#PinkTutuBlogParis - Saturday 2004-05-08 Exploring Paris

Hello, darlings! It's Emma here, and guess what? I'm back in the City of Lights! The romance of Paris never fails to sweep me off my feet (and maybe even a few steps in my pink tutu!), so of course, I had to make a trip back to celebrate my latest, very successful, tour. The crowds at The Royal Opera House, were wonderful and gave me the most delicious standing ovation at the end of Swan Lake... the joy, darling, was simply overwhelming! So, enough about my success (and let's not talk about the blisters, please!). Back to the glamorous sights and sounds of Paris, shall we?

Now, I may be a ballerina, but I'm not one to shy away from modern travel. So, naturally, I opted for a sleek, modern journey on the EuroStar. Whizzing through the English countryside towards the Continent, always a delight, with the chance to admire the ever-changing landscape and feel the thrill of high speed travel. The moment you cross the Channel into France, you feel the whole mood change, becoming decidedly more continental, with those crisp, bright blue skies (almost always blue here, it seems!), cobblestone streets and the glorious sense of joie de vivre that radiates from every cafe window! It's enough to make anyone want to twirl. Except me, I'm twirling as it is, thank you very much.

I arrived at Gare du Nord on Friday, feeling energized, and ready for some seriously glamorous Parisian exploration. I must admit to a quick jaunt past the lovely department store Printemps right by the station for a quick dose of fabulousness (just one outfit... that's it!) and then settled into my adorable hotel, "The Petit Ange", right next to the Grand Boulevards. Just the cutest! They even offered a tutu drying rack. No, seriously!

Today, the Paris Ballet is showing "Giselle". Très chic! How exciting is that! I’ve always loved Giselle, she's the ultimate romantic ballerina. I must admit to a moment of jealousy as I watched them rehearsing at the Opera Garnier earlier this week. They were doing such beautiful leaps! I’ve been perfecting my arabesque on the streets to get in the mood! But let's be honest, darlings, Paris itself is the perfect setting for Giselle, a love story with tragic consequences. It feels like every corner holds a secret rendezvous, every lamppost, a forgotten vow. Oh, and of course, a good ballet is never complete without a healthy dose of romance, right?

I don't know about you, darlings, but I adore Paris shopping. So chic, so glamorous! I especially love rue de Rennes. Oh, that wonderful selection of fabrics, vintage couture and oh, so many pretty clothes! Every shop window seems to be an invitation to embrace a little French flair. This year, I'm definitely getting myself a gorgeous blush-pink trench coat - you can't really go wrong with that classic style in Paris! Oh, and how about some delicate jewelry and some beautiful ballet flats? I can already see it! My little "Pink Tutu Paris Look", and darling, the outfits don't stop there! I've also spotted some utterly charming new Parisian restaurants on * rue Saint-Honoré*, all decorated with chandeliers and floral patterns - very Parisian chic. Definitely planning a romantic dinner date, maybe even two!

For all you Parisian romance enthusiasts (and I certainly count myself amongst you!), I strongly suggest a horse-drawn carriage ride through the charming streets of Montmartre (this is how true Parisians really travel darling!). Yes, darling, this is my secret! Take it from a true Parisian, a real Paris experience should always involve horses. So imagine this, me in my pink tutu (of course, darling, you know me so well) in my French ballet flats... hair tied back in a chic top knot and riding with the most adorable man, who just happened to look unbelievably handsome... yes! Paris always brings out the best in everyone! A lovely man to escort you, with Paris shimmering around you. Talk about a magical journey. Oh, you know it's already a post on Instagram! It even includes the view of the majestic Sacre-Coeur church as the horses carry us gently uphill!

A bit less glamorous but no less Parisian is a picnic in the Jardin des Plantes. Imagine! You just can't resist it when Paris gives you the most stunning, lush green lawns. They make me long for summer picnics - with strawberry tarts and champagne. Darling, we can't forget the beautiful, delicate flowers. Just think how lovely that would be in a hair flower, or to wear for a very special performance. So many possibilities! You know, there are all sorts of fascinating creatures in the Jardin des Plantes. Imagine trying to squeeze a tutu on a peacock. Now, there's an idea!

There's so much to see and do in Paris! And I’ve barely scratched the surface of all the delightful things it has to offer. The most delightful part is that even with the familiar locations, Paris always feels new. The cobblestones seem to hum with history, the Seine gleams like a silver ribbon winding through the city, and there’s always a new hidden corner to discover, a tiny fleuriste brimming with bright blossoms, a café terrace abuzz with laughter.

Oh, and darling, a little tip for you. I’ve learned over the years that the best Parisian boutiques and charming cafes often reside down winding backstreets. Don't be afraid to stray from the famous locations. Just as an example, if you find yourself near the Louvre, the street rue de l'Abbaye has the most divine boulangerie! Their pain au chocolat... is simply to die for!

I can already feel myself falling head-over-tutu in love with this city all over again! It’s full of whimsy, elegance and oh so many pink tutus! I’m only in Paris for a week (it goes by far too quickly), so stay tuned to the blog for my adventures next week. I'm sure Paris will offer up more magical moments - just wait until I get to the Champs-Élysées to buy some stunning Parisian souvenirs! Until next time, stay happy, be inspired, and always remember... the best way to spread a little pink tutu joy is by dancing your way through life, one twirl at a time!

P.S. Remember darlings, if you want to follow my latest exploits, just search “Emma Pink Tutu” on the Instagram feed! Lots of fun pics and fashion there, all very pink tutu worthy! Bisous!