Napoleon III Apartments at the Louvre!

Happy Thursday, sweet friends!  I cannot wait to show you the pictures I took while we were in Paris at Napoleon III apartments at the Louvre!  I practically needed smelling salts!  Come see!

The Reader’s Digest version of the Louvre, (from my understanding) is that it was the royal residence of Louis X1V until he decided to move his family and court to Versailles.  He used the Louvre to store his vast, private art collection, as did his successors.  It became a museum in 1793 during the French Revolution, but Napoleon’s apartments remained.

The Richelieu Wing of the Louvre houses Napoleon III’s apartments.  (Napoleon III was the nephew of Napoleon I.)  I’d heard the apartments were a must see, so since we were there, we popped over, and I’m SOOOOOO glad we did!  This chandelier and hallway leading to the apartments gave us a glimpse of what was to come.  Can you believe the ceiling in the hallway? And the wrought iron railing?  Trust me when I say my pictures don’t do it justice!

This is the entry way of the apartments.  To be honest, I kind of lost track of where I was after this.  I couldn’t believe the opulence and majesty of the place!  Every where we went, we were constantly looking up!

I believe this is a hallway, but let’s be real.  Who cares where it leads?  It’s GORGEOUS!!!

These beautiful carvings topped almost every door way.

More chandeliers?  Yes, please!

And some over-the-top gorgeous doors!

And the same room with these gorgeous doors, also includes a gorgeous chandelier.  Check out the ceiling in this room!

Most of the rooms then also featured a fireplace.  I noticed most of the mantles were made of marble.  And why wouldn’t they be?  Fabulous mirrors were also a staple in the apartment.  (see the gold clock on the mantle?)

Look at the beautiful wallpaper and THOSE DOORS!  This was the music room, hence the piano.  Even the moulding was gold!!!

Here is where the smelling salts came in.  This is the drawing room.  There were FIVE chandeliers in this room and this one was center stage.  It is literally the size of a car.

These “little” beauties rounded out the four corners of the room.  I really wish I had a wide angle lens for my phone to capture this.  (I didn’t want to lug around my good camera for obvious reasons, by I think my phone did a pretty good job!)

And another chandelier!  They are all so gorgeous!

And where there isn’t ceiling space, a wall sconce will do!

And the grand fireplace in the Drawing Room.  It too, is spectacular.  Check out the mantle and mirror!

And a portrait of Eugenie, wife of Napoleon III.  The French are also quite good at frames.

And THIS is the dining room!  The table seats up to 50 people and there are 3 identical, stunning chandeliers that hang above.  There must be some crazy strong anchors holding these chandeliers.  See how they are affixed to the ceiling?

Speaking of the ceiling, check out the paintings and trim!  Simply amazing!

I took this picture to show how much detail is in every inch of the design.  The rich jewel tone colors are still vibrant after all these years.

This is the side view of the dining room.  It was roped off so we couldn’t go in, but take a look at the sideboard!

And the center of the table with its grand gold candelabras.

Some of the dishes are displayed in this cabinet outside the dining room.  It’s beautiful, but I’m guessing there was a LOT more china.

And this is a bed fit for a king!

This apartment is one of my favorite places we visited while we were in Paris!  So, if you go to the Louvre, be sure not to miss Napoleon III’s apartments!  It is definitely worth your while!

I hope you are enjoying my little trip down Paris lane!  My Mother suggested I make a scrap book of my pictures and I think I will!  Especially of the chandeliers!  Have a great evening friends~and until next time, I hope the good Lord takes a liking to you!  (as Roy Rogers liked to say~and maybe I’ll learn how to say it in French!)   xoxo Dell