Bonjour, mes amies! Emma here, ready to whisk you away on a pink-hued journey through the magical city of Paris. It's Saturday, the 23rd of June 2018, and the sunshine is as bright and cheerful as my latest tulle confection! This week, I'm leaving the cobbled streets of Derbyshire behind and stepping into the elegant boulevards of Paris, thanks to a thrilling Eurostar trip and my ever-reliable, tutu-filled suitcase.
As always, my Parisian adventures are funded by my ballet performances, and I'm so grateful for the joy and grace my dancing brings. My latest repertoire features a particularly stunning pas de deux, and the audience seemed to float away on a cloud of pure delight. Such moments fill my heart with the inspiration to create even more captivating blog posts and to spread the pink-tutu joy to every corner of the globe.
The Eurostar journey was a perfect start to this Parisian adventure. I love the elegance of a train journey - the anticipation of arriving at your destination, the rhythm of the wheels on the tracks, and the perfect excuse to indulge in a steaming cup of tea and a good book (mine was a delightful French novel about a young ballerina who finds her place in the world - perfect for this pink-tutu-clad dreamer!). It's like stepping into a scene from a classic film, full of charming accents and delicious croissants (the only French pastries I truly trust are bought directly from Parisian bakeries!)
Stepping off the train in Gare du Nord was like being swept up in a whirlwind of colours and scents. Paris never fails to impress with its breathtaking beauty - the grandeur of the architecture, the intricate detail in every corner, and of course, the iconic Eiffel Tower standing tall and proud. It's a city that celebrates both grandeur and whimsy - a delightful mix that perfectly reflects the joy and magic of dance.
First on my list - shopping, naturellement! As a ballet devotee, you'll find me lingering in the grand boutiques along Avenue Montaigne, and indulging in the exquisitely crafted Parisian lingerie shops. Today's outfit is a soft blush tulle tutu, layered over a whisper-thin silk slip dress and topped off with a playful, wide-brimmed straw hat adorned with a silk pink ribbon. It's a classic Parisian chic with a playful twist – just the way I like it! This weekend I'm searching for a new pair of ballet flats to pair with my new vintage-inspired pink dress (because a ballerina can never have too many shoes!), a chic new hat for strolling through the gardens of Luxembourg, and of course, a dazzling, pink-toned Parisian perfume to encapsulate this unforgettable weekend.
Paris in June is simply magical. The air is filled with the sound of street musicians and laughter, and the parks are blooming with a thousand different shades of roses. The City of Lights lives up to its name with twinkling lanterns that guide you along romantic alleyways, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
My first evening in Paris began with a traditional French dinner at a charming bistro nestled away in a side street. The aroma of fresh herbs and baked bread wafted through the air as I sat on a checkered tablecloth, enjoying a hearty meal of coq au vin and the best baguette I've ever tasted. After a delectable apple tarte, I was ready for an evening at the Théâtre du Châtelet, where I was captivated by a ballet performance of 'The Nutcracker'. It was pure ballet bliss.
Every performance in Paris holds a special charm, even when you see it in a language you don't speak. The audience’s enthralled whispers and bursts of applause made it clear that this timeless tale of a young girl and a magical journey through the land of sweets never fails to move the heart. After the curtain call, I felt like I could truly fly.
This weekend, I’m planning a morning trip to the famous Marais district, where the vintage shops beckon me with promises of antique tutus and playful treasures. In the afternoon, I’m indulging in a truly decadent French lunch – a steaming bowl of French onion soup and a generous helping of classic crêpes with Nutella. What better way to celebrate a day in Paris?
This evening, I'm going to explore the beauty of Montmartre and the breathtaking view from Sacré-Cœur. And I'm planning a final treat at the iconic Palais Garnier – the home of the Paris Opera and a venue for exquisite performances that leaves every ballerina in awe. Parisian magic is just around the corner!
If you're looking to escape the everyday, pack your pink tutus, book a train ticket, and come join me on a whirlwind waltz through the enchanting city of Paris.
A bientot, mes amies,
Emma xoxo
www.pink-tutu.com
