This had been a mission of mine for a while. But I’m usually too busy to sit or haven’t found the right artist. Lucky for me, on this last trip, I completely fell in love with a watercolour painter. He totally charmed me into finally checking this experience off my list. It was one of the best moments of my life, and I came away with a work of art I will treasure forever. I wanted to share all there is to know about getting your portrait painted in the Place du Tertre and taking home a one-of-a-kind souvenir from Paris.

Table Of Contents

1. Location & Access
2. History of the Place du Tertre
3. The Painters of Place du Tertre
4. When To Arrive
5. How to choose an artist?
6. My Experience at the Place du Tertre
7. Learning to Sit for a Portrait
8. What to Wear?
9. How Long Does it Take to get a Portrait?
10. How much does a portrait at Place du Tertre cost?
11. Do You Need to Speak French?
12. How to get your portrait safely home?
13. What to Do in the Area?

Location & Access

The Place du Tertre is a delightful, historic square located in the heart of Montmartre. It is merely a few steps from the famous Basilica of the Sacré Cœur. To get to the Place du Tertre, take the metro to Abbesses station. From there, it is a gorgeous five-minute walk (uphill) toward the celebrated square.

History of the Place du Tertre

The Place du Tertre has a rich and storied history that dates back to the Middle Ages. Originally, the area of Montmartre was a tiny village on the outskirts of Paris. The word ‘Montmartre’ means “mountain of the martyr.” Legend has it that the patron saint of Paris, Saint-Denis, was beheaded on the hill of Montmartre in the 3rd century AD.

In the 12th century, the Benedictine Montmartre Abbey was built here, and the Place du Tertre stood in the centre. After the dissolution of the monastery, the area was opened to the public in 1635. And this square served as the centre of village life in Montmartre.

During the 19th century, the Place du Tertre became a gathering place for artists. They were drawn to Montmartre’s free spirit and artistic atmosphere. Famous artists such as Picasso, Van Gogh, and Toulouse-Lautrec frequented the area. And many studios and workshops popped up in the narrow streets and alleys around the square.

In the early 20th century, the Place du Tertre became a tourist destination. Local artists began selling their paintings and creating portraits of tourists on the square. Today, the square is still a hub of artistic activity, with dozens of local artists selling their work and creating portraits for visitors.

The Painters of Place du Tertre

After I got my portrait painted, one of the main questions I got was, “are the painters here really that good? Or is this another tourist trap?” Great question and one that I initially had myself. The reality is, you can’t be just anyone to be able to paint here. There are a limited number of painters allowed to set up their easels on the square. And each of them had to undergo a rigorous portfolio approval review process to become an “artist in residence.” The wait time for these residences can be up to ten years! News spots only open up if an artist dies or decides to give up his residence. So anyone you find here has really paid their dues.

This means that you might be able to find the same artists painting here year after year. Many people make it a tradition to get a new portrait painted here every five years, often by the same painter. Each artist is given one square meter to set up their outdoor studio. You can see the little markings on the cobblestones when it’s not filled with artists. Each artist is given a printed permit which proves they are approved to work here. Any painters set up here without permission could be fined so you know these artists are the real deal!

When To Arrive

Painters start arriving here around 10 am throughout the week. I find Mondays the quietest. The French aren’t early risers, so don’t expect them to come out in droves until they’ve had their morning coffee. The painters generally stick around until the sun begins to set. But there is no firm set time for opening and closing.

In the winter, especially when it gets freezing, you’ll often find fewer painters coming out to brave the cold. But even at Christmas, I found the square was packed! Weekends are the most popular, so prepare for it to be hectic! But you’ll also find the most artists on the show on those days as well. No one will come out during the rain, so consider those days a write-off.

How to choose an artist?

With so many artists in the square, choosing the right one for you might seem like a difficult task. It can be overwhelming to see so many artists working away and feel the need to pick just one. But the first thing you should do, before making any decisions, is to spend some relaxed time just looking at all the artists at work. Roam around, and look at the past example paintings done by these artists. As well as the ones they are in the midst of painting. This will ensure that their technique has stayed the same since those portfolio examples.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Régine (@imogeneetjavotte)

When I visited, there were a variety of different art styles that I could see across the square. There were hyperrealistic pencil drawings that were so detailed they looked almost more like a photo than a painting. Then there are the more classical caricatures that overemphasize people’s most eye-catching characteristics, but these are a bit “cartoony.” The charcoal drawings are so expressive and really convey the silhouette of a person’s face. But the watercolour paintings were my favourite. Although perhaps not as photorealistic as the pencil drawings, they felt so expressive and conveyed much emotion through the brushstrokes.

My Experience at the Place du Tertre

I spent about 15 minutes observing various artists and inquired about their pricing. Most were about €60, but nothing completely entranced me. That was until I saw, in the middle of the crowd, my very own Van Gogh, Majid Aghili. Majid had been painting here on the square for over 15 years. And he looked like he was plucked right out of a French film with his chic round black glasses, checkered scarf and flat cap. He was smoking a cigarette and had paint all up under his fingernails. A sign of a real artist.

We hit it off immediately as I told him how much my late mother loved watercolour painting, which drew me to him. He loved the bright colours I was wearing on such a dreary winter’s day. He stated his price, €80, and I immediately went to find the ATM. €80 was more than the average I had seen in the square, but his work was much more elevated than some of the cheaper options, and I loved his unique style. And style and experience will always add something to your bill.

Learning to Sit for a Portrait

The key to sitting for a portrait is choosing a comfortable position. Not just in how you’re seated but ensuring you select a relaxed facial expression. A big-toothy smile is pretty hard to keep up after 10 minutes. If you know your best side, let the artist know and sit in that orientation.

Another thing to remember when sitting for a portrait is that people will be looking at you the entire time. You are literally on display. This felt awkward at first, but if you just zone out and relax, you’ll come away with a much better portrait than if your face shows any of that uncomfortably. One of the hardest parts was seeing other people reacting to the paintings before being able to see it myself! But when he turned it around, it was such a wonderful surprise, and I was just in awe. Not only of his skills but how beautifully he captured my spirit and self.

What to Wear?

I hadn’t planned on getting my portrait done, but in retrospect, I think I would have thought more in advance about what I wanted to wear if I was going to do it again. I was lucky I loved my outfit and wasn’t wearing too many patterns or accessories that would be harder to capture in the portrait. These portraits might be something you’ll want to have on display forever, so be sure to choose an outfit that will pass the test of time. A simple, more classic look is always a great choice so the outfit doesn’t detract from your face. This is less of an issue with black-and-white paintings, but you might want to keep your fashion style in mind.

I generally wear some pretty vibrant makeup colours, but a bare face would have been a better approach for this occasion. That way the artist can better capture your natural features, otherwise hidden behind the makeup.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by polanri (@polanri)

How Long Does it Take to get a Portrait?

Some artists have huge queues, so waiting in line for your turn might take an hour or so. This also might play into your decision of which artist to choose. Many artists might have a list and will tell you when to return instead of waiting in the square.

How long the actual process of painting your portrait will take depends on the complexity of the work. The quick, gestural charcol drawings can take as little as five minutes. While watercolour impressionist paintings take around 30 minutes. And some hyperrealistic colour pencil drawings, with multiple family members, would an hour or more! If time is a consideration, you can also ask yourself this question to your artist prior to agreeing upon getting the portrait made. But you definitely don’t want to rush your artist.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Manon (@shotbymaann)

How much does a portrait at Place du Tertre cost?

Every artist has a different set price. Some artists have their prices written on their display boards, but others will require asking to find out. With so much variety in style, the price varies to reflect the time and skills of the artists. The black and white caricature-like drawings were the cheapest. But the caricatures are often less realistic in representing the sitter. The paintings which are more representative are, of course, going to cost more. In general, I saw prices from €25 to €120. Be sure to set the price before you sit down and have the money on hand. If you adore your painting, you can also tip, but tipping in France is not the norm or expected.

All the artists I spoke with only accepted cash, so be aware of this if you plan to get your portrait painted. There is an ATM down the street if you need to take out some money. While mobile payments by card are getting more and more popular, many artists here are still very old-school.

Do You Need to Speak French?

Since most of these artists are used to working with tourists, many speak some English, but it’s not guaranteed. Learning French before your travels is a great idea, and I’ve included some key phrases to learn when speaking to the artists on the square.

Hello – Bonjoy!
Thank You – Merci
How much is one portrait? – Combien coûte un portrait?
How much for two people? – Combien pour deux personnes?
How long will it take? – Combien de temps ça va prendre?
Do you take credit card or cash? – Prends-tu une carte de crédit ou des espèces?
When should I come back? – Quand dois-je revenir?
This is beautiful – C’est beau

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by ArtmonyParis (@artmonyparis)

How to get your portrait safely home?

Various sellers are walking around the square peddling small cardboard tubes to safely store your rolled-up portrait. Some artists also offer these as part of their portrait package. When I asked how much they cost, the seller told me €10. I thought this was too much, so I walked away, not needing it that badly. And, of course, the seller chased me down, asking me for my best offer. After offering him €5, he too happily agreed. I think could have haggled him down further based on how fast he decided to take the fiver. But it was worth it to keep the work of art safe. I carried it around in my bag for months, and when I got home, it was in perfect condition.

What to Do in the Area?

