Like most trips, I feel like we’ve been here a long time, but it seems too soon to leave.

This has been a different experience, as it was a family trip featuring time with my niece, who is studying here, and time with my mother, who finally made it to Paris.

One of our must-do’s was a visit to the Musée d’Orsay, and it was a highlight along with our tour of the beaches of Normandy.

I’ve never taken photos of paintings but for some reason I did so at the MO. Maybe I didn’t want to let go of the beauty. Below are a few of my favorites.

As for tips for visiting MO, I can’t offer anything definitive. We followed the general advice, and arrived for the 9:30 opening. Unfortunately, doors didn’t actually open until about 10:00, so we waited about 30 minutes. Once inside, we did have the famous 5th floor almost to ourselves for a while, which was lovely.

But my sister arrived about noon, and there was no line at all.

So other than buying tickets in advance (and in combo with another museum you might want to visit), I don’t think there is a hard and fast rule.

Just GO! And enjoy.

We have more to report from our trip, but this will do for now. Au revoir….