Bonjour, my darling Tutu Tribe!
It's your favourite pink-loving ballerina, Emma, back with another Parisian adventure, straight from the City of Lights itself!
I've been meaning to share this magical trip for weeks now, but between pirouettes and shopping sprees, time seems to just flit away! You know me, I love a good Parisian whirlwind! And this one, oh, it was quite the escapade.
Let me take you back to that beautiful summer's day. I boarded the Eurostar in Derby, all decked out in my favourite pale pink tutu, with my trusty ballet bag brimming with dancewear and, of course, a good supply of pink lipstick! As I settled into my seat, my eyes caught the twinkling lights of the Channel Tunnel, making me feel like I was boarding a carriage to Neverland, or maybe Narnia - I couldn't decide which fairytale fit best!
Reaching Gare du Nord in Paris was a truly magnificent experience. The sheer size of the station, its grand architecture, it was straight out of a grand Parisian novel. But what truly captured my heart was the energy, the buzz, the endless flow of people rushing in different directions, all brimming with Parisian charm.
And my oh my, the streets! A kaleidoscope of colours, intoxicating aromas from little patisseries and bustling cafes, the clanging of trams, the melodious tunes spilling out of open-air bars, it was an sensory overload in the best possible way!
You know me, I had to find the perfect pink tutu shop straight away, and I hit the jackpot at La Boutique Rose. A pink paradise of tulle, satin and silk, with more shades of pink than I'd ever seen in one place. My shopping bag overflowed with delicate pink ribbon trims, feather boas, and a pair of beautiful ballerina shoes - the perfect pink companion for the weekend.
Speaking of companions, this trip was extra special. I brought my dearest friend Chloe along! We've been dancing together since we were tiny, and we couldn't resist the allure of a pink-tutu fuelled adventure together! She may not wear a pink tutu like I do, but she does have a penchant for vibrant purple, which she claims complements my pink perfectly. I'm inclined to agree!
So what did we get up to in Paris? Oh darling, you won't believe it!
Day One: An Artistic Whirlwind
We started our day at the Musée d'Orsay, immersing ourselves in the artistic masterpieces of the Impressionists. I'm particularly fond of Monet, and I swear, he must have painted the light on those Parisian cobbled streets - it was almost as if the colours were jumping out of his canvases!
The afternoon found us at the Palais Garnier - the epitome of Parisian elegance and drama. We saw a dazzling performance of Swan Lake. I must say, the lead ballerina’s portrayal of Odette/Odile was divine. I felt every twitch of her emotions, and the ballet was so exquisitely choreographed! My dear Chloe, who usually shudders at the sight of tutus, actually let out a little squeal when the ballerina’s pirouettes sent sparkles flying!
And we topped off our day with a delicious dinner at Le Café de la Paix with its elegant atmosphere and absolutely divine foie gras.
Day Two: A Fashionable Fête
A walk through the Tuileries Gardens was the perfect way to begin our Saturday morning. We strolled amongst the manicured trees, enjoying the Parisian sunshine and taking in the charming bustle of families enjoying picnics. It was such a peaceful escape from the city noise.
We then indulged in some serious shopping. I fell in love with a beautiful pastel pink trench coat in the most exquisite vintage boutique near Notre Dame - and I, of course, made sure to accessorise it with a fetching pink feather boa. It’s my new signature look! Chloe managed to score a fabulous silver sequined top - which she said was going to match perfectly with her pink velvet skirt - so we're going to do a dance routine with our dazzling new outfits together, which I just know will be absolutely divine!
Then it was on to the Palais-Royal, which we spent the afternoon strolling through. What a marvel of architecture! We couldn’t help ourselves - we took a couple of cheeky snaps amongst the chic, grand sculptures!
We ended our day with a visit to the Champs-Élysées, its twinkling lights and bustling streets a visual feast! We decided a glass of champagne in a grand, art-deco bar with a beautiful view was the perfect end to such a spectacular day!
Day Three: A Pink-Filled Finale
Our final day was dedicated to more fashion escapades. We visited several stylish vintage boutiques, Chloe snagged a fabulous lilac vintage dress (to go with her pink velvet skirt, of course) while I found a stunning pink silk scarf, the perfect touch for my ever-growing tutu collection.
But even on a trip centred on fashion and ballet, I couldn’t possibly come to Paris without visiting Le Moulin Rouge! We enjoyed an extravagant evening filled with vibrant colours, can-can dances and stunning performers, truly embracing the French art of seduction and cabaret. The Moulin Rouge’s sheer artistry was quite inspiring - and made me yearn for my next Paris trip!
Paris is just enchanting. A whirlwind of beautiful sights, decadent food, and endless opportunities to explore the city's creative soul. We were absolutely immersed in the pink-hued enchantment of the City of Lights.
As I bid adieu to the French capital, a thought danced through my mind - if there's a magical place that can make even the most hesitant soul don a pink tutu, it’s definitely Paris!
My tutu-wearing tribe, join me next week as I embark on a new adventure! But for now, à bientôt from Paris, with love and pirouettes,
Emma.
P.S. You can follow my Parisian escapades on www.pink-tutu.com every Saturday. Just look for #PinkTutuBlogParis - and don't forget to wear your favourite pink tutu! We'll all be dancing along with you!