If you need to wait your turn for your portrait, there are plenty of things to see and do in Montmartre to pass the time. While you might be tempted to sit at one of the cafes facing Place du Tertre, these places are insanely overpriced and the definition of a tourist trap. If you want to enjoy a coffee, there are lots of cute and affordable options on Rue des Trois Frères.

If you’re looking for something to eat, I’d recommend heading to Rue des Abbesses. This is one of the most picturesque streets in Montmartre but it still manages to avoid being filled with overpriced cafes.

Basilica of the Sacré Cœur

If you’ve never been to the Basilica of the Sacré Cœur, it’s well worth checking out. Depending on what time you arrive, the line to get inside can be pretty long. But since entry is free, the line moves quickly. If you’re not looking to go inside the Basilica but just want a great photo, I’d recommend getting a shot from Rue du Chevalier-de-La-Barre. This street is located behind the church and is often almost empty compared to the jam-packed balcony outside the front entrance to the church.

Montmartre Cemetery

Another great thing to do in the area is to visit the Montmartre Cemetery. The cemetery is about a 15-minute walk from the Place du Tertre. This picturesque burial ground is known for its tranquil atmosphere and scenic beauty. The cemetery is the final resting place of many notable figures, including artists, writers, musicians, and actors such as Edgar Degas, Hector Berlioz, François Truffaut, and Emile Zola.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Claudia Meisinger (@c.m.singer)

The Moulins

One of the most iconic aspects of Montmartre are the various Moulins, or windmills, found throughout the neighbourhood. In the 19th century, Montmartre was originally a rural village on the outskirts of Paris. The windmills were used to grind wheat into flour and were vital to the local economy. At the peak of their use, there were as many as 30 windmills in Montmartre, but today only a few remain. Despite their diminished numbers, the windmills remain an iconic symbol of Montmartre and are a popular attraction for visitors.

The Moulin Rouge

The most famous of all these windmills is the iconic Moulin Rouge. Made famous for being the setting for the film of the same name starring Ewan McGregor and Nicole Kidman. The Moulin Rouge is a renowned cabaret and dance hall. It was opened in 1889 and quickly became a symbol of the Belle Époque era, with its stunning decor, lavish costumes, and talented performers. It was the birthplace of the can-can dance, which quickly becoming popular across Europe and beyond. The Moulin Rouge also attracted famous patrons such as Pablo Picasso, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, and Edith Piaf. The same painters that inspired many of the artists working in the Place du Tertre today!

–

Getting your portrait painted on the Place du Tertre is a special memory for anyone visiting Paris. It’s a unique and unforgettable experience that captures the essence of the city’s vibrant artistic culture. Whether it’s your first or 10th time, getting your portrait painted on the Place du Tertre is an experience that should not be missed!

Happy Travels, Adventurers

The post The Ultimate Souvenir from Paris, Portrait Paintings on the Place du Tertre first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

When I arrived, I was overjoyed to see rich boughs of Christmas greenery hanging outside the hotel’s doors. Dotted with bright red and gold ornaments. My trip to Paris was planned entirely around visiting the Parisian Christmas Markets and soaking in some holiday magic. I was delighted to be greeted with these decorations from the moment I arrived at the Hôtel Les Deux Gares. When I entered the lobby, they were in the process of getting their delivery of Christmas trees. And before I left that morning, two were already set up outside the front doot! A treat I got to enjoy throughout the rest of my stay.

From the stunning patterns, delicate decor touches and kind staff, staying at this hotel was truly one of the best parts of my trip. And I knew I had to share this wonderous place with all of you!

Location

The Hôtel Les Deux Gares is located between the Gare du Nord and Gare de l’Est in Paris’ northern corner. This location set between two huge transit hubs makes it the ideal location for travellers. Transit around the city from this location was a breeze. Although the area isn’t the most popular with tourists, I found the trade-off of quick access to the station in the morning well worth it. 

10th Arrondissement

The neighbourhood around the hotel is called the 10th Arrondissement. An “arrondissement” is the French term for the various districts that make up a city as large as Paris. While the 10th doesn’t make any lists of the “best neighbourhoods in Paris,” it’s one of the multicultural neighbourhoods where you can find actual Parisians living and working. It is not just a touristy microcosm. But a bustling district also dubbed “Little India,” where delicious curry shops can be found. While it might not be home to top-tier attractions, some true hidden gems are located less than 10 minutes from the hotel door. For more about the neighbourhood, continue reading below.

Rooms

Every single one of the rooms inside the hotel is a colourful and rich tapestry of patterns and textiles. And stepping into your room is a wonderful surprise to see which design style will be your own throughout your stay. One of my favourite things about the Hôtel Les Deux Gares as a solo traveller is their single room pricing. As one person, you often end up having to book a room meant for two and paying the same as a couple. But here, they have Single Rooms (approx. €170/night) that still feature a large queen or king bed. You save about 10-20 euros a night. While that’s not a fortune, it does cover the cost of a decent meal in Paris, and any savings is A-OK by me!

Single Room

My room was decorated in pink, green and pale blue art deco patterned wallpaper. Accented with the most fabulous yellow pops of colour throughout. It honestly just made me smile to walk into my room. I usually spend so much of my time when travelling outside my hotel room. But here I found myself missing my bedroom when I was away. I even made a point to bring home a takeout dinner one night just so I could enjoy my time inside the room!

The bed linen was plush, and the pillows were super soft. I love having a bath, so I was slightly sad to find the single rooms only come with a shower option. But the shower was so pretty, I didn’t even mind. There were plenty of toiletries provided, which was great as I had left all mine behind. As a Canadian, the heated towel rack is always a little treat to find as those aren’t standard in North America.

The View

My room was located on the second floor facing the train station right beside a busy footpath. I am SUPER sensitive to noise. So I was SURE I was going to be bothered by that proximity. But, to my surprise, I never heard a peep. They’ve really outdone themselves on sound insulation, to be sure. 

But in terms of a view, I was disappointed. Don’t get me wrong, I love having a good view of the train station, that’s not my complaint. I didn’t expect an Eiffel Tower view or anything like that. But behind almost level with the outdoor footpath, I didn’t feel comfortable leaving the curtains open. So I kept them closed and missed out on admiring the view. I wouldn’t have been as bothered if I had been on a higher level. I love people-watching and transporting, so when it was quieter at night, I would sneak a peak now and then. But when you feel the people outside are close enough to walk into your living room, that’s a little too much for me. I did appreciate that the windows opened up to a small Juliet balcony which would have been great had I come during the Spring or Summer.

Standard | Superior | Suites | Family Rooms

In addition to the single rooms, they, of course, also have Standard (approx. €179/night) and Superior (approx. €224/night) rooms. The difference between the two being the Superior room guarantees a king-size bed and has a slightly larger footprint. There are also Suites (approx. €305/night) which provide space for four people with a bed and pull out sofa. The Family Rooms (approx. €359/night), which are adjoining spaces with two beds and a pull-out sofa, fit up to six people. So if you’re travelling with a large family, this is a great option! Because the hotel is on the smaller side, and for obvious reasons is very popular, it’s best to book your rooms as far in advance as possible.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Touriste (@touristeltd)

Design

Aside from a convenient location, what many people really come here for is the aesthetics. It truly feels like stepping into a Wes Anderson movie set. The English interior designer, Luke Edward Hall, oversaw the hotel’s design. Hall was inspired by the Art Deco period and combined those styles with almost neon-hued colours. Parisian architecture can be rather austere, with minimal colour. So walking inside this hotel, you are overwhelmed with the vibrancy met indoors. The hotel opened after the Covid pandemic, and the bright colours almost feel like a response to the pandemic. As they make you feel alive and excited to be travelling again.

The lively decor makes even the small rooms an absolute treasure box. It emulates Hall’s idea of walking into an eccentric Parisian’s bohemian apartment. The blend of patterns, textiles and auction items feels like a lovingly curated personal collection. Like staying with your cooky aunt who moonlights as an artist and teaches yoga.

Breakfast

Without a doubt, the lobby and breakfast nook area is the most fantastically decorated parts of the hotel. And it is here that you can join the small collection of guests for breakfast every morning. Breakfast is served from 7:15 am to 10:15 am, so whether you’re an early bird or late riser, you can start your day off right. The breakfast costs 18 euros unless you purchased a room package that included it with your stay. While pricey and something I usually skip, it feels pretty standard in terms of hotel breakfast pricing these days. But truthfully, I would just hit up patisseries instead if they’re open.

Café Les Deux Gares

Because the area is a bit lacking in terms of authentic French cafes, the hotel has opened its own Café Les Deux Gares just across the street. Like any good French bistro, the menu is handwritten on the chalkboard daily to feature fresh, local and seasonal dishes. Entrees range from €12-15 and main plates are about €25-€35. They also have a great wine list if you want to come here simply for a nightcap and enjoy the gorgeous ambiance.

The highlight of this cafe is the over-the-top trompe l’oeil tortoiseshell ceiling made by artist Pauline Leyravaud. Pair this with the marble-topped tables, antique wooden chairs and delicate upholstery, and you’ve got one of the most gorgeous interiors in the 10th Arrondissement.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by LEOPOLD‘Z (@leopoldzdeli)

Fitness Room and Sauna

I’m not one to go to the gym, even back at home, but even I was tempted to do something in the fitness room because of how darn adorable the wallpaper was down here. While I skipped the non-urge to go for a run, I did partake in the sauna. Since winter travelling can get pretty chilly, there is nothing better to get those bones warmed up than a nice hot sauna. This is just one example of those little amenities that make a big difference. Despite visiting on a busy Christmas weekend, the hotel was quiet, and I never had an issue with space in the sauna.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Hotel Les Deux Gares (@hoteldeuxgares)

A Note about the Neighbourhood

For transparency’s sake, I am outlining a few details about the area around the hotel that some of the more prominent online outlets have failed to mention. Many of these reviews were done by writers who perhaps didn’t stay the night but instead came, checked out the interior and left. 

