Musée Bourdelle
One of the most agreeable green spots in all of Paris sits nestled on a quiet little street not far from the bustle of Montparnasse. The gardens of the Musée Bourdelle offer an unexpected oasis of charm and peace that surround the site where the sculptor Emile-Antoine Bourdelle lived and worked.
Bourdelle was a friend and collaborator of Rodin, instructor to Giacometti, and a contemporary of Maillol. His work is at the intersection of several artistic movements. Bourdelle was able to draw from the past, 
notably the Roman and medieval pasts, and translate those influences into a form that was resolutely modern.
Be sure to see the series of busts of Beethoven, a recurrent theme in his work beginning in 1888, that witness the evolution of his style and technique, from the early works that evoke the work of Rodin through the development of his own particular style.
Shortly after his arrival in Paris, Bourdelle installed himself in a studio at what was then 16 impasse du Maine, now known as the rue Antoine Bourdelle. It is in this spot that he realized some of his most important works. In 1910, Bourdelle married his student, Cléopâtre Sevastos, with whom he had a daughter, Rhodia.
Toward the end of his life, he began to envision a museum where his collections could be housed and exhibited, such as that of his friend Rodin. After his death, through the efforts of Cléo and Rhodia, the dream was realized, and the museum opened in 1949, 20 years after the death of the master.
In the grand hall some of the more monumental works may be found, while the gardens shelter a number of significant works, including the bas-reliefs that he realized for the Théâtre des Champs-Elysées and the Centaur Dying. 
His studio looks as if he has just stepped away for a moment. In the intimacy of his apartment, one can imagine him taking a break, reading by the fire while surrounded by some of his favorite things.
Beyond the considerable artistic significance, this is a fine place to take a break, sit on a bench, perhaps eat a sandwich and commune with the resident cats. The museum is located at 16, rue Antoine Bourdelle, 75015 Paris, Métro Montparnasse-Bienvenue or Falguière.
Jan del Monte, blogging from the rue du Cherche-Midi, Paris, France
© 2008 Jan del Monte
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A deightful place to “escape,” enjoy the surroundings, but also indulge in one’s favorite food and drink while communing with the cats. Perfect.
You’re right, anniemousette. It is a nice escape, just far enough off the beaten track. Another is the Musée Zadkine, which I haven’t visited for some time now. I think it may be time.