French and European artworks from the 13th to the 20th century. The museum houses paintings, sculptures, art objects, and ancient artifacts from all over Europe, showcasing a rich collection of art treasures from classical antiquity to Impressionist works. It is perfect for those who love classical and contemporary art, and it is also a great place to learn about the daily culture and history of Paris.
Monet's Garden
When mentioning Giverny, people immediately think of Monet's garden and his series of water lily paintings. Although Giverny is not right next to Paris but belongs to the Normandy region, it is not troublesome to take a train from Saint-Lazare station, making it a relatively easy place to reach. Monet's series of water lily paintings are the product of his later years, when he lived in seclusion and devoted himself entirely to creation. The inspiration for these paintings came from the garden at his home in Giverny. Although this garden served as the blueprint for the paintings, in reality, the paintings are even more stunning than the garden.
Auvers-sur-Oise
Auvers-sur-Oise is located in the Loire Valley region of France, about 30 kilometers from Paris. It boasts the authentic charm of a French small town, offering a true taste of French life. This town is one of the birthplaces of the Renaissance and has preserved many historical buildings and cultural heritage sites. Additionally, this town is where the famous Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh spent the last seventy days of his life, creating many renowned paintings, including 'Wheatfield with Crows' and 'The Church at Auvers'. Visitors can come here to experience the real scenes depicted in Van Gogh's paintings. Moreover, Van Gogh's grave is located here, where he rests eternally, making it known as 'Van Gogh's Town'. Auvers-sur-Oise is a place rich in history and culture, well worth a visit.
