French Crown Jewels in the Galerie d'Apollon

The French Crown Jewels displayed in the Galerie d’Apollon at the Louvre Museum in Paris are among the most dazzling reminders of France’s royal past. They glitter beneath gilded ceilings once meant to glorify kings, yet today they belong to the people - symbols of artistry, power, and the sweeping drama of French history.

The Galerie d’Apollon itself feels like a jewel box. Built in the 17th century under the reign of Louis XIV, the Sun King, it was designed to embody divine light and royal grandeur. The architect Louis Le Vau began the work, while Charles Le Brun, the king’s chief painter, filled the vaulted ceiling and arches with mythological imagery celebrating Apollo, the god of the sun and the arts. 

Later, in the 19th century, Eugène Delacroix added the spectacular painting Apollo Slaying the Python, which crowns the gallery today. Every inch of the space glows with gold and colour, reflecting both sunlight and the radiance of the jewels within it. It is no wonder that this room, once a royal showcase, became the perfect home for France’s surviving Crown Jewels.

The story of these jewels begins with King François I in 1530, who declared that certain treasures should belong not to the monarch personally but to the French state. 

This decision established the tradition of the Crown Jewels of France, meant to represent the continuity of the monarchy. Over the centuries, kings and queens added to the collection: diamonds, pearls, emeralds, rubies, and sapphires gathered from across the world. These were not just ornaments - they were instruments of image and influence, worn at coronations, weddings, and state ceremonies to project wealth and divine right.

Among the most celebrated of these gems is the Regent Diamond, discovered in India and purchased for the French crown in 1717. Its 140 carats of flawless brilliance made it one of the most famous diamonds in the world. It has graced royal crowns, the hilt of Napoleon Bonaparte’s sword, and even the admiration of jewelers centuries later. 

Another storied stone, the Sancy Diamond, has a pale yellow hue and a mysterious past, having passed through the hands of European princes before joining the French royal treasury. The collection also includes the Côte de Bretagne, a striking red spinel carved into the form of a dragon, said to have once belonged to Anne of Brittany.

During the French Revolution, the jewels were seized as property of the nation. In 1792, thieves broke into the royal treasury and made off with much of the collection in a daring heist. Some of the treasures were later recovered, but others vanished into private collections, never to be seen again. Decades later, under the Third Republic, the government decided to auction off most of what remained. In 1887, the bulk of the jewels were sold to private buyers, in an effort to erase the last symbols of monarchy. It was a controversial move that many historians still regret.

Fortunately, a few of the most important pieces were saved for the nation. These survivors now sparkle in the Galerie d’Apollon, displayed in glass cases beneath the gilded vaults that once echoed with royal footsteps. The Regent Diamond still catches the light like a captive sun. The Sancy sits beside it, glowing softly under the glass. The Côte de Bretagne spinel gleams crimson, a relic of the Renaissance. Nearby, the emerald and sapphire parures of Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III, showcase the elegance of 19th-century design.

To stand in the Galerie d’Apollon today is to feel the weight of centuries compressed into a single shimmering space. The jewels that once symbolized royal power now embody something larger - the artistry and enduring heritage of France. Their beauty, once meant to awe subjects and foreign courts, now belongs to everyone. Visitors move quietly through the gallery, faces lit by the reflections of diamonds and gold leaf, feeling the same mixture of wonder and reverence that once surrounded the kings and queens of France.

Riding the London Eye Observation Ferris Wheel

The London Eye, also known as the Millennium Wheel, is one of the most iconic landmarks in the United Kingdom. Located on the South Bank of the River Thames, directly across from the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, this massive observation wheel offers one of the best panoramic views of London. Standing at 135 meters (443 feet) tall, it was the world’s tallest Ferris wheel when it opened to the public in 2000.

