Since the Louvre is larger than most can imagine, its important to go with a plan if there is anything on your must see list. Since we were only in Paris a few days we kept our list short focusing on the 1st floor.

We set out to find the Mona Lisa and walked through the Denon Wing. Of course the room was crowded with patrons trying to get as close to the glass wall as possible. We waited our turn and were able to see the magnificent site of not only the Mona Lisa, but upon turning around, The Wedding Feast at Cana. It’s amazing the detail achieved in this piece that stands over 20 feet tall and 30 feet wide!

While talking and walking, we accidentally exited the Louvre and ended up exploring the grounds.  Since we were there the 1st Sunday of the month, entrance was free.  While we waited in line, again, we got some great pictures!

Once we made it back in, we headed straight for the Decorative Arts wing.  The Napoleon III Apartments were breath taking. My favorite piece in this section was this gold and crystal vanity, a dream for any girl.

The day was an enjoyable exploration and I hope to see more on our next visit!

We are on our way to Paris this week and doing lots of research on the trip. Some locations we’ll save to share our personal experiences. But these few are the major destinations that everyone must see.

Of course the Eiffel Tower cannot be missed. Love this shot from 2006 where the Eiffel Tower is cast in my favorite shade.

The Arc de Triomphe is the second most iconic venue in Paris, putting it on our must see list.

Combine the promise of rainy snow and a free Sunday at The Louvre, that’s a top destination this weekend.

Gotta love a palace, ranks right up there with a castle. The Palais du Luxembourg is on our list, though if you’re waiting to visit until the summer, we understand it’s even more inviting then.

We found a few more pics around Paris on flickr to help inspire our trip.  Hopefully we’ll have a chance to see the Christmas Tree at Norte Dame and walk along beautiful bridges at sunset.

Stay tuned for updates on our favorite hidden locals and local eateries.

There are many museums to visit in Milan and throughout Italy. We searched out a few special exhibits happening now to enhance your cultural experience while in the city.

Salvator Dalì returns to Milan with Dreams Approaching, displaying 50 of his famous paintings curated from around the world. See the collection at Palazzo Reale until January 30th.

Palazzo Reale – Piazza Duomo 12, Milan, tel. 02 54913

Antibodies by Fernando and Humberto Campana explores themes including recycling, fusion of natural and synthetic materials, and the integration of different cultures. Then inserts these into interior design elements. On loan from the Vitra Design Museum you can see Antibodies at Triennale in Milan from October 14th until January 16th.

Triennale – Viale Alemagna 6 • MM1/2 Cadorna

Vulnerable Lands is a project created by 30 international artists who collaborated in a forward motion by each taking  a phase of the design and adding their own unique elements without removing any of the previous works.  It can be seen at Hangar Bicocca from October 21st through June 26th.

Hangar Bicocca – Via Chiese 2 • tram 11

For more exhibits visit Hello Milano where they have a comprehensive list complete with descriptions, locations, ticket prices, and hours of operation.  If you have a favorite museum in Milan please share it below.