Paris, Maison Européenne de la Photographie

Even though it is no longer as much of a favorite district for me in Paris as it used to be, the Europan House of Photography is a place which still makes me visit Marais each time that I am in Paris. This wonderful photography home is originally called Maison Européenne de la Photographie and is sure a heaven for photography lovers both with its historical building and more importantly with its amazing permanent and temporary photography collections. Be careful though, the museum is closed both on Mondays and Tuesdays. I always make sure to visit this museum (that I discovered when I was a university exchange student in Bretagne, France about fifteen years ago) during every even very short trips to Paris. It also feels like a sanctuary away from the occasionally madding crowds of Paris and is amazingly inspiring in terms of good photography. I should also note that this photography home occupies an 18th century building. There is also a small Japanese garden in its entrance. The house also organizes many video and film events focusing on the art of photography. If you get discouraged by the crowds in Marais and also intend to skip the visit to this house of photography, don`t worry, the location of the museum is far from the crowds and will give you a good break. The photography house currently hosts an exhibit titled Light and Memoir focusing on the Japanese photography. In addition to its large exhibit halls, the architecture and the overall atmosphere of the European House of Photography is also ideal for photo shooting.