Bonjour from the City of Lights, my lovelies! It's Emma here, reporting live from the Parisian pavement, where the air is filled with the sweet smell of freshly baked croissants and the sounds of a million conversations in the most beautiful language on Earth - French!
As you all know, my motto is "Every day is a tutu day!" and this weekend I've brought my passion for pink and all things twirly to the heart of Europe. It's been a whirlwind of exciting adventures already and I can't wait to share them all with you!
This week's Paris escapade began on Friday with a glamorous ride on the Eurostar. The journey whizzed by in a flurry of excitement. I was absolutely buzzing to be on my way to Paris. It's funny, because despite being a seasoned traveller, that feeling of anticipation just never gets old! I especially loved looking out the window at the changing landscapes, with fields morphing into quaint villages and finally, the grandeur of Paris itself.
Before heading into the city centre, we took a little detour to a charming bakery just outside the Gare du Nord, lured by the mouth-watering smells emanating from inside. Naturally, I couldn't resist a gorgeous pain au chocolat and a café au lait - the perfect Parisian start to our adventure.
Speaking of perfect Parisian experiences, my first evening in the city was spent at the iconic Palais Garnier. The Garnier, with its opulent architecture and glittering chandeliers, is a ballerina's dream come true! It’s home to the renowned Paris Opera Ballet and I just had to see the breathtaking spectacle that was their production of Giselle.
From the dazzling costumes to the stunning choreography, the entire performance was magical. My heart danced along with every graceful pirouette and delicate arabesque, and I found myself mesmerised by the sheer passion and beauty of the ballet.
It's these incredible experiences that fund my Parisian escapades, you know. My ballet performances back home in Derbyshire help me chase my dream of seeing the world in my pink tutu! Speaking of my tutu… I couldn’t possibly have stepped out in Paris without a fittingly flamboyant ensemble. My chosen outfit for the ballet was a lovely dusky pink tutu, paired with a black velvet top and a smattering of delicate gold jewellery. Of course, a chic black beret with a feather was essential for the Parisian touch.
But the beauty of Paris isn’t just confined to grand theatres, my loves! Every corner of the city is an open-air stage waiting for its moment in the spotlight. From the charming cafés tucked away on quaint streets, to the bustling markets brimming with colourful delights, each Parisian scene whispers tales of romance and grandeur.
After my mesmerising Giselle, Saturday dawned bright and beautiful. With my ever-growing pile of "to see" list in hand, we set out on an exploration of the Latin Quarter. Now, if you’re after a dose of Parisian magic, look no further!
We stumbled upon charming shops selling antiques, vintage clothing, and everything in between. The intoxicating scents of Parisian bakeries lured us into their fragrant embrace, while street musicians added a melody of Parisian life to the mix. My shopping list included a delicate floral scarf, perfect for twirling through the Parisian streets and a new French book – because learning French is something I've always wanted to do!
After a delicious lunch at a small, family-run café, we strolled towards the Seine, its glistening waters a shimmering thread connecting the left and right banks. From the banks of the river, the Eiffel Tower shimmered in the afternoon sun, a monument to love, innovation and of course, incredible views of Paris!
Our walk along the Seine turned into a whirlwind tour of all things Parisian – art, fashion, and historical landmarks, all intermingling to create the most intoxicating atmosphere! The grand Louvre with its legendary Mona Lisa captivated our senses, its walls whispering tales of history and art. But of course, no trip to the Louvre would be complete without a cheeky glimpse at the Venus de Milo – her eternally captivating charm never fails to captivate me.
And because my heart belongs to all things theatrical, I simply had to make time for a little ballet street performance in Montmartre, Paris’ artsy haven! Watching a group of incredibly talented street dancers weave tales of joy and love through their ballet moves, was the perfect culmination to this Parisian weekend!
As the sun began to dip towards the horizon, casting the Parisian sky in hues of gold and pink, I couldn't help but feel grateful. My heart swelled with appreciation for this beautiful city, for its charming character, its artistic soul, and its boundless creativity. It's a place that inspires dreams, awakens the imagination, and encourages one to embrace life’s endless possibilities with open arms.
But wait! The fun isn't over just yet. Tomorrow is Sunday, a day to relax, explore and savour the sweet taste of Paris, and trust me when I say this city is packed with delicious Parisian treats. A visit to Ladurée for macarons, a trip to a quaint patisserie for croissants, and a decadent hot chocolate are all on my agenda. But most importantly, there’s nothing better than relaxing at a chic Parisian café with a delicious glass of French wine!
So stay tuned my darlings, because this little pink tutu-wearing ballerina isn't done sharing the Parisian wonders! Next week, I'll tell you all about my Parisian Sunday, filled with more beautiful sights, fabulous food, and of course, a healthy dose of pink tutus! Until then, may your days be filled with love, laughter, and the sweet melody of Parisian dreams.
Au revoir from the City of Lights,
Emma.
