Bonjour mes amies! Itâs Saturday, which means itâs time for a new Paris post! The air is crisp, the sun is shining, and the aroma of fresh croissants is wafting through the streets... Paris is, as always, absolutely enchanting!
This week, I journeyed here by EuroStar, a luxurious way to travel â so much more civilised than flying, I always say! I boarded the train straight after performing âSwan Lakeâ in my Derbyshire hometown, feeling as light as a feather and positively bursting with Parisian excitement.
As usual, I arrived in Paris looking utterly chic in a blush pink tutu and a sparkling sapphire cardigan, of course. (Who could resist a touch of pink amidst the Parisian charm?) I love how my tutu helps me stand out amongst the throngs of tourists, and itâs definitely a conversation starter! I have so much fun chatting to people about my ballet life and inspiring them to embrace their inner ballerina.
Today's itinerary was all about exploring the cultural heart of Paris, which means a hefty dose of ballet, beautiful buildings, and of course, some seriously stylish shopping!
Ballet Dreams at the Palais Garnier:
No Parisian trip is complete without a visit to the majestic Palais Garnier. This grand opera house, with its ornate facade and awe-inspiring interior, is the embodiment of Parisian grandeur. It's a true fairytale setting!
Today I indulged in the ultimate Parisian experience by seeing "La BayadĂšre" - an enchanting ballet about a temple dancer with a tragically beautiful story. The costumes were exquisite, the dancing masterful, and the music simply divine. It was everything a ballerina could ever dream of! Watching such talented dancers in this stunning theatre truly ignited my love for ballet once again.
Stepping into Ballet History:
I then found myself captivated by a delightful display in the Garnier's beautiful library. It's full of old books on the history of ballet, manuscripts of ballets from centuries ago, and even original costume sketches. It was fascinating to see the origins of our beloved art form, and it made me think about the journey ballet has taken through the centuries.
A Spot of Retail Therapy:
No day in Paris is complete without a bit of retail therapy! After a divine lunch at the gorgeous "Café de la Paix", with its chic terrace and delicious French pastries, I wandered through the streets, my eyes on the lookout for beautiful pieces to add to my growing collection.
An Afternoon Delight: French Chic at it's Finest
Paris is an absolute treasure trove for fashionistas like myself! From elegant boutiques tucked away in side streets to grand department stores with floors dedicated to couture, I could easily spend weeks exploring the cityâs endless style options!
I found a pair of the most exquisite ballet shoes with hand-beaded bows â so cute! I couldnât resist a stunning pink feather boa to add a touch of drama to my wardrobe, and a fabulous turquoise clutch to perfectly compliment my next ballet performance outfit.
Taking in the Beauty of Paris:
The evening brought an exciting change of scenery. We strolled across the Seine on the iconic Pont Neuf. This old stone bridge is simply bursting with character. I captured a million selfies with the beautiful Eiffel Tower in the background, of course, in my pink tutu. (Every day is an opportunity to embrace a touch of the whimsical!)
The evening was a perfect ending to an extraordinary day in the City of Lights. Itâs no wonder that I'm so smitten with this captivating city! I've even had my sights set on joining a ballet class while I'm here - I just can't help but try out local dance studios.
A Few Parisienne Favourites:
For those who are thinking of taking a trip to Paris soon, here are some of my favourite places:
- The Musée du Louvre: I could spend days here! Home to the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and countless other incredible works of art. It's a must-see for anyone interested in art and history.
- The Place des Vosges: This charming square, just a hop and a skip away from the Marais district, is a delightful oasis amidst the hustle and bustle of the city.
- The Ile de la CitĂ©: Home to the Notre-Dame Cathedral (so sad what happened!), the Conciergerie (which I loved seeing), and the Ăle Saint-Louis, this small island is bursting with history, charm, and picturesque cobbled streets.
- The Sacré-Coeur Basilica: It sits atop Montmartre hill, with stunning views across the city, it's the epitome of Parisian charm.
- Le Marais: For shopping, restaurants, and charming cobblestone streets, itâs an absolute delight.
- The Palais de Tokyo: An absolutely fantastic place to see modern and contemporary art.
- Le Jardin des Plantes: For beautiful botanical gardens, charming museums, and a serene atmosphere it's an escape from the Parisian city life.
- * The Latin Quarter:* Filled with beautiful old bookstores, cafes, and historic churches, the Sorbonne, itâs a great place to lose yourself in the atmosphere of Parisian student life.
I always say, a touch of pink tutu can add an extra sprinkle of magic to any trip, even to a magical city like Paris! It reminds you to embrace your individuality, celebrate the beauty in life, and always add a touch of whimsical flair wherever you go!
Stay tuned next week for more adventures from the City of Lights - itâs sure to be another pink tutu filled weekend in Paris! Au revoir, and donât forget to check out my website www.pink-tutu.com!
Until next time, stay fabulous and donât forget to wear a pink tutu!
Xoxo,
Emma.