I’ve read a few reviews from sites like TripAdvisor that detail how guests felt the area was dingy, without many restaurants, and there are groups of men hanging around 24/7. Firstly, the area never felt dingy to me; it was just Paris. Which I know to some people, is often defined as being “dirty and smelly.” But the 10th Arrondissement is no better or worse for this than other busy areas of Paris. While it’s definitely not the nicest or most picturesque, you get what you’d expect from any city around the central train station. 

The idea that there is a lack of restaurants in the area is just incorrect. Perhaps these reviewers meant there is a lack of restaurants they deem “familiar,” as many of the popular spots around here are Indian curry houses or Bangladeshi bars. Not wall-to-wall chic Parisian cafes and bistros. But as mentioned above, the hotel-owned restaurant across the street quickly fills that void if that’s solely what you’re looking for. 

Safety

In terms of there being men in the area 24/7, that part is true. Even late at night, you’d find large groups of men standing outside on the streets. I was there as a solo female traveller, and although I noticed this, I never felt uncomfortable. Lots of these people were clearly cab drivers waiting or on break. Or just locals out and about. Just be aware and stay vigilant, but I never felt unsafe. It’s very similar to areas around East London. If you feel concerned, avoid walking around here late at night. Which is easily avoided by taking an uber to the hotel.

Generally, I advise avoiding the area north of the station to steer clear of the more “dangerous” areas. The southern part of the 10th borders the 3rd Arrondissement, which is one of the poshest parts of the city.

Personally, I found areas around Sacre Coeur where there are tons of tourists much more “dangerous” as there are plenty of pickpockets or people out to scam you. So while some neighbourhoods look more dangerous, the busy tourist hubs actually have the most crime against tourists. So take all that to heart when choosing your Parisian destination.

Additional Points of Interest

While the 10th Arrondissement isn’t home to the Louvre or the Eiffel Tower, there are some real gems to be found in this neck of the woods that you’d never otherwise make the time to come and see. But being in the neighbourhood, you’re gifted with them at your front door.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Hotel Les Deux Gares (@hoteldeuxgares)

Marché Saint-Quentin

One of my favourite things to do in Paris is EAT. Obviously. And in my opinion, some of the best food in the city is found in the marketplace. The Marche Saint-Quentin is located just five minutes down the street from the hotel. This gorgeous market was built in the 19th century and features beautiful wrought-iron beams and large glass windows. The market is home to some incredible butchers, an amazing cheesemonger, fruit vendors and, my favourite, a gorgeous florist. If you’ve been reading the blog for years, you’ll know I love to buy a fresh bouquet of flowers. It’s one of the first things I do when I arrive in a new city. To add some scent and sparkle to my hotel room.

Canal Saint Martin

Just 10 minutes east of the hotel, you can wander over to the Canal Saint Martin. This peaceful canal is now a hipster hotspot. The perfect spot for walking with a good cup of coffee in the morning. The wrought-iron bridges set against iconic Parisian architecture makes for some of the most beautiful viewing spots. And you’ll be surprised to find that here you have the city almost all to yourself. Which in Paris is a rarity.

Maison Bayat

Speaking of coffee! I’m an early bird; I’m frequently awake as early as 7 am when travelling as I’m just too excited to sleep in. But Paris, like many other European cities, awakens pretty late. Thankfully for me, Maison Bayat was just 5 minutes west of the hotel. While you might be searching for “coffee” in Paris, it’s best to look for a Patisserie. Here you’ll find the best of the best Parisian pastries to start your morning off right!B ut they also sell delicious coffee to go or to sit while dining inside. 

Bouillon Chartier Gare de l’Est

If you’re looking for somewhere to eat that’s cheap, fast and beautiful, you need to check out Bouillon Chartier Gare de l’Est. Bouillon Chartier is a chain of brasseries in Paris that focus on simple dining with an authentic Parisian menu. Best of all, they’re located inside the most incredible historic interiors. 

While some might complain the food quality is not always the most stellar, personally, it is reliable if you know what to order. The entrees are always my favourite. A great place to try escargot, oeuf du mayonnaise, terrine (incredible), an avocado shrimp cocktail, or a simple rosette of Lyon. Avoid the Boeuf Bougineon (it’s pretty bland), but if you want to order a full meal, try the roast chicken and fries. At less than 10 euroes its super juiucy and deliciuos. I ALWAYS recommend the chestnut puree with whipped cream for dessert. Especially in the wintertime. Chestnut puree is a french staple and a unique choice you won’t find anywhere else.

Jardin Villemin

For a relaxing escape from the stone facades, you are just a few minutes away from the Jardin Villemin. The garden was created in 1977 on the site of the former Villemin military hospital, which closed in 1968. It was named after the famous doctor Jean-Antoine Villemin. The original hospital was built to treat the wounded returning from WWI and WWII. The original stone entrance to the military hospital can be found along the rue des Récollets, which now serves as an entry into the park.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mairie du 10e (@mairie10paris)

Passage Brady

19th-century covered arcades are one of the hidden treasures of Paris. These are called “Passages couverts,” and during the 1800s, there were over 130 of them found throughout the city. But after Haussmann renovated Paris in 1853, many disappeared, leaving only a few dozen original arcades throughout the city. So it’s special to find one only a few doors down in the 10th Arrondissement. Today Passage Brady still retains the original iron and glass-covered ceiling and features several Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi restaurants inside.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by (@saudadefromparis)

Access to Big Attractions

Despite not being in the tourist hub, the 10th still provides easy access to the city’s most popular attractions. And for me, being within such short walking distance of Montmartre (my favourite neighbourhood) is a bonus! Montmartre accommodation can be pretty pricey, even for a basic hotel, so I love staying somewhere close by without the big price tag.

Montmartre > 19 minutes on metro | 25 minute walk
Eiffel Tower > 35 minutes on metro
Louvre > 17 minutes on metro | 36 minute walk
Arc de Triomphe > 20 minutes on metro
Notre Dame > 20 minutes on metro | 43 minute walk

All in all, I cannot wait to return to Hôtel Les Deux Gares! Next time, I’m planning on reserving that room with a bathtub that looks out over the city! Nowhere better to sit, enjoy the views, drink a good glass of French wine and plan out the next day’s adventures.

Happy Travels, Adventurers!

The post Honest Review Of Hôtel Les Deux Gares, Stylish Savings at an Art Deco-Chic Hotel in Paris first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

My favourite places to shop when travelling are stores that have a history. A rich tapestry of time that makes everything they sell so important! Most of these businesses have been open for multiple generations and represent the best of that country. Things which people have come to love for years and years, so you know it’s the good stuff! It is like taking a piece of history home with you! So come with us now to discover my favourite Historic Shops and the souvenirs to buy which are so much more interesting for your friends and family than any beard oil or robe will ever be! Many of these shops have online stores so even if you’re not travelling there directly, you can still buy something really special for Christmas.

Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy | Florence, Italy

Stepping into the Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy is about as close to going back in time as you’ll get. The old shop in Florence prides itself on being the world’s oldest pharmacy, which opened in 1221! Back then, there was a small Dominican Order who lived in the connecting Church of Santa Maria Novella. Like many orders of monks, they had their own herb gardens where they grew a variety of medicinal plants. Using these plans, the monks created herbal concoctions and started selling them to the public. Their treatments actually worked for minor, everyday nuisances like stomach pains and headaches. Even today, many people still use herbal treatments to help with their body ailments. But also created from these herbs and fresh flowers were sensational (literally) perfumes.

The Perfumerie

In 1612 an official retail operation was opened where they began selling items aside from medicine. Everything from perfume to potpourri and other toiletries could be created from their ancient garden. Today, you can still purchase the very same perfumes as medieval Florentines wore back in 1621! The Acqua della Regina scent uses the same recipe the Dominican monks made in 1533 for Caterina de Medici. Caterina de Medici commissioned the perfume when she married Enrico di Valois and moved to France. The fresh citrus bouquet helped remind her of home when she was far away. And as we all know, smell is perhaps the best wall to recall a memory.

Angeli di Firenze is a more recent fragrance inspired by the Florentine people. The “Angels of Florence” were a group of young people who came to the aid of the entire city after a devastating flood in 1966. The banks of the Arno river broke, flooding the city. But the flooding was not just water, but thick destructive mud. Some areas were entrenched up to 22 feet deep. Museums, churches and other historic sites were on the brink of losing precious relics, but these young people worked 24 hours a day to ensure they saved all that needed to be rescued. The fragrance was created on the 40th anniversary of the flood and contains a bouquet of sweet, fruity notes. A polar opposite to those muddy smells the workers must have experienced. I wear this perfume anytime I want to feel like a hero!

