Bonjour mes chères lectrices! It's Saturday again, which means it's time for another Pink Tutu Blog post! I'm so excited to be writing to you all from the most magical city in the world - Paris! I know, I know, you've probably all heard it before, but honestly, Paris just does something to your soul. It's like stepping into a fairytale, full of charm, romance, and of course, impeccable style.
This week I decided to take a little break from my Derbyshire ballet schedule and whisk myself away to the City of Lights on the EuroStar. I love travelling by train, especially in Europe. It's so romantic, and a great way to see the countryside whizzing by.
Speaking of romance, Paris just radiates it! From the charming cobbled streets to the beautiful architecture, the entire city just whispers sweet nothings.
But it’s not just romance that makes Paris so wonderful, it’s also the incredible culture, art, fashion and… well… more romance! There’s something for everyone in this city!
Of course, as a tutu-loving ballerina, my heart is always drawn to the beautiful world of ballet. I’m currently in Paris to see the legendary "Swan Lake" at the Palais Garnier - yes, the famous opera house where "Phantom of the Opera" is set! I simply couldn't miss it. The story, the music, the costumes... oh my, just magical!
Before the ballet, I had the absolute pleasure of taking a class at a ballet school in the Latin Quarter. It was like being in a film - beautiful sunshine streaming through the windows, the sound of the piano playing, and of course, my fellow students gracefully leaping and twirling across the floor.
While I'm here in Paris, I’m determined to find the perfect tutu for my trip. The last thing I want is to be a "plain Jane" in a sea of Parisian chic! My mission is to find something utterly pink and oh-so-fabulous. Of course, this mission may be slightly harder with the current French yellow vest protests... but I will be as adventurous and courageous as I can. I'm hoping to find some incredible boutiques hidden amongst the city's secret corners, full of Parisian vintage charm and stunning accessories.
In my usual pink tutu blog fashion, I’ve been documenting my entire Parisian escapade with snaps that I'll be sharing throughout the week on Instagram and Twitter - make sure to follow me @PinkTutuBlog!
One of my favourite things to do is to wander through the streets of Paris, stopping in small cafes for coffee and pastries, observing the elegant Parisians strolling by and feeling completely lost in the charm of it all.
But don't worry, it's not all Parisian daydreams and fluffy pastries. Tonight I’m catching a cabaret show. This is something I’ve always wanted to see! I have a sneaky suspicion it might involve a few too many feather boas and glitter. (The pink tutu and I are, naturally, prepared for any glittery, glamorous surprises!).
Paris is a place where dreams come true. So let's see if mine come true too...
For the remainder of this post, I'll share a detailed daily breakdown of my Parisian adventures, with tips on where to go and what to see, because why should you just enjoy a good time on your own?! You should be able to do the same! I also need to show you a little bit about my favourite pink finds so far.
But remember, you know the drill: grab a glass of bubbly, put on your best pink outfit, and get ready to join me on my Parisian adventure.
Here's what's going on in my pink tutu this week:
Day One: Friday - Bonjour, Paris!
- After a quick train journey and the delightful chaos of finding a taxi through the throng of yellow-vested protestors, I finally arrived at my charming Parisian apartment. My heart fluttered as I glimpsed the Eiffel Tower shimmering in the distance. The view from my window was incredible!
- First stop? The infamous Palais Garnier! This building was even more spectacular in person!
- Later that evening, a beautiful bistro on a little cobbled street. (Don't worry - it was full of croissants, which, of course, I ate. There's always room for croissants!)
- It was the perfect end to the day. It felt like a real Paris dream.
Day Two: Saturday - Swan Lake & Coffee
- The ballet! I just don’t know how to even describe how amazing the performance of "Swan Lake" was at the Palais Garnier. The choreography was breathtaking, and the dancers were so talented and graceful. The costumes, too… I felt like I’d stepped back in time.
- My feet were killing me, so I indulged in a relaxing afternoon sipping coffee and browsing some Parisian shops for a bit of fashion inspiration.
Day Three: Sunday - Cabaret and Shopping Spree!
- Tonight is the big night for the cabaret show. I have been waiting to see it for ages!
- The energy was so high, the performers so captivating. You could really feel the French spirit!
Day Four: Monday - Montmartre & Ballet Class!
- Monmartre was just magical! It really did feel like a place where artists' dreams came true! The views from Sacré-Cœur Basilica were incredible. It really is one of the most beautiful spots in the city.
