Bonjour mes amis! It's Saturday again, and you know what that meansā¦ another Parisian adventure! This week, I'm so excited to share with you my first day in the City of Lights. Paris! It truly lives up to its name - it's just utterly dazzling, filled with romantic charm, breathtaking architecture and, of course, beautiful people sporting the most fabulous fashion. Oh, and did I mention, Paris is my absolute favourite place in the whole world!
As I wrote in my last blog, I decided to treat myself to a little Eurostar trip to the French capital. After months of grueling rehearsals for my summer ballet tour (the tour's just about wrapped up now, whew!), I finally managed to squeeze in some time for my annual dose of Paris. Of course, no trip to the Continent would be complete without donning my signature pink tutu! After all, a pink tutu makes any trip more fabulous. This time, it was a custom made fluffy pink creation, so delightful and just a little bit mischievous!
Paris by Eurostar:
I do love the train to Paris! Itās such a magical way to travel, particularly if you like to relax, unwind and enjoy a spot of people-watching. And, honestly, letās be honest, there are way too many people who think flying is glamourous ā but who wouldnāt rather just chillax in a first class carriage with champagne and pastries than be squished in a noisy airplane?! Honestly, just say āouiā to the train journey. Itās always an enjoyable journey across the channel and allows you to properly savour every second of the travel adventure!
After bidding farewell to dear Derbyshire, it was time to take my place in my first class seat on the Eurostar. I loved every minute! My first-class carriage had comfortable leather seats, unlimited champagne, lovely staff (everyone was so polite), and enough space for my ballet bag and my oh-so-pink and very fluffy suitcase. There was so much to see too, of course! Lush English fields flashed by as we sped toward the French countryside. After a quick croissant, and perhaps a cheeky glass of champers, I popped my headphones on, put on my favourite playlist, and fell into a book! Honestly, train travel makes the journey just as fun as the destination!
Oh La La! The Charm of Paris!
When we arrived in Paris Gare du Nord, I was overcome by that iconic Parisian feeling: it's so lively, vibrant and, dare I say it, glamorous! As I exited the station, the first thing I saw was a busker dressed in a full-length black velvet costume. He was playing a traditional accordion tune ā a beautiful, lilting tune, and there were a couple of dancing couples whoād stopped to enjoy the music, so lovely! Thereās just something about Paris that really just sets your spirit free, donāt you think?! My senses were overwhelmed: the scent of fresh croissants and blooming flowers, the symphony of French voices weaving a chorus of Parisian life. The feeling of possibility and endless excitement that vibrated through the air - it was simply exhilarating!
My First Parisian Stop - My Darling HĆ“tel De France!
My trusty pink tutu (because obviously) was with me every step of the way. Thereās nothing better than arriving in a city with a little touch of colour and femininity! Of course, there's the extra space to pack all my wonderful new outfits I always buy during my Parisian adventures, too! As soon as I checked into my adorable, quintessentially Parisian hotel (the Hotel de France on Rue du Faubourg Montmartre ā just a stone's throw from the Opera!), I ditched my ballet bag and unpacked all my sparkly, new accessories. I mean, who can resist a Parisian shopping spree?! (Itās simply criminal to be in Paris and not hit up some stores! Itās an offence to your very being!) Paris, to me, feels like an open stage for sartorial inspiration and self-expression. And of course, for a ballet dancer, a pink tutu is simply de rigeur.
A Stroll through the Romantic Marais
It was about time for lunch! My little ballet-filled stomach was quite literally rumbling like a grand piano, so I took a stroll to the romantic Marais, one of my all-time favourite places in Paris. It is absolutely teeming with boutiques, little artisan stores and charming cafes. The streets are cobbled, with flowers in bloom, little signs advertising cafes, restaurants and vintage shops all adding to the enchanting and dreamy ambiance! I ended up settling on a quaint, rustic cafe on Place des Vosges for my meal ā I simply could not resist the charm and atmosphere!
My Delicious Paris Lunch
And did I tell you about the most delicious lunch?! I indulged in a steaming bowl of the most delicious onion soup - a thick, golden, perfectly brothy bowl, overflowing with caramelised onions and cheesy goodness, all perfectly presented in a traditional stoneware bowl, which just added to the ambiance. Of course, this was followed by a croissant which, as we all know, is simply obligatory when youāre in France! Honestly, I ate so much deliciousness, I could practically feel the calories dancing inside! Itās moments like these when my dance training comes in so handyā¦ haha. But thatās Parisian life for you! Youāre just so completely surrounded by rich, flavorful food, that I simply have to make the most of it. Donāt judge my slightly expanded waistline - this was the Parisian experience!
Catching the Ballet Show at the Palais Garnier
And then it was show time, literally! Every trip to Paris for me must include an incredible ballet performance, because who doesnāt love a magical night at the Palais Garnier?! And thatās where I headed for the evening, dressed to the nines, of course. The Palais Garnier - with its beautiful golden architecture, chandeliers, and history ā it is simply exquisite! Itās the perfect setting for an amazing night at the ballet. For my Paris adventure, I was fortunate to see a performance of āGiselleā, a classic romantic ballet. It was exquisite - Iād even say that the performance was sublime! Oh, the joy! It was an experience to savor!
A Farewell Kiss from Paris
And then, after my lovely little Parisian day, I settled back in my hotel room. Exhausted but with a heart full of magic and delight. Paris never fails to deliver on its promise of beauty and wonder. I honestly had the most perfect Parisian day! It was everything I dreamt it would be - filled with culture, fun, food and fashion. And who can argue with a pink tutu! You could say, this pink tutu was in complete awe! I already can't wait to come back and explore the beautiful sights of Paris again!
So, stay tuned for next weekās Parisian adventures - I have a whole schedule of fun activities planned: more shopping (obviously!), and a delicious dinner with the girls - we're all going to wear pink tutus, so itās sure to be a pink extravaganza! Plus, we'll also take a trip to the Louvre to take in the art! But for now, a la prochaine from the City of Lights.
Emma xxx
P.S. Do you have a favorite Parisian memory? What's your favourite ballet performance? Do share with me in the comments!