Livraria Bertrand | Lisbon, Portugal

Inside the blue Azulejo tiled building in the centre of Lisbon, hides the oldest bookstore in the world! Opened in 1732, in the shopping district of Chiado, Livraria Bertrand welcomed people into their store to browse their incredible selection of books. Sadly, their original store was destroyed in 1755 during a devastating earthquake. They had to move out temporarily but were able to move back into their original location in 1773. It only took them 20 years to restore the store back to its former glory!

For over a hundred years, this place has been a favourite hangout of Portuguese writers. Walking inside, you feel like you’re entering an ancient cave. Look up to admire the ancient brick vaults and arched ceilings. Although most of the books they carry here are in Portuguese, they also have a small English section with popular titles. If you buy a book at the store, they will give you a sticker to place inside the book to show that you purchased it at the oldest bookstore in the world.

Even if you don’t want to buy a book, there is a cute little cafe at the back of the shop where you can sit inside and enjoy looking at all the pretty titles stacked on tall wooden shelves. Bookstores and libraries are some of the most peaceful places in the world and are the best place to come for a bit of downtime amid busy travel days.

Pfunds Molkerei | Dresden, Germany

I’ve been singing the praises of Dresden ever since my first visit! It was such a surprising town and the discovery of this place was just one of the many joyful stops we made along the way. Pfunds Molkieri, covered floor to ceiling in the most incredible tiles and Meissen porcelain, is the oldest dairy shop in East Germany. It was built back in 1879 and was the first place where Germans could buy high-quality, concentrated milk. Although the dairy was mostly destroyed in WWII, the family made sure to rebuild in the exact same fashion as the original. Now, visitors can come to see and taste the extraordinary delicacies inside Pfunds Molkieri. 

Guests can try different kinds of milk and cheeses from farms across Germany. Bringing home cheese as a gift for a loved one might prove pretty difficult. Not only does it requires refrigeration but most international countries will not allow you to bring in dairy products through customs. Luckily, Pfunds Molkieri also carries a wonderful selection of milk soaps made from that same famous herd of German cows. Milk soaps are gentle on the skin, a natural exfoliant, help prevent acne and are rich in nutrients! A wonderful stocking stuffer for your Christmas morning.

Maiasmokk | Tallinn, Estonia

Located in the historic quarter of Tallinn, Maiasmokk (which means ‘Sweet tooth‘) is the oldest café in Estonia. The regal cafe has been in operation since 1864. Inside, the interior feels so sumptuous. Like having a coffee in Versaille! The intricate ornate mirrored ceiling reflects the gorgeous old tiled floors, and rich wooden furnishings. The cafe is a true slice of history as it has remained unchanged for almost a century.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by @krolik_ru

While Maiasmokk serves all the coffees and teas you’d expect, its most popular item is marzipan. The cafe even features a museum dedicated to the history of marzipan. In the 19th century, this was where the Russian Imperial family came to get their marzipan. The almond-based sugary treat lasts forever, making it a great gift to bring home!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Прогулки по Таллинну (@tallinn.one.love)

Tsuen Tea | Uji, Japan

When you think of Japan, one of the first things that you might think of is a cup of green tea. And in Uji, Japan (just outside Kyoto), you can visit the world’s oldest tea shop, Tsuen Tea. Tsuen Tea opened here in 1160, although the building which you can visit today is a later construction from 1672.

The Tsuen family were descendants of a great samurai who was the guardian of the ancient Uji Bridge. The family lived adjacent to the bridge and opened a small tea shop next door where they would greet travellers. And serve them tea. Inside the Edo period shop, you can still see ceramic tea jars that are several hundred years old sitting along the shelves. Be sure to pay your respects to the old Tsuen samurai, whose wooden statues still stands proudly inside on display.

Legatoria Piazzesi | Venice, Italy

Tucked away in on the Campiello Feltrina San Marco is Venice‘s oldest paper shop; Legatoria Piazzesi. This old stationary shop has been making paper-based wonders since 1851. It is still in operation today and offers onsite book-binding services as well as hand-printed sheets of ornamented paper. The ornate handmade papers are so beautiful they could simply be placed in a frame as they look like a work of art. But even better, they can be used by intrepid journalists and scrapbookers.

The owners are pretty strict, and this is a place where you should only enter if you intend to buy something. For those who just prefer to browse, stick to peeking in the windows. They always have lovely displays of their bookbinding, and you can usually poke your head inside the door to at least check out the stock of papers overflowing from all the shelves. This isn’t done out of malice. Handmade paper is super delicate, and now that the shop is somewhat of a tourist destination, they don’t want any overcrowding. The store is tiny and their products can easily be damaged.

Il Marmoraro | Rome, Italy

All along Via Margutta you might spot unique stone signs to mark the various restaurants and shops along the street. These are all created inside Il Marmoraro. The owners have been here making custom-made signs for over 60 years! But the tradition of these stone signs dates back hundreds of years. In ancient Rome, legislative acts were written on bronze tablets and then displayed on Capitol Hill. These old tablets had a very distinct ancient roman style script. This became the defacto “font” used in Rome. It went to be inscribed on stone columns, gravestones and even street sights. And today, Il Marmoraro keeps up the tradition, still making signs using that ancient hand-carved typography.

The owner doesn’t speak much English but happily greets everyone who comes into the shop with a smile. For only €15, he will make you a custom sign in the same style as the ancient ones. You can have pretty much anything written upon as long as it’s not too many characters. If you arrive early, your personalized stone tablet will be ready for you before the end of day!

Caza das Vellas Loreto | Lisbon, Portugal

Happening upon the Caza das Vellas Loreto while in Lisbon was one of the highlights of my trip. My eyes were drawn to the curiously shaped vibrant candles in the window and I poked my head inside. The tiny shop feels like stepping into an old wardrobe. The entire place is only three meters wide! But stuffed within the glass cabinets lining the walls are colourful stacks of wax candles. Above the cashier at the back of the shop is a large golden set of numbers with the date 1789 written upon it. That is the date when the shop first opened. And they’ve been doing things almost the very same way ever since.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Caza das Vellas Loreto (@cazadasvellasloreto)

In addition to the multitude of tapered candles, they also have seasonal designs to delight their customers. Their Christmas collection is a personal favourite and a wonderful way to add some unique flair to your dining table. And since the candles only cost a few euros, apiece it’s a great gift to buy for your friends and family.

À la Mère de Famille | Paris, France

The world’s oldest chocolate shop stands on the cusp of the famous Montmartre neighbourhood in Paris. A la Mère de Famille opened in 1761 by Pierre-Jean Bernard. The gold lettering outside the shop shines in the sunlight and beckons visitors from down the road. The stunning typography, against that beautiful bright green paint, has stood the test of time and still looks like a gem in the centre of the neighbourhood.

Today there are 12 other branches of the chocolate store across the city, but this is the only one you should seek! It is by far the most beautiful, with its antique shelves still stacked with vintage jars and lovely old brass fittings that have barely changed in 260 years. One of the best times to visit the shop is during the holidays when the chocolatiers develop unique sweet creations to delight and devour.

The Oldest Sweet Shop | Pateley Bridge, England

There are some places whose name says it all, and the Original Old Sweet Shop in Pateley Bridge, England, is one of those places. They are the official World Guinness record holder for the oldest continuously trading sweet shop, opened in 1827. Glass jars line the shelves, containing brightly coloured sweets with antique labels.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Carole Poirot (@carole.poirot)

In addition to holding this record, they lean into the concept of selling retro sweets that bring a wave of nostalgia for many older visitors or for the younger generations are a chance to sample a piece of history. Many of these sweets use the original recipes and are even created using old copper pans.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Debbie Tate (@debbietate2106)

Dulceria de Celaya | Mexico City, Mexico

Dulcería de Celaya is a tiny, old shop selling traditional Mexican candies and sweets. It opened in Mexico City in 1874. Walking into the shop, nothing has changed in over 100 years. When the family-run shop opened, the candy was made in a small, improvised factory using wooden shovels, copper saucepans and a minature oven. They could only produce so much daily, often only one candy tray. But the sweets were so popular that they would sell out daily. As the demand rose, they expanded their production to meet the city’s needs.

Even today, they produce candy in the same way it was made in the beginning, out of that tiny kitchen. The smell of fresh pineapples, strawberries, guavas, and coconut fills the air when you walk in the doors. It’s intoxicating. The candy is very well-priced, so even if you don’t recognize anything, just let the smells guide you and try whatever your eye is drawn to.

The post The Best 11 Historical Shops from All Over the World first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

#1 The Musée d’Orsay | Paris, France

The Musée d’Orsay is centred right in the heart of Paris, the city of love. It is filled with romantic masterpieces and alluring impressionist paintings. The museum is housed in what used to be the Beaux-Arts train station built in 1898. Elements of the old train station can still be seen throughout the museum.

This museum gets its reputation as one of the most romantic museums since it houses the largest impressionist and post-impressionist paintings in the world. Works of art from Monet, Degas, Manet and Renoir decorate the walls of the museum. These soft and subtle paintings lull you into a sweet and sensual world. No one can stand in front of Monet’s Lily Pond and not be transported. And Renoir’s scenes of passionate delights in the Dancing at the Moulin de la Galette in Montmartre makes you want to grab your partner’s hand and dance the day away yourself.

Google Galleries

Through the Google online galleries, you can see works from Monet, Manet, Degas, Renoir, Cézanne, Seurat, Sisley, Gauguin, and Van Gogh. Zoom right in to see the tiny textures of the brush strokes. You can study the gentle expressions on even the background characters’ faces! Getting this close to these famous paintings is something you can only experience online.