- And the highlight of the day: a fantastic ballet class in the Latin Quarter. I met some incredibly talented students - my feet were aching, but it was a great workout.
- A nice pastry treat afterwards was a must to celebrate my class success!
Day Five: Tuesday - Finding the Perfect Pink Tutu
- Today was a tutu-ful shopping day, dedicated to the mission of finding the perfect pink Parisian tutu. And guess what? I finally found it! I am going to save it as a little surprise for when we get back to Derbyshire. You’ll have to wait for my next post to see how I look in it.
Day Six: Wednesday - Parisian Markets
- Today's adventure took me to one of Paris’ bustling outdoor markets. This is the best place to experience the true culture and lifestyle of Parisian people! It was so much fun trying all of the food, and just absorbing the unique atmosphere.
Day Seven: Thursday - Relaxing at My Favourite Cafe
- Paris has many amazing cafés, but I had found a small, sweet little one. And the perfect coffee! (Actually, if I’m being honest, it’s a place I’m going to start returning to daily from now on - not every day for the rest of my life... but for this trip!)
- What is Paris without a few good hours at a lovely café to watch the world go by? It was so relaxed, and just a lovely way to reflect on my week!
Travel Tips for Pink Tutu Lovers!
Okay, I'm gonna confess, you all deserve a bit more for the "Pink Tutu Blog" - it’s time to share my Paris tips! Because as a true pink tutu aficionado, you know what matters - what to wear and where to go!
Pack Pink! Of course, as the Pink Tutu Queen, you should never be caught dead without pink! In fact, it’s a bit of a travel must for me. Pack a whole range of pink hues, from blush pink to fuchsia, and don't forget pink accessories like scarves, handbags, and shoes! Paris is definitely the city for showcasing your pink-tastic style.
Train Travel Glamour! A quick note on my favorite type of travel! If you’re planning a trip to Paris, the EuroStar is an absolute dream. Comfortable, quick, and even a bit glamorous! You can take a nice relaxing ride through the beautiful English countryside before finding yourself in Paris’ iconic Gare du Nord.
Cabaret Dreamland! Paris is absolutely full of fabulous cabaret shows! I recommend making your bookings well in advance as places tend to fill up fast. My personal favorite was... Well, I can’t tell you just yet - it'll be a bit of a secret till next week. The show had all the drama, glitz, and sparkle you could ever imagine.
The Tutu-Loving Ballet Experience! Okay, if you’re a fellow ballet fan, you'll want to put this on your list. You HAVE to experience "Swan Lake" at the Palais Garnier. This is a true Parisian experience and a real dream come true. While I was in the city, I also loved attending a class at a ballet school. I definitely recommend doing this, even if it's just for fun. It was so invigorating, and it’s an incredible opportunity to learn more about the beauty of ballet!
Wander Through Charming Parisian Boutiques! This is a personal must. Just wandering through Paris' small independent shops is like stepping into a vintage magazine! They're full of adorable clothes, beautiful home decor, and so much more. Make sure to take some time to lose yourself in those little shops, especially if you're looking for unique, quirky treasures.
Let Yourself Be Captivated by Montmartre Montmartre is absolutely enchanting. Whether it's admiring the street performers, visiting the charming artists' studios, or exploring the Sacré-Coeur Basilica, there's magic in every corner. Take a picnic and relax with the locals. Montmartre is one of those places where you want to soak in every second.
Parisian Market Delites No trip to Paris is complete without visiting a Parisian market. Be prepared to be amazed by the freshest produce, delectable baked goods, and some serious people watching! It's a wonderful way to mingle with locals, sample a wide variety of authentic French food, and pick up some unique gifts.
Indulge in Parisian Coffee and Pastries! Oh, I have to be honest, coffee and pastry is my weakness in Paris - the delicious scent always manages to pull me into every charming bakery I walk by. If you find a bakery with its doors wide open and the aromas wafting into the street… you know you need to go in for a taste of true Parisian luxury!
Time To Get Back to Derbyshire
It's already time to head back to Derbyshire, but Paris has left me feeling absolutely inspired and ready for my next ballet performance back home! And I've already started dreaming up the perfect pink tutu costume for my next trip... a girl's gotta plan!
Until next week, remember: life is a performance, so get out there and dance your heart out! Don't forget to check out my Instagram and Twitter for more photos of my pink tutu Parisian adventure! I hope you have all enjoyed my blog this week!
Bisous,
Emma
xxx
