Bonjour, mes chers lecteurs! Emma here, and I'm so excited to be sharing my adventures in the City of Lights with you! After a whirlwind of rehearsals and performances back in Derbyshire, I finally caught the Eurostar to Paris, a fabulous way to travel! I’m in my little pink tutu and felt every bit the chic ballerina! I had to pop a bottle of pink bubbly to celebrate my arrival. As soon as I stepped off the train, I knew I was in for a treat. Paris is the perfect blend of culture, fashion and beauty – a real dream destination!
My Ballet Journey:
Let’s talk about ballet, my first love! On Friday evening I went to see the magnificent ballet company Ballet de l'Opéra National de Paris performing “Giselle,” at the Palais Garnier Opera House, a truly spectacular venue! My little heart beat so fast as the curtains opened, revealing a magnificent set, all adorned with luxurious fabrics and beautiful colours. Oh, the detail! The costumes, the choreography, the dramatic tension; all so breathtaking. I was in awe. They were all incredible, and I swear, there was some actual magic in the air. The energy was electric and I’ve already bought tickets for Swan Lake in October - it’s already sold out - a sure sign of a great night. The performance was perfect for this little pink tutu-loving blogger!
Of course, no trip to Paris is complete without some ballet class. My favourite ballet school here, which I discovered last time, Ecole de Danse in the Marais area, gave me a wonderful lesson with an incredibly patient instructor, Monsieur Jacques. I was really pushing myself with new moves and enjoying the company of other enthusiastic students. We were all dancing with passion, feeling like ballerinas at a world class studio - pure joy! And yes, I was wearing my most dazzling pink tutu, naturally! I love the sense of camaraderie I find in a ballet class; a love that crosses language barriers and brings all women together. I feel truly inspired here, watching dancers who are pushing their boundaries, always striving to be better than yesterday.
The Fashion Feast:
When I'm not twirling, I’ve been lost in the glamorous world of Parisian fashion! It’s no surprise that this city is known for its timeless elegance. You just feel the energy of the fashion world swirling around you, whispering "Bonjour!" From the elegant Parisian women effortlessly rocking chic designs, to the colourful boutiques displaying incredible, playful and imaginative creations – the world of haute couture here is magical.
On my very first morning, I explored the enchanting Marais area. There I stumbled upon the most whimsical pink boutique! The displays were like works of art – so delicate and feminine with pretty lace and fluffy fabrics – simply perfect. They even had a beautiful selection of tulle and silk. It was hard to leave! This charming street, cobbled and steeped in history, is perfect for soaking up the atmosphere of this incredible city. The buildings are so impressive and the little cafes and shops are beautifully adorned. And of course, every Parisian shop is a showcase for the latest trends – I’m loving the classic look for summer: simple floral prints, vibrant colours and beautiful fabrics with vintage details. And there's plenty of pink!
I found the most wonderful shop, “La Maison de Couture,” in Saint Germain des Prés where they have the most delicious vintage hats. After the ballet class, I treated myself to the perfect Parisian beret - pink of course, and a classic, elegant fedora with a ribbon in pink - for that vintage, bohemian touch. My wardrobe is starting to fill up nicely. Next stop, the famous department stores!
City Sights & Food:
A wander around the streets is like taking a step into a fairytale! From the majestic architecture to the charming street performers - every corner offers a moment of magic! Today I popped over to the iconic Notre Dame, although it was covered in scaffolding I felt the grandeur of its history - such an important landmark. I was surprised that such a magnificent building was still under repair from the fire in 2019, though, and how close the workers had been able to rebuild it - quite astonishing. Then it was onto a bateau mouche boat trip along the Seine, cruising past all the famous Parisian sights like the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, and Musée d'Orsay - what an experience! It’s the perfect way to see the beauty of the city, the charming cobbled streets and the iconic monuments – everything is so enchanting, so picturesque and beautifully timeless. I’m looking forward to a leisurely lunch in one of the classic Parisian bistros - the classic French cuisine always hits the spot.
A Taste of History:
The history here is simply remarkable! Walking through the cobbled streets feels like travelling back in time! I was amazed at the rich heritage of every building, each stone, every street corner. Even my Parisian coffee stop, tucked away in the Latin Quarter, boasts history and elegance. The beautiful mosaic flooring and delicate lace napkins created an air of glamour! The little old lady at the table next to mine even whispered, "Parisian pink tutu! Tres chic!" Oh, she made my day!
Pink Tutu Adventure Continues:
The Paris adventure is truly a delight, full of surprises and enchanting moments. I can’t wait to share the next chapter of this journey in next week's blog! In the meantime, do you have a favorite spot in Paris or any pink tutu stories? Share your thoughts in the comments below and don't forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com! Au revoir, mon amour!