#2 Museum of Broken Relationships | Zagreb, Croatia

An art collection dedicated to the end of a relationship might seem like an odd choice when listing off Romantic museums. But the Museum of Broken Relationships is one of the most emotionally resonant places in the world. Whether they are stories of sadness, anger or sentimentality, each piece in the museum tells the story of the power of love. And how it can change your life forever.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Museum of Broken Relationships (@brokenships)

Right now, the entire collection of the Museum of Broken Relationships is now up online. We’ve all experienced aspects of these stories in our own lives, and it’s only in learning from them that we can grow. Valentines doesn’t have to be celebrated just by those in a relationship, but also by those who love themselves. Even if you’re single or going through a painful breakup, there is a sense of community and understanding surrounding you, even in this online gallery. If you are in a relationship, reading through these might be the icebreaker you need to share your own stories. It might allow you to open up in ways you might not expect.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Museum of Broken Relationships (@brokenships)

#3 The Louvre | Paris, France

The Louvre is home to some of the most romantic sculptures from around the world. Whether is the Winged Victory of Samothrace or carvings of Eros and Psyche’s carving by the illustrious Antonio Canova or the famed Venus de Milo the museum is filled with passionate treasures.

You can view the entire museum in 4K through the virtual video tour below! Pause as you go and discuss with your Palentine, lover or partner when something catches your eye – for better or for worse! There is so much to learn from discussing art. You don’t need to be an art historian or scholar to talk about it either. This easy couch viewing is a great way to discover what you love and what interests you. And then once the world opens back up again, you can go out and pursue more of that!

#4 V&AVictoria and Albert Museum | London, England

Queen Victoria and Prince Albert had one of the most poetic relationships in English history. Most court marriages are arranged to secure political alliances, so it’s rare that we see a case of true love in the monarchy. Queen Victoria loved Prince Albert so profoundly that after his death, she wore black for the rest of her life in honour of his passing and the overwhelming grief she felt in his absence. She built this museum to honour his memory. He always wanted the people to be knowledgeable and share in the riches of his kingdom. Here, at the V&A, the public can view the treasures of England’s past, present and precious objects from around the world.

Gifts of Jewels

Some of the most romantic parts of the collection include illustrated manuscripts of famous love songs from the Renaissance and sultry sculptures depicting some of the greatest love stories from antiquity. The V&A also houses over 3,000 pieces of jewellery, many of which were given as tokens of love. Here you can look down at medieval love rings, a pendant given to Elizabeth I from one of her lovers and sparkling tiaras worn by princesses on their wedding day. Their fantastic jewellery collection has all been documented online for your viewing pleasure. See what your partner thinks is your style or pick out your favourites piece for a friend as you pretend to be princesses!

#5 The Uffizi Museum | Florence, Italy

The building we now know as the Uffizi Museum didn’t start off as a museum at all. It was once the palace of Cosimo I de Medici, designed by Giorgio Vasari. These two names, Vasari and Medici, are perhaps the two most essential words in art history. The Medici family was one of the wealthiest families in Florence and shaped the history of Italy and art history forver.

Although not famous for paintings, Vasari is whom we refer to as “the first art historian.” He created an almost complete book called The Lives of the Artists. He grew up with Michelangelo, Donatello, Titian, Leonardo Da Vinci, Raphael and hundreds more. His biographies are annotated with juicy pieces of gossip and personal anecdotes, which provide a glimpse into these historic artists’ real world. His love for art was unending. The same goes for the Medici’s. Although it might not be love between two people, these people’s devotion and affection for art and artists run deeper and more profoundly than many human romances.

Google Galleries

10 of the museum’s most popular galleries are now on display on their website in 360°! You can virtually walk through the gallery and zoom into each painting along the wall. If you are interested in learning more about a specific picture, then head over to Google Art and Culture Galleries. Over here, you can click on any image that catches your eye. It will bring you into a detailed description of the piece and more information about the artists. They also have a few online exhibitions. One of these walks you through every last detail of Piero di Cosimo’s famous panting “Perseus Freeing Andromeda.”

#6 Belvedere Palace and Museum | Vienna, Austria

The Belvedere Museum was once a vast baroque Palace, home to the ruling Habsburg dynasty and built for Prince Eugene of Savoy. The Prince always loved art and started collecting at a young age. In 1781 the Prince opened up parts of his imperial collection up to the public. Over the years, the state collection grew and grew, and in 1903 the Moderne Galerie was opened as a public museum. Its curator, a subordinate to the Minister of Culture, made sure to acquire art from all different epochs representing a wide breadth of art from Austria’s history. 

But what makes this museum worthwhile on our virtual journey through romantic museums is its collection of Klimt masterpieces. His pièce de résistance is entitled The Kiss and is widely thought of as one of the most romantic and passionate paintings ever made. Klimt was a fiery painter and lover. His favourite subject was the female body, and his works are all marked by intense eroticism. The Kiss depicts two figures joined together in a tight embrace as they stand on the edge of a cliff. Even the shape of the Kiss has suggestive symbolism. The man and woman together form the shape of a phallus – it doesn’t get more on the nose than that.

Google Galleries

Google’s Arts and Culture contains Belvedere’s complete collection of digitized artwork for you to view and read about. They also have an excellent digital exhibition on ‘The Kiss.‘ I was lucky enough to see this work of art in person and was absolutely mesmerized by it. Getting the chance to learn a little bit more about the painting was a great way to recall some of those treasured memories.

Belvedere’s Online Gallery

One of the most unique features of Belvedere’s online gallery is its use of augmented reality. You can visit their website and use an app on your phone to study a series of Egon Schiele’s paintings in greater detail. When you use your phone to scan the image on the screen, it will trigger an audio track that guides you through the work of art. You can also use your phone as a scanner, using infrared technology to uncover hidden secrets beneath the finished painting.

#7 Louisiana Museum of Modern Art | Øresund Sound in Humlebæk, Denmark

The Louisiana Museum of Modern Art is in a world of its own. Unlike most museums, it’s not in the centre of a big city. To get here, you have to take a train from the centre of the town and travel out to the calm countryside—a perfect weekend getaway for you and your loved one. The idyllic, breathtaking landscape surrounding the museum is in itself what makes this place so romantic.

As you approach the museum, you wander through a small Danish waterside fishing village. You pass little cottages and tiny farms when suddenly you come upon an unassuming yet contemporary looking building. The sound of water can be heard in the distance, and as you pass through an archway of trees, you come upon the museum’s entrance.

Outdoor Modern Art

Inside is a mixture of indoor and outdoor exhibitions. The combination of art, architecture and scenery is impeccable. You weave through the collections at your own pace. The outdoor sculptures are hidden among the trees and seem like a little secret you can discover along the way. The way you view the art is a very personal experience. Modern art can be challenging to define, and it is more up to the viewers on interpretation. Discussing the ideas and emotions that each piece brings forth inside you and your partner is such a bonding adventure. One that is sure to spark some passionate feelings.

Outside Suburbia has an excellent virtual written and photographic tour that guides you through the museum in the most charming and captivating ways. The short video I’ve inserted below was filmed by the museum and gives you a glimpse of the incredible outdoor sculpture gallery. Another great way to experience a part of this collection from your sofa at home.

#8 Rodin Museum | Paris, France

The Rodin Museum houses a collection of works from its namesake, Auguste Rodin. Rodin was one of the first sculptors of his age to depart from traditional sculpting methods (generally thought to be overly perfect and unrealistic). He loved imperfections and wanted to depict a truer to form a representation of the human figure. Instead of stiffly posed allegories, we were suddenly exposed to voluptuous, undulating women with wills and desires of their own. Like Klimt, Rodin was an intensely passionate man and this vigour can be throughout his work. Rodin had a love affair with love itself, and all of his pieces speak to a visceral part of ourselves. They awaken us. And for the lovers, they might ever enliven something else…

While The Kiss is the most notable sculpture by Rodin, many others deserve their moment in the sun. Nymphs Playing, Eternal Idol and The Cathedral are all splendidly tender pieces that bring me to my knees. And best of all, they each have been captured virutally to be viewed online.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Uliana Koltun (@ulianakoltun)

Rodin’s Sculptures

Many of Rodin’s sculptures are carved in what feels like a fiery outburst. Like the figures burst forth from the stone. They are partly unfinished, as love itself as an unfinished masterpiece, never to be fully understood. That sense of mystery is what fuels the fire of love and keeps us intrigued and impassioned.

To see a complete collection of his work online, head off to the Google Arts and Culture collection. Here you can select the pieces which pique your interest and find out more information on them. To get even more insight into the artworks, you can head over to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (I know, a little bit of a detour). This museum also holds various copies of Rodin’s pieces. They offer amazing audio guides to each of the sculptures.

These audio tours are a great way to learn more about the artists and the object. If you’d rather sit back and watch something then the video below is a relaxing tour of the museum set to romantic music. While the video was shot a while ago, I find the footage to be a lovely and nostalgic view of the gallery, in all its simplicity and grace.

