Bonjour mes amies! 🇫🇷💖
It's Emma here, reporting live from the City of Lights! After weeks of anticipation and planning, my train journey finally culminated in a dramatic arrival at Gare du Nord – I literally ran off the Eurostar like a ballet dancer executing a grand jeté!
I can't deny it – I absolutely adore travelling by train. It’s so much more romantic than flying, isn’t it? It’s like stepping back in time and, with all that scenery rushing past, it’s such a great way to let your mind wander. The gentle rhythmic clinking of the wheels is enough to lull you into a tranquil state. It’s perfect for daydreaming, for making plans, and of course, for a spot of serious people-watching!
My trip to Paris has been a long time coming. You know, a trip to Paris in a pink tutu just feels destined, like something out of a whimsical fairytale. My favourite ballet shoe store in Derbyshire has been closed for renovations this year so I thought I might as well treat myself to a much-needed change of scenery – and perhaps pick up a few things I couldn’t possibly live without!
Anyway, back to the journey – let me tell you, I felt like a ballerina from another era in my pink tutu, a voluminous pouf skirt the colour of blush roses, my head topped with a dazzlingly elegant crown of pink tulle. Naturally, I made sure to include a touch of classic elegance with a cherry-red beret and stylish black pumps. This was no ordinary journey – this was an Emma Pink Tutu moment. 😉
I know some of you might think travelling in a tutu is a little much, a little eccentric – maybe even a bit mad – but, well, what's life without a little flair? Honestly, who wants to spend their lives blending in with the crowd? I think the world is too dreary, too bland! We need more pink tutus and more moments that spark joy!
My plan for today was simple: take in the atmosphere, enjoy some delicious Parisian coffee and croissants (more on those later!), and find the perfect vintage ballet skirt to add to my growing collection.
The second I stepped off the Eurostar and onto the bustling Paris streets, the world felt… different! The air buzzed with a contagious energy. Everywhere I looked, there were people sipping cappuccinos and enjoying life, a constant stream of laughter, whispers, and chattering making the atmosphere both vibrant and somehow tranquil at the same time.
Now, for someone who loves fashion and design as much as I do, walking through Paris feels a bit like stepping into a masterpiece – and not just a typical Renaissance masterpiece either. This is a living, breathing piece of art, an ode to effortless elegance and fashion that feels timeless yet endlessly fresh and bold.
Even the streets of Paris feel incredibly fashionable, a perfect setting for a ballet performance, or, in this case, an afternoon spent waltzing in my own dreamy fairytale. There is something truly inspiring about the way Parisians just carry themselves – a confident air, a quiet confidence, that somehow manages to be chic, effortless and so incredibly chic. I definitely feel myself adopting a few tips – especially when it comes to choosing a fantastic baker boy hat. The ones here are gorgeous! My trip will be full of fabulous purchases!
Before I set out on my Parisian adventure, I decided to start with something a little traditional: a trip to the famous Place des Vosges. This iconic square, known for its beauty and elegant Parisian charm, is practically a museum unto itself. It's a square that looks like it belongs on a movie set – so glamorous! I simply had to snap some pictures. My beautiful pink tutu, against the cobblestones and architecture, was a picture perfect vision – the colour against the muted tones of the stone and the foliage is a sight to behold. You all will have to wait for those pictures! I’m planning on making an Instagram post a bit later!
As I sat enjoying a glass of apple juice and a warm, flaky croissant in a café by the square, I made some notes about all the fun things that are happening in Paris this week. For starters, there’s a beautiful production of The Nutcracker on at the Palais Garnier - the Opéra de Paris - with costumes, makeup and staging to absolutely die for! I may even snag a ticket and slip in a last-minute ballet class beforehand – a beautiful treat, after such an intense trip. The possibilities!
Of course, my adventure isn’t just about seeing shows. One of the highlights of my Paris adventures is Shopping! 👠👜
My plan is to saturate my senses, get lost in a kaleidoscope of vibrant colours, and hopefully come across some new vintage and ballet-themed treasures. Maybe I'll even try a few of those delicious pink macarons (they are almost the perfect pink, right?). Oh, I’m starting to get excited about the shopping possibilities already! I’ve heard so much about Le Marais, it has all sorts of quirky vintage clothing stores. The ideal hunting ground for unique items! Who knows what amazing vintage treasures I might find. I may have to write a separate blog post about it.
I’ll also be visiting Montmartre – and indulging in the wonderful atmosphere. Who knows, I might even try and paint with street performers on a Tuesday afternoon. That would be absolutely delightful! The energy around this area just seems to spark my creativity – which I will definitely try and bottle to share with you all! I’ve even read about an enchanting hidden garden! I think my tutu deserves a whirl through that charming area.
And last, but definitely not least, my trip to Paris wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral! (Though not quite as majestic now without its spire). But it is the centrepiece of Paris and even though the cathedral is being renovated it still manages to inspire awe and beauty. This is, after all, where Paris became a truly spiritual place for me - a pilgrimage of sorts!
For today though, my sweet tooth is starting to really kick in! I have a little bit of a weakness for patisseries – oh, and bakeries in general. I’ve already seen several pink pastel French macaron stores. The ones with the meringue that looks almost good enough to eat… I’m starting to crave them, it’s quite terrible! A walk around the streets will help. I know you guys will agree with me: Parisian patisseries are pretty magical places to discover – especially if you are an avid tutu enthusiast, as a girl needs a treat for all that hard work! 😉
Oh, and speaking of delicious treats… one thing I just HAVE to do, absolutely have to do, is find a local crêperie! The best crêpes in Paris? Oh, they just make my mouth water. 🤤
Now, the best way to start an amazing day of adventures? Well, that would be with a hot mug of café au lait and a freshly-baked pain au chocolat (not necessarily in that order – though I’m pretty partial to having both in my hand at the same time!). There’s something so enchanting about a warm cup of coffee and a decadent chocolate pastry on a crisp Parisian morning, just waiting for a magical day to unfold. I feel incredibly lucky! And maybe, just maybe, if I'm lucky enough, there will even be a fleur de sel caramel to top it off… what’s a girl got to do?!
So, as we close in on the end of this Paris blog, I've only got one more thing to add: remember to enjoy all the tiny moments that make life an adventure, my darlings!
Remember, I post these weekly – I can’t wait to share more adventures with you soon! 💖
Emma www.pink-tutu.com
