Bonjour, darlings! Emma here, and this week's Pink Tutu blog finds me in the most romantic city in the world... Paris!
Remember how I've been absolutely yearning to go to Paris ever since I saw a breathtaking performance of "La Sylphide" at the Royal Opera House last month? Well, I did it! I actually took the plunge and travelled to the City of Lights, thanks to a wonderful string of ballet gigs that let me finally make this dream a reality.
Paris by EuroStar: A Journey in Pink
My adventure began in London. After packing my (pink, obviously) suitcase overflowing with gorgeous ballet dresses and a few cute Parisian outfits, I took the EuroStar from London to Paris. I love the EuroStar! It's so chic, comfy, and allows you to soak in the scenic views of the countryside. Speaking of which, I felt positively inspired by the rolling green fields and charming villages – all whispering the melody of romantic Paris!
Naturally, I chose a stunning outfit for the journey. A powder-pink knitted cardigan over a baby pink silk blouse with a black and white tulle tutu skirt, my favourite pink-striped beret, and a pair of pink ballet flats. I added a pop of fierce by carrying my dazzling pink and diamante-studded tote bag – perfect for my travel essentials, including a well-worn paperback copy of "Gone With The Wind" and my pink, glittery travel diary for recording all my Parisian musings.
From Gare du Nord to a Parisian Palace
Upon arrival in Paris, I hopped off the train at the spectacular Gare du Nord. Everything about the station was magical, from its architectural grandeur to the hushed whispers of languages from around the world. It’s hard to resist buying some chic little Parisian souvenirs at the station…
After grabbing a decadent (and definitely pink!) pastry from a local boulangerie, I walked down the charming, cobblestone streets to my hotel. It’s absolutely divine, like stepping into a Parisian fairytale! I mean, it even has its own enchanting secret garden - so chic, it makes my little heart sing!
The Eiffel Tower: A Dream Come True
I had to visit the Eiffel Tower on this trip! What’s a Pink Tutu blogger’s Parisian adventure without a dose of iconic Paris charm? After grabbing a delightful baguette and a box of fresh macarons (for a slightly fancy Parisian picnic), I took the metro (which I must say is far more efficient than the London Underground) to the foot of the tower. The sheer scale of the structure was awe-inspiring. I felt such a thrill of anticipation as I slowly ascended its iron structure. Each level of the tower brought a different view of the stunning cityscape: the beautiful architecture of Paris unfolding in a panoramic vista… my breath caught in my throat as I saw the city bathed in the glorious sunset light. Perfect for my photo album – don’t you think?
An Evening at the Moulin Rouge
My next stop was the legendary Moulin Rouge. Honestly, every ballerina in the world has to make a pilgrimage to this famous place, right? As I entered the theatre, my jaw dropped in amazement at the beautiful red-and-gold interiors and dazzling atmosphere. The performance was truly captivating. The dancers' moves were absolutely flawless, the costumes incredibly flamboyant, and the music a seductive mix of French Cancan and jazzy charm. This performance will be burned forever into my memory – an unforgettable mix of artistry and entertainment that truly brought a spark of excitement to my Parisian experience!
A Shopping Spree on the Champs-Élysées
As if a Parisian adventure needs more sparkle, I spent an afternoon indulging in a spot of shopping on the Champs-Élysées! This iconic street was every inch the luxurious shopping paradise. From world-renowned fashion houses like Dior and Chanel to boutiques selling unique Parisian trinkets, there was something to entice every fashion lover’s imagination. My mission was to find a pink tutu that screamed “Paris chic”, and oh, how I found it!
As luck would have it, I stumbled upon a darling boutique that specialises in custom-made tutus. I chose the most glorious shade of blush pink - I'd like to call it “Rose d'Amour” - with the softest and fluffiest layers of tulle, adding just a touch of gold glitter to truly embrace the magic of Parisian luxury. You bet I’ll be posting all the gorgeous photos on the Pink Tutu Blog! My outfit for this grand occasion: A little black dress with a shimmering gold neckline, a “Rose d’Amour” tutu for a touch of sparkle, a red silk scarf draped around my shoulders like a Parisian chic scarf and my darling pink heels - my must-have Paris style essential.
Afternoon Tea at a Hidden Gem
Who could resist afternoon tea in a Parisian salon? After all, the magic of Paris is hidden in its tiny hidden corners – and this tea salon was no exception. It was tucked away on a side street with a discreet plaque and a whimsical, romantic interior - adorned with pastel florals and a charmingly cluttered vintage aesthetic. As I sipped on delicate, scented tea, and nibbled on adorable finger sandwiches and little cakes, I felt truly at peace.
An Evening at the Opera
For my final evening in Paris, I had to experience the ultimate romantic experience: opera. I secured tickets for a breathtaking performance of Puccini's La Bohème at the grand Palais Garnier opera house. This is such a beautiful venue, an iconic Parisian jewel, and as I sat amongst the audience in my floor-length pink tulle dress and the finest pair of sparkly black heels, I couldn’t help but feel like I'd stepped back in time. The music, the costumes, the energy - all came together to create an unforgettable evening.
A Heart Full of Paris Magic
Well, darlings, that's all from me for now! It's back to the UK for me, where I’ll be spending my week rehearsing for my next ballet performance. But this little trip to Paris was truly extraordinary and left a lasting impression on me. If you're thinking of making a Parisian adventure of your own, I urge you to grab your favourite pink tutu (and a travel journal!), indulge in everything Parisian, and embrace the magic.
Till next week,
Emma! x
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