#9 Thorvaldsen Museum | Copenhagen, Denmark

This won’t be on many other lists. It’s a bit of a wild card. And I think I like that. It’s nice to have something a bit out of the ordinary at the top of the list because if it wasn’t, you could be reading this anywhere else. Thorvaldsen is a mostly unknown name outside of Europe. Still, within the continent, he is among some of the most famous sculptors! Thorvaldsen was born in Copenhagen in 1770 to poor parents, but lucky for him his father was a carver. From a young age, Thorvaldsen learned to sculpt; his eyes would trace over an object and he would memorize its lines and curves. From only his memory he could then copy the form onto a piece of wood almost perfectly.

He learned to appreciate the subtle curvatures of the human body. Eventually, his skills were recognized by the art community. He got a scholarship and the opportunity to travel to Rome. There, he studied under some of the great masters and worked there until 1838. When he was in Italy, he took on many prestigious clients and commissions. When he finally returned to Denmark, heralded as a national hero, a museum was built in his honour to house his works. Unlike many artists who never get to see their creations loved by the public, Thorvaldsen had the opportunity to see the museums built from the ground up and watch the people come to admire his artworks.

Neo-Classical Sculpture

The basis of Thorvaldsen’s oeuvre is Neo-classical art. Greek and Roman myths created the universe where his art lived. The characters and stories he told through still marble still manage to move the most hardened heart. Cupid, one of the most notorious symbols on Valentine’s Day, is celebrated throughout the Thorvaldsen’s Museum. So many of his sculptures are so sensual in nature. The way he can turn hard stone to butter to capture the softness of skin and the brush of a caress.

Google Arts and Culture have a beautifully digital collection of his sculptures that you can view online. They also have the museum captured in 360 in google street view, so you can walk through the museum yourself to discover treasures around every corner.

You can also head over to my blog post, where you get a complete tour of the museum and detailed descriptions about the objects and the artist’s history. It’s a wonderful companion to Google street view and will make you feel like you’re really there!

Hopefully, this list gave you some ideas of how to find that sense of wanderlust even amid this pandemic! Sometimes you just need to get a little creative. Let me know in the comment what your favourite romantic museum or gallery is!

Happy (virtual) Travels, Adventurers!

The post The Most Romantic Museums to Visit Virtually on Valentines first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Now that we’ve been in this period of stay-at-home orders for a while, museums and art galleries around the world have all gotten their act together to put together content online for their would-be visitors. Some of the world’s best institutions are now providing guests visual visits to some of the world’s best exhibitions. If you are suffering from wanderlust, these are a great cure. Or maybe you have an older student at home who wants to use this as an at-home learning opportunity! Either way, these virtual galleries are a fantastic way to see the world all from the comfort of your couch! 

Table Of Contents

1. The Uffizi Gallery
2. The State Hermitage Museum
3. Frida Khalo Museum
4. The British Museum
5. Musée d'Orsay
6. Rijksmuseum
7. Vatican Museums
8. Van Gogh Museum
9. The Belvedere
10. MET

The Uffizi Gallery

The Uffizi Gallery, located in Florence, Italy, is one of the world’s most famous museums. Inside its hallowed walls are some of the most important paintings from the Italian Renaissance. The collection of art was gifted to the city of Florence by the Medici family. The Medici’s were once Italy’s ruling dynasty and amassed some of the world’s greatest artists and artwork in their personal collection. The museum initially opened in 1765 to the general public. Today (or at least pre-covid), it saw more than four million people each year!

Uffizi 360°

Truthfully, visiting the Uffizi can be a bit of a pain. It is one of the most visited museums in the world. Honestly, sometimes I find it to be almost obnoxiously crowded. But for a good reason, I suppose as their collection is so renowned. I just find myself constantly yearning to have the gallery all to myself. Well, 2020 kind of made that happen! 10 of the museum’s most popular galleries are now on display on their website in 360°! You can virtually walk through the gallery and zoom into each painting along the wall.

Uffizi Google Stories

If you are interested in learning more about a specific painting, then head over to Google Art and Culture Galleries. Over here, you can click on any image that catches your eye. It will bring you into a detailed description of the piece and more information about the artists. They also have a few online exhibitions. One of these walks you through every last detail of Piero di Cosimo‘s famous panting “Perseus Freeing Andromeda.”

The State Hermitage Museum

I have long dreamt of visiting the Hermitage Museum, of delving into the dark Russian winter only to wander the halls of this incredible fortress of beauty. The State Hermitage Museum is located in Saint Petersburg, Russia and is the second-largest art museum in the world! The largest museum in the world is, of course, the Louvre. The museum has a deep connection with the Russian empire. The collection was founded by Empress Catherine the Great and contains over three million items! And while you might not be able to view each one of those items in person, they have an AMAZING virtual tour! So you can spend every wake hour exploring this massive treasure trove!

The online tour is at 360°, so you can look up down and all around just as you would if you were really there. The best thing about their online gallery is their information icons. You can click the “i” buttons to get details on the space or various particular objects on display. Many other online galleries make you work a little harder to get information about what you’re seeing. So the fact that this is all right there in the application is fantastic!

Frida Khalo Museum

I have an entire post all about walking (virtually) in the steps of Frida Kahlo. If you’re looking for a quick intro into the life and work of this fantastic artist, then the Frida Khalo Museum has the thing for you! The Casa Azul was Frida’s childhood home where she lived in Mexico City. After going off to school and living independently, she returned to this home in her adulthood. It was there that she would live until her death, inside her beloved Casa Azul. Today, you can explore her family home, which has been transformed into a museum dedicated to the artist. Inside, you can explore her most intimate spaces precisely as they were when she lived there. You can see some of her earliest works of art, sketches and folk creations.

Google Arts and Culture has created a wonderful online gallery of a special exhibit entitled “Appearances Can Be Deceiving“. This exhibit is a collection of Frida’s personal wardrobe, jewllery, prostetics and more. It also contains a series of personal photograph taken by Frida. The exhibition was a travelling collection which was halted in 2020 after the pandemic hit. But now you can explore the entire thing online.

The British Museum

The British Museum, located in London, England was established in 1753! It started off as nothing more than a collection of Irish physician and scientist Sir Hans Sloane. Sloane has a collection of 71,000 items which he bequeathed to the British people upon his death. The museum opened to the public in 1759 and, over the years, added to its collection. But most of the growth of the collection was a result of expanding British colonization. Which is to this day one of the most contentious parts of the museum’s collection.

A Journey Through Time

The British Museum has one of the most unique online virtual museums. Instead of taking you through the museums, gallery by gallery exploring in 360°, you are taken on a journey through time. A giant timeline is presented in front of you, separated into 5 different areas of the continent. You can even sort the timeline by a thematic elements from art and design to power, identity, religion, and belief.

Throughout the timeline, there are colour-coded dots that you can click to draw you into that point in time and space. From there you are presented with an object from the museum’s collection. The detailed synopsis of the item is present in both text and audio, so you can get a lovely little story told to you as you explore!

Musée d’Orsay

Ok, I’m going to say it…I like the Musée d’Orsay better than the Louvre. I know, I know! That’s sacrilege. And for the record, I do love the Louvre, but I’ve never been a great fan of those supersized museums. I find them a bit overwhelming and would much prefer a smaller, more curated collection. And it’s also all about location, location, location. And let me tell you, the Musée d’Orsay certainly has a beautiful location, set inside an old 19th-century train station. In fact, one of the online exhibits that you can explore through Google Arts and Culture is all about the location! An old Beaux-arts style railways station was transformed and saved from demolition in the 1970s to become the great Musée d’Orsay.

Musée d’Orsay Google Collection

Today this impressive building holds mainly French art dating from 1848 to 1914, including the most extensive collection of Impressionist and post-Impressionist masterpieces. Through the Google online galleries, you can see works from Monet, Manet, Degas, Renoir, Cézanne, Seurat, Sisley, Gauguin, and Van Gogh. Zoom right in to see the tiny textures of the brush strokes. You can study the gentle expressions on even the background characters’ faces! Getting this close to these famous paintings is something you can only experience online, as those velvet ropes always keep you at a little bit of a distance.

Rijksmuseum

The Rijksmuseum, located in Amsterdam, is the Dutch National Museum. Inside its great walls are pieces dedicated to the arts and history of Amsterdam. The original Rijksmuseum opened in 1798 in the Hague (a neighbouring city to Amsterdam and the seat of the Netherlands’ government). In 1806, Napoleon Bonapart had established the Kingdom of Holland. Under his rule, he had the museum moved from its current home in the Hague to the new metropolis of Amsterdam. When the museum moved to Amsterdam, it was housed inside an existing palace. But this was deemed not large or regal enough to hold all their masterpieces. Eventually, a new design was a commission, and Pierre Cuypers, with his richly decorative gothic and Renaissance, inspired structure, won over the competition.

The museum is home to over 8,000 objects. But the most visited art works are their precious collection of masterpieces by Rembrandt and Johannes Vermeer. Today you can see the interiors of their treasured museum online. The beautiful video gallery opens up as you enter the webpage. The video depicts the interior of the museum as the light each come on one by one as if opening up just for you!

Audio Guide

When you click on a painting, you will be entered into a video and audio guide through the details and history of the piece. At the beginning and end of the track, you can hear the sound of whispering echoing throughout the room. This is meant to replicate the quiet rabble of the voice inside the gallery when it would have been filled with people.

Video Series

The Rijksmuseum also has a video series online where you can listen to curators speaking about some of their favourite pieces in the gallery. These experts are so passionate about the works. It’s so exciting to get this opportunity for a 1:1 guide through the Rijksmuseum.

