Paris, an Unexpected Gift

This trip was an unexpected graduation gift from my boyfriend. I had always dreamed of strolling through the streets of Paris, admiring Notre-Dame cathedral, discovering the treasures of the Louvre... our adventure begins with an Alitalia flight direct to Charles de Gaulle. Once we arrive at our destination, via the RER line and the Metro, we reach our hotel, which was a few steps from the Eiffel Tower. Having set the suitcases down in the room, we immediately plunge into the Parisian atmosphere. By Metro we reach Trocadéro and the journey gives us a magnificent glimpse of the Eiffel Tower. We visit the Musée de l'Homme, where we can admire the evolutionary path of man, from prehistory to today, the collection of skulls ranging from Neanderthal man to Descartes (the skull of the famous philosopher is kept right here).

There's an appreciable collection on comparative and pathological anatomy, as well as a section devoted to the dawn of neuroscience (do see Paul Broca's stereotaxic apparatus). Leaving the museum we head towards the Île de la Cité, where the sight of Notre-Dame cathedral leaves us dumbstruck. We visit the Conciergerie, the famous prison that housed those condemned to death during the French Revolution (among them Marie Antoinette herself). In the evening we treat ourselves to a romantic stroll to the Eiffel Tower. Taking advantage of the fact that there were no queues, we go up to the second floor, where we have a breathtaking view of Paris at night. The second day we devote to visiting the Musée du Louvre, certainly a must for anyone visiting Paris for the first time. We let ourselves be fascinated by the paintings of Giotto, Leonardo, Delacroix, Fra Angelico and many others.

The Egyptian part is also worth visiting, as is the Greek one. The sculptures are wonderful: personally I've always had a soft spot for Canova's Eros and Psyche, and seeing it was truly moving. Leaving the Louvre, we head through the gardens towards Place de la Concorde, where we admire the splendid Egyptian obelisk (taken in exchange for the clock that is now at the Temple of Karnak in Egypt - not working). From here we head towards the Arc de Triomphe, passing along the Champs-Élysées. In the evening we allow ourselves a little relaxation on the banks of the Seine, savouring a delicious crêpe. The following day we explore the Montmartre district, visit the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur and see the Moulin Rouge. In the evening street artists give us a splendid fire show, with the Eiffel Tower in the background.

The day after that we devote to strolls around the markets, the last bits of shopping and one last look, before setting off again, at the Eiffel Tower, hoping to be able to return soon, to discover new places and new treasures of this splendid city. Paris is in fact extremely rich in places of interest. The transport services are efficient to say the least and connect all points of the city excellently.