#PinkTutuBlogParis - Saturday 2016-12-17 Exploring Paris

Hello darlings! It's Emma, back from a whirlwind trip to the City of Lights. It’s been a bit of a mad week, but you know me, I wouldn't miss a chance to twirl through Paris in my pink tutu! It's the magic of travel that truly ignites my soul. It was a joy to step off the EuroStar into the energy of Gare du Nord and just know that a truly fabulous weekend was unfolding. I’ve been a tutu-wearing, pink-loving, ballerina-in-training for as long as I can remember.

You might be wondering, how can a ballerina afford all these amazing trips? Well, let’s just say a certain derbyshire girl has a few secrets up her sleeve… The magic of performance fuels my wanderlust! I perform a few ballet numbers and voila, the funds to discover new cities magically appear! That’s the beauty of chasing your dreams, they all come together!

So, darling, let me spill all the pink tutu magic that was my Paris weekend, from glittering ballet shows to decadent Parisian pastries…

As soon as I stepped off the EuroStar, it felt like stepping into a glamorous French movie! My heart beat a little faster as the streets of Paris unfurled, full of the buzz and beauty only Paris can conjure up! My luggage wasn't exactly lightweight with my tutus tucked safely in, but the extra pounds were definitely worth it. The train ride, by the way, is truly one of my favourite parts of any journey. It's a chance to relax, plan my wardrobe and really indulge in that pre-trip excitement. This time, I chose to wear a sunshine-yellow tutu with my go-to Breton stripes for the ultimate Parisian flair!

After arriving at my little gem of a hotel (it was just a stone's throw from the Opera Garnier, and so romantic, a secret I will only share with you dear reader!), I had one crucial item on my to-do list: afternoon tea! I've been absolutely dying to try it in Paris. Imagine delicate tea sandwiches, exquisitely crafted macarons, all served with the charm of Parisian savoir-faire. It was très chic, indeed! The only problem? It left me with no time for the ballet shop on the Rue de la Paix. Next time!.

After indulging in the Parisian afternoon tea ritual, my day culminated in a true dream come true: The Opéra National de Paris. I secured the best seat in the house for a stunning performance of Giselle, and I was absolutely entranced. Seeing those graceful ballerinas, their tutus swirling across the stage, brought tears to my eyes (especially during the ghostly mad scene). That magic of performance…it’s simply everything to me! I left the opera, completely breathless, filled with the passion for my own art and a hunger for a good steak!

I discovered a lovely little restaurant down the road that served the most divine steak frites, cooked to perfection and perfectly seasoned, washed down with the finest French wine. I can't wait to return and try their dessert menu, but after my afternoon tea binge, I wasn’t even up for a nibble. I called it a night after an incredible Parisian debut.

Today was a day devoted to embracing my Parisian love of all things stylish! We're talking, of course, about shopping. Now, it might be a cliche to visit the department stores in Paris but, honey, nothing can compare to that sense of indulgence in those opulent surroundings. And it's not just about buying new things - it’s about inspiration! Every time I wander through a grand department store, I feel like I am on the set of a 1950s movie, I can picture a glamorous French woman floating through the perfume aisle or making her selection from the finest selection of gloves. It is simply divine.

The first stop? A Parisian institution. Galleries Lafayette. A building filled with the very essence of French fashion, it is truly inspiring. With its stunning dome and cascading architecture, it’s a masterpiece, just like my pink tutu collection!

Galleries Lafayette certainly did not disappoint. I fell in love with a beautiful pink tulle skirt and some dazzling crystal earrings – and of course I picked up a few souvenirs for myself (who doesn't love a Parisian trinket?) Now, you'll never guess my most magical discovery: a section of the store dedicated to everything ballerina! It was filled with everything from adorable pink tutus to shimmering sequined leotards, and even miniature tutus for my tiny doll. Needless to say, I had to do a little souvenir shopping for myself... because every ballerina needs her tutus!

After this stylish treat, we explored some of the charming side streets, seeking out Parisian fashion treasures tucked away in vintage boutiques. There is truly magic to be found when you follow the side streets in Paris - every turn is like a discovery! That day was filled with more than just new clothes, however. The warm glow of the Parisian sunset over the Seine and a perfect cup of coffee in a tiny cafe. You simply can’t recreate that magic!

A quick but wonderful breakfast at a local patisserie set the mood for our last day in Paris, with delicious croissants and strong coffee! The sweet treats from Paris really are another highlight for me. My inner sugar fairy certainly has to be a bit French!

Speaking of Paris, did you know that Paris has been famous for its dance for hundreds of years? I think they may be slightly biased to their city!

Paris is filled with world-class ballet performances, and I made sure to take advantage! My tutu wasn’t even unpacked from the bag for my visit to the Musée de l’Opéra. We're talking everything you can imagine: costumes, sets, history - it’s every ballerinas’ dream! It felt like stepping right back in time to witness the world of French ballet history. After the museum, we popped by a local bakery, a true Parisian institution that had the most beautiful selection of pain au chocolat and madeleines. I treated myself, of course!

The magic continued later that night, with a ballet performance. But not your typical one! This performance wasn’t at the opera - it was a street performance near our hotel! An incredible talent showing the world the magic of ballet on the steps of the church. You can bet I was in the front row, cheering my heart out in my favourite, shimmering pink tutu.

After a short but extraordinary weekend, I was heading back home. The train journey gave me a moment to reflect on my time in Paris. You know how I feel: it’s those moments of reflection that often tell the most potent stories.

The train ride was a blur of reflection. The sights, the smells, the laughter, all whirring around me as I sat gazing out at the fleeting scenery. It was just what my soul needed, and a fantastic end to an incredibly vibrant trip.

Until next time, Paris!

And remember darlings, it’s not just about wearing pink tutus - it’s about living your dreams, chasing your passions, and filling life with the energy of the color pink! It's a message of joy and empowerment that resonates with everyone! Let me know your stories, too - how do you embrace a little bit of magic in your own lives? Leave a comment below and join the pink tutu revolution! I read all your comments. You can also catch up with me on instagram where I am @pinktutuemma - you will see the tutus you’ve seen here on the blog and all of the photos. And don’t forget to check back next Saturday for a new adventure here on Pink Tutu! Au revoir and keep it pink, my darlings!

P.S: This weekend, the weather was absolutely delightful! Not too cold for the tulle and so perfect for dancing!