Vatican Museums

The Vatican Museums were founded in the early 16th century by Pope Julius II. He wanted the public to be able to view the immense art collection amassed by the Catholic Church. This included letting visitors enter the incredible Sistine Chapel that is famously decorated with frescoes by Michelangelo. The museum’s collections contain over 70,000 items, but only 20,000 of them are on display for the public. One can only imagine their storage rooms and the hidden treasure you can find in there!

Walking through the halls of the Vatican Museum feels like being allowed to enter a truly holy place. But the hoards of tourists surrounding you kind of ruin the moment. You are only allowed to be inside the Sistine Chapel for a limited amount of time, and they ask you to remain silent (which, of course, too many people ignore). For this reason, getting to explore the galleries in the privacy of your home is a really unique opportunity!

Vatican in VR

Italy was hit the hardest during the first wave of the Coronavirus. Almost immediately their whole country had to be shut down. In order to allow people to continue to experience the wonders of the Vatican Museum, they created an online environment to explore. Inside Vatican 360 you can virtually explore all the great rooms of the museum. Some of the building’s most famous rooms are now yours alone. You can spend as long as you’d like studying the details of the fantastically frescoed walls and ceilings. If you have a VR headset, some of the rooms are also available to be viewed with the headset. I get a little sick using these but honestly it was so beautiful and cool I pushed through it to enjoy the experience.

If you are interested in learning more about the most essential items from the collection, then watch Get Your Guide‘s online tour. This video (embedded below for you) is under 30 minutes long and acts as a primer for your first-time visit. The video explores the most important works of art and architecture locked away inside the museum.

Van Gogh Museum

The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam is a museum dedicated solely to the works of Vincent van Gogh. Famously, Vincent van Gogh only ever sold one painting during his lifetime, ‘The Red Vineyard.’ Today he is one of the world’s most notable painters, with his works selling for millions upon millions of dollars. But you don’t need to spend a dime to get to stare upon his wonderfully rich and brilliant works of art! The Van Gogh Museum, opened in 1973 and contains more Van Gogh paintings and drawings than anywhere else in the world.

Unravel Van Gogh

The museum has long been at the forefront of digital technology and launched the website ‘Unravel Van Gogh‘ to allow visitors worldwide to experience Van Gogh’s paintings and understand themes in his life that influenced the work. Launching the site, you can explore various of his most famous paintings. Each image has a different interactive experience. Some can be explored from sketch to final artwork. Others have been retouched to appear closer to their original colouring (after years and years of discolouration). The paintings are blended with text and audio, which provide insights into the painting’s smallest details.

Van Gogh exchanged hundreds of letters with his brother, and this correspondence is used in the interactives as clues into the artist’s mind. I spent hours on this site. While not everything is entirely user-friendly, you’ll find the more time you explore, the more things you will uncover. Making the experience more like an investigation. We see Van Gogh’s painting as being some of the most vibrant ones ever made, but getting to see them as they would have appeared when first painted was an absolute shock! I couldn’t believe that they would be even more colourful than they are now, but seeing the digital reconstructions was mesmerizing!

4k Video Tour

If you’d like to see what the museum’s interiors look like, the museum has 4K Video Tours online that you can watch. If you are still clamouring for more Van Gogh, you can also look into the artists’ tragic love life through a little online exhibition through Google Arts and Culture. The exhibit features a series of his paintings and old photographs that tell the story of Vincent’s love affairs.

The Belvedere

The Belvedere was one of the highlights of my trip to Vienna. In the center of town are two ornate Baroque palaces, that play host to a great art gallery and museum. The palaces were once the summer residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy in the 17th century. Today, the Belvedere houses the most extraordinary Austrian art collection dating from the Middle Ages to the present day. The most infamous artists featured inside are undoubtedly Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele. 

Augmented Reality

One of the most unique features of Belvedere’s online gallery is its use of augmented reality. You can visit their website and use an app on your phone to study a series of Egon Schiele‘s paintings in greater detail. When you use your phone to scan the image on the screen, it will trigger an audio track that guides you through the work of art. You can also use your phone as a scanner, using infrared technology to uncover hidden secrets beneath the finished painting.

Google’s Arts and Culture website contains Belvedere’s complete collection of digitized artwork for you to view and read about. They also have an excellent digital exhibition on one of the world’s most romantic paintings, Gustav Klimt‘s ‘The Kiss.‘ I was lucky enough to see this work of art in person and was absolutely mesmerized by it. Getting the chance to learn a little bit more about the painting was a great way to recall some of those treasured memories.

MET

The MET or Metropolitan Museum of Art is America’s most famous art gallery. Located in the heart of New York City, the collection is home to over two million works of art! To help organize millions of objects are 17 different curatorial departments. These departments range from everything from the American Wing, Arms and Armour, the Costume Institute, Egyptian Art, European Art, Islamic art, the Medieval Collection at the Cloisters and more.

MET Primer

On the MET’s website, they have a great collection of editorial content called their “Primers.” These ‘Primers’ give you a quick and immersive look at select exhibitions. This fantastically designed website feels like reading an editorial magazine. If you never had the chance to visit the MET Cloisters, which contains the collections of medieval works of art, their online visit is the next best thing!

Their current exhibition features pieces from the newly designed ‘British Galleries’. This reimagined space is meant to provide a fresh perspective on British decorative arts. You can even head over to Soundcloud and listen to the exhibition’s audio guide as you browse the collection online.

Costume Institute Online

The MET’s most famous exhibits are undoubtedly the Costume Institute Collections. The celebrity-rich MET Gala, which raises money for the museum, has brought a ton of new visitors through the doors of the museum over the years. Although this year’s Gala had to be cancelled due to covid, you can view some of their old exhibitions online! I found this access to be amazing as I was only able to make it out there to see a few of them in real life. Getting to go back in time and study some of their older exhibitions is a beautiful opportunity.

Andrew Bolton, the curator of these exhibits, is one of my heroes, and I loved being lead through the displays by his comforting voice. Many of the items on display in the Costume Insitute are so delicately sewn and contain a myriad of complex textures. Getting the chance to zoom in and see these features in such microscopic detail is something you could only experience online.

I hope you enjoyed this guide to my favourite online museums and galleries. I think visiting one of these will really help make you feel like you’ve had a little adventure, even if you never left the house. If you enjoyed this post, be sure to check out my other virtual travel content. Let me know in the comments where you’d want to explore virtually that hasn’t been created just yet!

Happy (Virtual) Travels, Adventurers

The post 10 Best Art Galleries You Can Still Visit Virtually first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Table Of Contents

1. It's really not that cold!
2. The Lack of Tourists
3. About That Smell…
4. Accommodation & Airfare are Cheaper!
5. Use Those Savings for Something Special
6. Most Big Ticket Attractions are Inside
7. Embrace Cafe Culture
8. Discover Covered Passages
9. Skip the Noisy Construction
10. You Avoid Smokers
11. People Are Just Nicer
12. The Christmas Markets!
13. Christmas Lights & Decor
14. Winter Sales
15. Winter Fashion
16. Festival of Lights
17. Vin Chaud
18. Parisian Hot Chocolate
19. Roasted Chesnuts
20. Winter Comfort Food
21. Winter is Easy in Disneyland Paris
22. Cheaper Prices on Famous Entertainment

It’s really not that cold!

If you’re from a colder climate (like me – I’m from Canada), the winters in Paris are laughable. It seldom gets below 35°F or 2°C. Check the chart below for winter temperature predictions for Paris. For those of you from warmer climates, you might find this temperature a little chilly. But just make that an excuse to buy yourself a cute new winter wardrobe. Make being out in the cold something fun instead of something frustrating. In November and December, there is actually more rain than snow, so be sure to bring along a good umbrella. In January and February, there is more snow which creates a gorgeous white dusting across the city! There is honestly something so beautiful about the snowfall and especially when it’s across a town as beautiful as Paris!

The Lack of Tourists

If you’ve ever been to Paris in the summer or even the spring these days, you’ll see the telltale lines which seem to sweep all around the city. Paris is filled to bursting and getting into your favourite restaurant or museum always entails a lengthy wait. But in the wintertime, the tourists, scared of the “cold” stay away. And I’ll take it. And you will too! In the winter you can walk down famous streets and find them almost empty. That crowd around the Mona Lisa, maybe won’t disappear but it will be much less intense. Overall, the wintertime brings this peaceful atmosphere to a city which often gets a bad reputation as being rude, crowded and smelly!

About That Smell…

One of the biggest things I hear time and time again from people on their way back from Paris is about the smell! It smells terrible, it really does. Not everywhere, of course, but Paris, as a big city, has a big garbage problem. And garbage, along with dog pee (another prevalent issue on the streets) is responsible for the horrible smell. In the summer, the heat amplifies these smells to a thousand! But in the winter, you’ll barely notice the scent. I never had this experience when in the city except perhaps for the occasional steamy grate near the metro.

Accommodation & Airfare are Cheaper!

With this lack of tourists comes cheaper accommodation and flight prices. There are almost always flight deals during the winter months to entice visitors into the city. Take them up on that offer! Except for the dates right around Christmas, you can almost ways find a significant reduction in airfare and hotels. Prices seem to begin to increase after Easter and start going down after American Thanksgiving.

