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Where it all began…
Paris, that’s where it all started. Yes, this was our first trip, a classic of the early engagement days, but for Us it was something more; Paris gave rise to the awareness that what we really wanted was to travel and especially do it together.
At the time, about five years ago, neither of us worked, we both had odd jobs. We put aside every penny, gave up pubs, moped rides and shopping. We wanted to leave, we wanted to make this trip and we knew it would be beautiful, not only because Paris is Paris, but also because we had earned it.
Saint Germain
We left on January 24th, exactly one day before Francis’ birthday. Our hotel was “BEST WESTERN Aramis Saint Germain“, in the Saint Germain de Pres district, the famous Latin quarter of Paris.
Saint Germain(click here to see the map)is a very central district, perfectly connected thanks to the numerous metro stops and is also a very interesting shopping street. There are numerous restaurants, including Italian, cafes,including Starbucks and especially venues of all kinds in which to dance or have a drink.
Notre Dame de Paris
The days we had were few, four days and three nights to be precise and having arrived in the evening in Paris, the next day we did a real “tour de Force” of classic Paris. So we started with a visit to the beautiful Notre Dame Cathedral.
Paris seen from above
Next we moved to the majestic Eiffel Tower. The cost of the ticket to climb the tower is about 8 euros and do not be frightened by the row, because it is quite sliding and then really worth it: Paris, seen from above, with its gardens, its roofs and the Slowly flowing Seine, are lovely. About 30 minutes from the tower there is the restaurant“Costa d’Amalfi“, on rue de l’Université, where we stopped for lunch and ate very well without spending too much.
The Seine
After lunch we took advantage to do a romantic and at the same time “practical” thing. We embarked on one of the famous Parisian boats for an interesting tour of Paris through the Seine, complete with An Italian guide.
The boat walk is a way to get to know Paris from a different perspective… yes, maybe it’s a bit like seeing Paris as its river sees it: the majestic bridges, the buildings that have lived centuries and centuries of history and the museums that house the souls of artists from all over the world.
Our tour lasted about an hour and the cost of the ticket is about 15 euros,but there are plenty of other tours (the night one, the one with lunch or dinner) at different prices.
After this wonderful tour, another classic Parisian walk… the one on the Champs-Elysées; wonderful luxury shopping street on which vigil vigil Arc de Triomphe (theArc de Triomphe), wanted by Napoleon Bonaparte to celebrate victory in the Battle of Austerlitz… Strolling quietly, clutching a hot cappuccino of‘Starbucks’,while other tourists take photos, Parisians chat distracted without realizing the beauty that surrounds them, the windows shine and in the evening… approaching slowly, very slowly.
The heart of Paris
We quickly reach the metro to reach a place that I have in my heart since I went to Paris with my family. After about half an hour we arrive at the wonderful Bkindergarten du Sacré-C’ur (Basilicaof the Sacred Heart). Candida. Impressive. Solemn. At its feet a river of stairs, and on it only sky, infinite sky that changes its shades of blue every minute that passes.
La Ville Lumière
The evening is now over, but Paris is the Ville Lumière and from the hill of the Basilique du Sacré-C’ur (Basilica of the Sacred Heart) we can already see the Eiffel Tower dressed to party and ready to watch over the night of the Parisians. We run there, we want to see it so beautiful even up close.
To celebrate Francesco’s birthday, after this long day, we chose to relax and enjoy a great dinner at a famous Italian restaurant that we had very recommended friends, the restaurant“Santa Lucia“. Not particularly cheap, but the Italian dishes are great, that’s why appreciated by tourists from all over the world, Hollywood stars and especially by the demanding Parisians.
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