Touring Europe's Art

by Liz Dodder

When visiting Europe, or any other city with great history and art, it is easy to see all the major attractions without seeing the real character of the city’s people and its events through the years. One way to know a city better and develop a real understanding of its people, past and present is through art.

The only problem is every major art museum or landmark is packed with lines of people, large tour groups with guides shouting to be heard in every language and automated hand-held guides that drone on about painting after painting. An alternative to this is using a live art guide, through a professional tour company, or a professional tour guide recommended by your hotel.

Having a live art guide lets you learn about the art and history that interests you, as well as provides you with background and history that surrounds that art. They can point out aspects of buildings, architecture and frescoes that you will never find in a guide book. And, you get personalized attention, allowing you to ask the questions you want and have conversations that arise out of your interests.

Most guides are well trained in art history, or work or study in universities and speak fluent English. Check the links below for great tours in Paris, or ask your hotel to recommend someone. Fall and winter are great times to travel to Europe and France, as the crowds and prices are both smaller. Check your local travel agent for current travel specials and profitez bien!

Links:

Paris Muse Tours
www.parismuse.com

St James’s Art Tours
www.stjamesarttours.co.uk/Paris.html

Richardson and Gray Tours
www.richardsonandgray.com