around 6 Chapelle Notre-Dame Musée d’Orsay de la Médaille Miraculeuse At the end of a little courtyard lies one of the most important places of prayer and Catho- lic pilgrimage in the French capital. In 1830, 4Parc Rives de Seine the Virgin Mary appeared here three times to Catherine Labouré, a young nun, and ordered her to cast a protective holy medal. The medal was connected with miracles. Two hun- dred years later, the fervour is just as strong. 140 rue du Bac (7th). M Sèvres – Babylone.o 01 49 54 78 88. Daily: 7.45am-1pm and 2.30pm- 7pm. Tues: no midday break. Public holidays (except religious holidays): 8.15am-12.30pm The Rives de Seine are popular with Parisi- and 2.30pm-7pm. Closed 2 weeks in Jan. ans and visitors. On the left bank, the pedes- www.chapellenotredamedelamedaille trian promenade runs from the flight of miraculeuse.com steps below the Musée d’Orsay to the Pont 7 Musée Maillol de l’Alma and passes by the Pont Alexan- dre III, a listed historical monument. Along the riverbanks are sporting facilities, fun areas for kids and adults, spots to relax, and places to have something to eat or drink. In summer, many riverside cafe terraces open. 7th. M Assemblée Nationale, Invalides.o www.paris.fr Before stepping through the door of the museum, stop to admire the fountain of the 5Musée Rodin – Paris Four Seasons, built between 1739 and 1745 Hidden behind the understated facade by Bouchardon. You might want to start your lies this jewel of a private mansion, dating tour of the house on the 2nd floor devoted from the 18th century, and housing the to the work of Aristide Maillol: sculptures, permanent collections of the Musée Rodin. paintings, drawings and tapestries. It is the As well as the sculptor’s masterpieces, largest collection of works by Maillol, an several works by his mistress and troubled artist of the Nabi movement and precursor muse Camille Claudel are also on display. of abstraction. The ground floor and the 1st Strollthrough the extensive grounds and floor show large exhibitions. discover some of the master’s major works: 61 rue de Grenelle (7th). M Rue du Bac.o The Thinker, The Burghers of Calais and The 01 42 22 59 58. Daily: 10.30am-6.30pm. Gates of Hell. Fri: open until 8.30pm. Closed between 77 rue de Varenne (7th). M Varenne.o temporary exhibitions. Full rate: €13.50. 01 44 18 61 10. Daily: 10am-6.30pm, except www.museemaillol.com Mon, 1 Jan, 1 May and 25 Dec. Full rate: €12. www.musee-rodin.fr plus … Musée de la Légion d’Honneur et des Ordres de Chevalerie Located opposite the Musée d’Orsay, this museum presents French and international honours and decorative medals from the Middle Ages to the present day. 2 rue de la Légion d’honneur (7th). M Solférino.o 01 40 62 84 25. www.legiondhonneur.fr THE LEFT BANK 31