Bonjour mes chéries!
Well, here I am, in the City of Lights, ready to soak up all the Parisian glamour. The Eurostar journey was pure magic, all smooth gliding and buttery pastries, and even though it was a whirlwind trip, I somehow managed to squeeze in a cheeky ballet class on the train - a bit of pliéing and grand jeté on the way to my favourite city!
This is my fourth time in Paris, and I still can’t get over the city's romance, even with all the "pink" energy buzzing around my heart. The Eiffel Tower shimmering against a Parisian sunset is something you never tire of seeing, don't you agree? And the scent of freshly baked croissants in the morning? Heaven.
Speaking of scents, let’s talk about style. My luggage was packed to the brim with pink, pink, and more pink. Pink is, after all, the color of dreams, joy, and - you guessed it - ballerinas! My wardrobe has a pink tutu for every occasion, from a sparkly one for the Opera to a cute little pink tutu for a stroll through the Jardin du Luxembourg. Don’t judge! Pink is universally flattering. 😉
This week, my Parisian adventure will be filled with exciting happenings!
Friday:
This was a day of whirlwind activity, which started at Gare du Nord with the Eurostar - all sparkly seats and onboard refreshments. By evening, I was checking into my beautiful Parisian hotel – oh, the ornate wrought iron balconies and floral patterns on the walls! A luxurious start to a fantastic week, if I may say so myself.
Saturday:
Today was all about immersing myself in the heart of Parisian culture. First stop was the Louvre Museum, where I was absolutely enchanted by the iconic Mona Lisa and the beautiful Venus de Milo. Of course, my pink tutu made an appearance! A little bit of pink energy is always a good thing, don't you think?
After my artistic feast, it was time to find some culinary delights. Paris has the best pastry shops, and my absolute favourite – a secret, little café in the Le Marais district, just had to be my destination for afternoon tea. The smell of fresh pastries filled the air as I sat on a sunny terrace, tucking into macarons and dainty finger sandwiches, of course, accompanied by the perfect pot of Earl Grey tea.
As the evening rolled in, it was time for an authentic Parisian experience – a cabaret show! The venue was absolutely dazzling, and the performances were a breath of fresh air, full of energy and creativity.
Sunday:
On Sunday morning, my day was a whirlwind of excitement and style!
The day started with a delightful breakfast at a charming cafe nestled in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés. The streets were a tapestry of colour, filled with vintage bookstores, boutiques, and artists displaying their works.
Next up was a truly extravagant afternoon at the Opéra Garnier, the ultimate Parisian icon of grand design. I spent the afternoon simply soaking up the atmosphere of this legendary place, taking photos in front of the opulent interiors, and, of course, purchasing some elegant pink ribbons and tulle from a nearby fabric store for my own future tutu projects.
The evening saw me walking along the banks of the Seine, the soft golden light of the sunset painting the Parisian sky.
Monday:
My first full day in Paris was a pure dream.
The day started at a classic Parisian boulevard café, sipping a cappuccino and watching the world go by, all the while feeling so elegant and in my element. This really was my Paris.
This being Monday, naturally I had to check out the department stores and indulge in a little Parisian shopping. Oh, the glorious fabrics, shoes, and accessories! Of course, a new pink tutu had to be part of the day, because it is not a trip to Paris without a little sartorial souvenir! I discovered a lovely boutique in the Marais that had some fabulous vintage designs – so much charm and history.
To cap off this extraordinary day, I enjoyed a charming picnic dinner by the Seine. I brought cheese, wine and fresh baguette with my own picnic blanket (because of course, everything is prettier with a little touch of pink).
Tuesday:
As the week unfolded, so did my Parisian adventure. I continued exploring the hidden treasures of Paris with the usual delight - charming boutiques, the iconic architecture, and delicious food.
On Tuesday, my inner child took charge, as I embarked on a nostalgic tour of the City of Lights! I rode on a charming, vintage horse-drawn carriage, watching the beautiful buildings roll by in a leisurely pace.
My journey continued through the charming gardens and parkland of Le Jardin des Tuileries. There's nothing quite like strolling through beautiful parks while dressed in a tulle ballerina skirt, and today was no exception. I took in the elegant landscaping, admiring the whimsical fountains and sculptures scattered throughout the garden.
My tummy was beginning to rumble as I sought out the traditional boulangerie, for some fresh pastries – so scrumptious! The delightful aroma and crispy, golden pastries were almost overwhelming!
Wednesday:
I love Parisian art. After breakfast at a Parisian cafe, I headed to the Musée d’Orsay. As a passionate ballet enthusiast, I was especially enchanted by Edgar Degas’ iconic ballet dancers. His delicate, flowing lines truly capture the graceful beauty of this art form. Oh, I've got so many ideas now for my ballet routines...
In the afternoon, my love of fashion lead me to the famous Galeries Lafayette – a grand Parisian department store bursting with elegance. It's a world-renowned paradise for shopping, and a truly spectacular venue for both a casual visit and an indulgent shopping spree.
I ended my day with a breathtaking view of the city. I walked up the Sacre-Coeur Basilica, overlooking the city's panorama from the summit of Montmartre hill. It is a very special feeling seeing the cityscape lit up against the evening sky. Paris is an ethereal world at dusk - the perfect time for inspiration!
Thursday:
Oh la la! My Parisian trip wouldn't be complete without experiencing a world-renowned performance at the Palais Garnier - the heart of Parisian ballet!
This elegant, extravagant space has inspired so many creative souls, it is a place of magic and pure elegance. As soon as I stepped into this beautiful building, the energy filled the air and I could feel my creative juices flowing! And tonight, the performance did not disappoint! It was exquisite! Every detail – from the lighting to the costumes to the dancers - it all combined to make it an unforgettable ballet performance.
Afterwards, I treated myself to some souvenirs from a charming shop in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district - A pretty French notebook for my dance ideas, a new pair of ballet flats in an elegant, dusty pink colour (so stylish!) and some vintage lace to adorn my new pink tutus.
Friday:
I had the best Parisian morning, starting with a stroll through the enchanting streets of the Latin Quarter. Everything was in its own quaint little corner of Paris! So charming and elegant! There was also an abundance of flowers - Parisian women really do know how to express themselves through style.
After browsing through the captivating antique bookshops of Shakespeare & Company - I found a wonderful book by Madame Simone de Beauvoir about the strength and independence of women. She certainly got my message across about empowering feminine energy!
Lunch was a real treat at a local boulangerie. The buttery croissants, crusty bread and delicious coffee gave me just enough energy for my trip back home.
My return journey to England on the Eurostar was a time to relax, reminisce and recharge after an unforgettable week in Paris. I felt content and energised after my Parisian escapades - the city has always been a source of creativity for me, and this trip was no exception.
Remember: you can never be too glamorous!
Live life in pink tutus,
Emma x
www.pink-tutu.com
