Venise at the Grand Palais

Today we visited a new exposition at the Grand Palais - Venise:  Europe and the Arts in the 18th century.  The focus of the exposition was the vitality of the arts scene in Venice during the 18th century, despite the economic and social crises during that period, ending with the fall of the Venetian State to Napoleon in 1797.

A series of rooms alternating exhibits, art, and projections created for the exposition - we really enjoyed it.  Works by Canaletto, Piazzetta, Tiepolo, music by Vivaldi ... drawings and paintings depicting life in Venice, the bridges, and construction along the Grand Canal.  So many of those buildings are still present and recognisable today ...

We wandered home through the 8th ... an arrondissement in which we haven't spent much time.  Stopped at Honor Café - a courtyard kiosque recommended by a friend in my French class - for coffee and cake.  An inviting spot in an elite neighbourhood - opposite the Élysée Palace, residence of the President.  I read that the kiosque was designed so that the orientation of the building panels could be reconfigured to work in with the changing seasons - pretty cool, huh? - and one half of the partnership behind the café is Australian.  Great coffee, super apple cake, and cute courtyard stop!