#PinkTutuBlogParis - Saturday 2016-08-27 Exploring Paris

Bonjour mes amis!

This is going to be a big one! Buckle up, because today's post is going to be filled to the brim with Parisian sparkle, Parisian chic, and… you guessed it, PINK TUTUS! It’s been a whirlwind week, and I am positively buzzing with excitement. From the moment I stepped off the EuroStar at Gare du Nord, my senses have been on overdrive, soaking up the sights, sounds, and energy of the City of Lights. I've got so much to share!

I'm here to spread some serious tutu-love, of course!

I know, you're probably thinking “Emma, seriously, you brought a tutu to Paris?” But let's be real - my tutu is my signature, my little pink mascot that follows me on every adventure! I figured, if it's good enough for the Bolshoi, it's good enough for the streets of Paris, right? Besides, what's a Parisian weekend without a splash of vibrant colour?

This trip was planned to the last detail - or so I thought! Remember, this little tutu ballerina lives for the spontaneous! A few unexpected turns of events brought a new level of excitement to my itinerary. I landed a dream gig this week - a private performance for a Parisian art collector! I don’t usually give away secrets, but, this one is all about ballerinas…and you won’t believe it – tutus are very much encouraged. Talk about your Parisian fantasy!

Every ballerina has a bucket list. And right at the top, in big pink sparkly letters, you'll find “dancing at the Palais Garnier.” This iconic building has been the heart of Parisian opera and ballet for almost 150 years. Just standing in its foyer, let alone taking in the magnificence of the Grand Staircase, took my breath away!

The performance? It was… well, let's just say, words can't capture the elegance, grace, and sheer power of the performance. Imagine a kaleidoscope of swirling costumes, a sea of pink tutus and diamond tiaras, and music that swept you off your feet. It's the kind of spectacle you only experience once in a lifetime, a memory etched into your soul!

One can’t be in Paris without spending an afternoon browsing the city's stunning galleries. Honestly, I spent the morning completely immersed in a world of Parisian couture. A whole world of designers have just taken their fashion week to the next level. It felt as though I was wandering through a fashion show - and who needs runway when you can stroll through the streets?

Of course, a tutu girl's trip to Paris can't be complete without finding some pretty pastel hues. I ended up walking for miles, mesmerized by the intricate window displays, soaking up all the Parisian street-style inspiration. It seems every little cafe had an Instagram-worthy facade, with its little wicker chairs and tables covered in floral prints. Seriously, every corner in this city seems to ooze with effortless chic. I had to fight the urge to take photos every five steps.

The cobbled streets of Montmartre are pure magic, especially when bathed in the golden light of a Parisian evening. The bohemian energy of the neighbourhood is truly captivating, the streets lined with artist studios, quaint cafes, and a thousand charming corners waiting to be explored. The views from Sacré-Cœur basilica are breathtaking! Honestly, they made me feel as though I was on top of the world - all decked out in my signature tutu, no less!

I found a tucked-away little bookstore overflowing with first editions, a delightful old antique shop crammed with treasures, and a vibrant art market, teeming with local artists displaying their masterpieces. Honestly, you’d be hard pressed to find a place more creative or a little more ‘tu-tu’ than Montmartre!

For a girl who loves pink and pretty things as much as I do, nothing compares to a good Parisian pastry. So of course, a morning coffee and a croissant became a ritual! I discovered the most divine little boulangerie, nestled in the heart of the Latin Quarter, that just felt straight out of a French fairytale. A wall of golden-brown croissants was begging me to indulge! Oh, and those pain au chocolat – simply heavenly!

You’ve probably guessed by now that, it is a struggle to avoid having all-pink themed snacks in a place like Paris. My pink macaron moment happened on rue de la Paix, just outside one of the most stunning designer shops. Let’s just say, it was all quite fittingly, very chic and the moment lived up to its hype.

Okay, so you’ve heard me rave about Parisian galleries and fashion boutiques and patisseries and, well… pretty much everything Parisian. The thing about Paris is, it just knows how to embrace the simple joys of life. From the romantic walks along the Seine to the cozy, Parisian cafés that come alive with laughter, to those perfectly presented pastries – it's the kind of place that fills your heart with joy. And who needs to worry about “doing” it right, when you’re embraced in an atmosphere of embracing every nuance?

You guys are seeing this all in the pink - well, this tutu-wearing gal from Derbyshire, is taking the magic of Paris straight back to England and beyond! My heart is overflowing, but it’s going to take a lot of coffee (or pink macarons!) to come down from my Parisian high. Until next Saturday, my lovely lot, keep the pink tutu spirit alive.

And, please - do let me know what YOU think of my Pink Tutu travels to Paris. The more the merrier!

À bientôt!

Emma xo