Use Those Savings for Something Special

There is only one thing better than a hot bath on a cold day. A trip to the spa! There are dozens of fantastic resorts in Paris which cater to locals who want an intimate experience in those colder months. These spas come with steam rooms, swimming pools, saunas and of course, lengthy massages. It’s the perfect way to wind down (which is what a vacation is for after all) but also to warm you up from the inside out if you’ve spent an unusually chilly day outside.

Most Big Ticket Attractions are Inside

Paris truly has the best collection of museums in the world. In such a condensed space, you’ll find hundreds of different places you’ll need to visit! And the best part, they’re all inside. Going to the Louvre in summer and winter is exactly the same experience, except for the number of tourists. Notre Dame is particularly stunning in the winter before Christmas when the entirety of the nave is decorated for the holiday season.

Visiting the underground catacombs in the winter, when the chill in the air is replaced with an oddly warm underground warmth is a truly remarkable experience. Even Versaille, which boasts some of the longest lines, is a great place to visit in the winter. If you’re lucky enough to be there when it snows, you’ll be treated to one of the most unique perspectives on this illustrious palace. And the rest of the enormous tour is all inside.

Walking around the city and seeing the incredible French architecture everywhere you look is an unmissable part of the Parisian experience. But the fact that you can duck into a museum or indoor attraction every few minutes is a great relief for anyone who doesn’t like to be outside for too too long. You can’t walk very far without finding something which will catch your attention.

Embrace Cafe Culture

Another way of escape the cold, if you are getting a bit too chilly on your wanderings, is to duck into one of the many cafes which Paris is so famous for. If you’re a millennial, it seems impossible not to have escaped the lasting impression which the film ‘Amelie’ had on our young minds. Cafes in Paris are THE place to be to soak in the local ambience and sip smooth coffee. Winter means it’s ok to pack on those pounds and hide them under layers. So indulge yourself in the pastries which these cafes serve up by the dozen! Vacation is no time to retrain yourself, have a little fun and satisfy your taste buds!

Discover Covered Passages

Most Metro stations will stop off underground. Inside these little underground passageways are covered arcades and secret entrances to some top attractions. The Louvre’s default (and extremely crowded) entrance is outside near the glass pyramids. But most people don’t know it can also be accessed underground, without ever having to go outside, directly from the Metro station. And in fact, this entrance is FAR less busy since it’s not out in the open where people like to take their pictures. In addition to hidden entries, you’ll also find underground shopping centres. Paris’ covered passages were built during the early 19th century, sort of like Europe answer to North American malls. The oldest of these passages is the Passage des Panoramas which dates back to 1799! During the wintertime, the window displays are lushly styled, and at Christmas, they are a feast for the eyes!

Skip the Noisy Construction

In an old city like Paris, construction is almost constant. If you’ve ever been woken up by noisy jack-hammering on your relaxing vacation, you know how annoying this can be. But in the winter, when it’s colder, it’s much harder to do construction work, and therefore this noise is significantly reduced. If you’ve ever dreamt of visiting a specific attraction only to show up and see its covered ins scaffolding you’ll know how disappointing this can be. Sure this might be unavoidable, but in the winter you’ll have a better chance of it not being under construction.

You Avoid Smokers

There are lots of smokers in Paris. It’s one of those cities where this vice is still hanging on. In the summer, everyone on the street seems to have a cigarette in their hands. If you’re like me and hate the smell of this stuff, then you’ll find that in the winter, fewer people are willing to take those smoke breaks, to avoid standing out in the cold.

People Are Just Nicer

I’ve you’re a resident of a famous tourist city, anywhere in the world, you’ll know what it’s like to be invaded by hoards of tourists every summer. In Toronto, right in the centre of downtown, the streets seem to erupt with tourists. And while it’s great for the economy and brings in lots of exciting events and festivals, it means transit is more crowded, streets are filled with slow walkers (my personal bane), and pretty much everything has a line. In Paris, it’s no different, so its no surprise to find that locals are just a little bit grumpier in the summer when they can’t move about their own city.

The French already have a bad rep for being rude, so add the heat and humidity of summer on top of the crowds, and you’ve got a recipe for disaster. But in the winter, people seem more relaxed. More accepting and inviting. You made an effort to come here at a time when others don’t. There appears to be a silent appreciation which they give tourists around wintertime, which I think is just peachy.

The Christmas Markets!

Despite the week of actual Christmas being pricey, the early parts of December are still pretty affordable. And with December comes Christmas markets! Europe does Christmas better than anyone else, and Christmas markets are one of the most beautiful ways to enjoy the holiday season. Wander the wooden huts of the market outdoors under the watchful eye of Paris’ splendid architecture. Visiting a Christmas market is one of the best places to do your Christmas shopping. You can find such unique treasures which your friends and family will just gush over! There are markets all over the city and even one at the base of the Eiffel Tower, what better ambience could you ask for?

Christmas Lights & Decor

Once again, this only applies if you’re visiting before, or just after Christmas, but the Christmas decorations around the city during the holidays are honestly magical. I freak out over fairy lights and Christmas trees and travelling anywhere in Europe during the holidays means this in spades!

Winter Sales

Many many people come to Paris to shop. And with good reason, Paris is the fashion captial of the world, and some of the most luxurious brands have their flagship stores here. Even if you’re not into those uber expensive brands, the dribble down effect is real, and many extremely affordable local brands also have some fantastic shops here. In the winter, there are government-mandated sales in Paris where stores cut their prices down on almost everything! This usually happens between early January and early Feb. The famous Galeries Lafayette is one of the best shopping malls to hit up to find rows and rows of deals all in one easy to find place! And the best part – it’s indoors!

Winter Fashion

Being the fashion capital of the world, means you’re going to see just how good winter can look on the French. And you might even be able to grab some of this style for yourself! Learning how to dress stylishly for the winter is a skill, and there’s nowhere better to learn that in France. Sit at your favourite cafe, and people watch. Study their looks, fabulous coats, boot and hat combinations as they walk by. You can spend an entire afternoon doing this, much better than rifling through a magazine.

Festival of Lights

From November 18th to January 19th, the Jardin des Plantes (Garden of Plants) hosts an incredible exhibition of enormous lanterns set amongst the greenery of the garden. Each one is designed to look like a different part of the ocean, which is a nice juxtaposition outdoors on land. It’s a fantastical place to explore for adults and kids alike. This exhibition is only on during the winter when the plants have all died out and yet they are interested in still getting visitors to come out to see the rest of the gardens.

 

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by M O R G A N E (@morganezoe) on Jan 22, 2019 at 12:32am PST

Vin Chaud

France is known for its wines. But what you might not know is that during the wintertime they indulge in vin chaud (hot wine). This is similar to the North American tradition of mulled wine but made in a French fashion. It’s served at most cafes and markets places and makes for the perfect drink to keep you all warm and fuzzy as the sun sets at night.

Parisian Hot Chocolate

If you’re not someone who drinks alcohol or are travelling with children, there is another traditional beverage you can’t miss, and that’s hot chocolate. While it might seem like a childish treat, Chocolat Chaud in France is rich, decadent and is made from wonderfully high-quality chocolate! It’s a fantastic treat for young and old alike. And just doesn’t take the same on a hot summer day. No, as the snow falls, there is nothing better in your hand than a cup of this creamy liquid!

Roasted Chesnuts

Chestnuts have long been a staple of the Parisian winter season, and vendors can be found on nearly every street corner selling the warm, sweet treats. The chestnuts are roasted over open flames, creating a smoky fragrance that entices passerby. Taking a break from exploring the city to enjoy a handful of hot, fresh chestnuts is a timeless tradition for both Parisians and visitors alike. Whether enjoyed as a snack or paired with a warm mulled wine, winter roasted chestnuts are a true delight of the season.

Winter Comfort Food

Every country has its own way of dealing with the cold, and in France, they did it through the cusine. Winter foods in France are rich and hearty. They warm you from the inside out. They are full of fatty meats, heavy starches and sweets mixed in for good measure. Stews, cassoulets and confits are all just some of the marvellous foods you’ll find on the menu in the winter. No one would imagine serving a casserole in the heat of the summer, so getting a chance to try these fantastic meals is something you’ll only get in the winter!

Winter is Easy in Disneyland Paris

Disneyland Paris might not be on every traveller’s list, but if you’re a Disney-head like me, you’ll know it should be. Like almost every Disneyland in the world, one of the most significant downsides of visiting is the crowds. But in the winter, you’ll find the lines are almost twice as short as any other time in the year. And the fact that half the rides are indoors is a great incentive to ensure you’re not out in the cold all day. Around Christmastime, the entire park is decorated for the holiday season in magical baubles and sparkling garlands which just amplifies the already enchanting atmosphere.

Cheaper Prices on Famous Entertainment

With fewer tourists, come discounted ticket prices on almost everything to incentivize both locals and tourists alike to attend shows. Palais Garnier, one of the most famous architectural masterpieces in the city, hosts opera and ballet performances all year and during the wintertime, you can find tickets for a fraction of the cost. Even try to go up on the day and see what’s left, and you might find yourself with front row seats for the price of the nose bleeds. Even if you don’t know anything about the performance, being inside this historic building and seeing all its luxury and elegance is entertainment enough.

All in all, visiting in the colder winter months has so many wonderful advantages; you’ll just have to try it out for yourself to see if they stack up to any perceived negatives! What’s your favourite place to travel to in the winter? Let me know in the comments.

Happy Travels Adventurers!

The post Why Visiting Paris in the Winter is the Best Time to Explore this Amazing City first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.