Designed by architects David Marks and Julia Barfield, the London Eye quickly became a symbol of modern London. It was originally intended as a temporary attraction to celebrate the turn of the millennium, but its overwhelming popularity ensured that it became a permanent feature of the city’s skyline. Each of the 32 high-tech glass capsules can hold up to 25 passengers, offering a smooth 30-minute ride with breathtaking 360-degree views of London’s most famous landmarks, including St. Paul’s Cathedral, Buckingham Palace, and the Tower Bridge.

The experience is both relaxing and awe-inspiring, as the slow rotation of the wheel allows plenty of time for photos and sightseeing. On a clear day, visibility can reach as far as 40 kilometers. The Eye is especially popular at sunset.

Today, the London Eye has also become a focal point for national celebrations, such as New Year’s Eve fireworks, and attracts millions of visitors a year. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a local, the London Eye offers a unique perspective of the city and remains a must-visit attraction.

Riding the Eurostar: A Journey From Paris to London

Taking the Eurostar from Paris to London is one of the most convenient and comfortable ways to travel between these two major European capitals. The Eurostar is a high-speed train that connects Gare du Nord station in Paris, France with London St Pancras International in the United Kingdom, covering the distance in just over two hours. 

The journey is smooth and scenic, with the highlight being the Channel Tunnel (or “Chunnel”), a 31-mile tunnel beneath the English Channel. The train travels through the tunnel for about 20 minutes, emerging in the English countryside before continuing to London. 

Eurostar trains are modern, clean, and well-equipped with free Wi-Fi, power outlets, luggage storage, and comfortable seating. Travelers can choose from Standard, Standard Premier, or Business Premier classes, depending on their preferences and budget. Standard Premier offers more spacious seating and a light meal, while Business Premier provides added perks like lounge access and flexible ticket options. 

The convenience of city center travel makes Eurostar particularly attractive. There’s no need to travel to outlying airports or go through long security lines. Instead, passengers need to check in just 30 to 60 minutes before departure. Customs and immigration checks for both the UK and Schengen zones are completed at the departure station, making arrival in London hassle-free. 

Tickets can be booked in advance online, often at better prices. It’s also an environmentally friendly choice, with Eurostar claiming up to 90% less carbon emissions than a short-haul flight. 

Whether you're traveling for business, a weekend getaway, or exploring Europe, the Eurostar offers a fast, efficient, and enjoyable way to travel from Paris to London—turning what was once a complex international journey into a seamless and memorable experience.

Piazza Navona in Rome, Italy

Piazza Navona is one of the most iconic squares in Rome, celebrated for its elegant Baroque architecture, rich history, and vibrant atmosphere. Located in the heart of the historic centre, it occupies the site of the ancient Stadium of Domitian, built in the 1st century AD. Piazza Navona retains the elongated, oval shape of the original stadium, once used for athletic competitions.

During the 17th century, Piazza Navona was transformed into a masterpiece of Baroque urban design under Pope Innocent X, whose family palace, the Palazzo Pamphilj, faces the square. The centerpiece of the piazza is the Fountain of the Four Rivers (Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi), created by the renowned sculptor Gian Lorenzo Bernini. This dramatic fountain features representations of four major rivers from four continents—the Nile, Ganges, Danube, and Río de la Plata—symbolizing the reach of papal authority across the world.

Opposite Bernini’s fountain stands Sant’Agnese in Agone, a beautiful Baroque church designed by Francesco Borromini. The church marks the traditional site of the martyrdom of Saint Agnes and adds to the spiritual and artistic ambiance of the square.

At either end of the piazza are two additional fountains: the Fontana del Moro and the Fontana del Nettuno, both adorned with dynamic sculptures. Today, Piazza Navona is a vibrant social hub, filled with street artists, musicians, and open-air cafes. Visitors flock here to enjoy the lively atmosphere, admire the art and architecture, and soak in the charm of Rome’s past and present.

Whether visited by day or lit by lamplight at night, Piazza Navona remains a captivating symbol of Rome’s enduring beauty and cultural richness.