Bonjour mes chéris!
This Saturday, my Paris adventures reached new heights of tutu-tastic brilliance!
As you all know, Iâm utterly obsessed with the city of lights, but it always feels extra special when I get to experience it in springtime. Paris just radiates a joyfulness in April that I find irresistible. Plus, I finally managed to convince my favourite ballet teacher, Madame Chantal, to join me for a weekend trip - the highlight of my year, let me tell you!
But letâs start at the beginning...
A EuroStar WhirlwindThis week's journey was a blur of excitement as I dashed through Derby Station. The platform felt electric with the energy of fellow travellers. I swear, there was a symphony of chattering voices, rolling luggage and "All Aboard" calls in the air - all perfectly orchestrated by the railway gods!
Iâd actually forgotten how much I adore EuroStar travel. That elegant burgundy carriage interior, the view of the countryside whipping past, and that oh-so-perfectly chilled glass of French bubbly... It really is the epitome of glamorous train travel.
My journey was even more exciting because I was travelling with Madame Chantal. Imagine, this queen of the dance world sharing her expertise and, most importantly, indulging in a healthy dose of âPink Tutu Parisâ shenanigans! Her Parisian outfit - a perfectly tailored grey tweed suit, a pair of impossibly stylish silver shoes, and a smattering of charming pearl earrings - really complimented my own fabulous pink tutu, adorned with silk ribbons and sparkly sequins. It's almost as if we were a modern-day rendition of a ballet duet!
The journey was a blur of laughter, chatter, and, of course, the all-important Instagram stories documenting the adventure. You can see them on my @PinkTutuBlogParis profile, if you haven't already!
Parisian Promenade & Fashions GaloreOur Parisian arrival was an experience to behold! As soon as the sleek train rolled into the station, the French city swept us up in its chaotic beauty. Taxis beeped their horns, tourists bustled through the streets, and a tantalizing aroma of pastries filled the air. Oh, I just adore Paris!
Of course, we began our trip with a bit of essential Parisian indulgence: pastries, coffee, and a pitstop at a charming boulangerie nestled just around the corner from our hotel. Afterward, we headed to my favourite place in Paris - Galeries Lafayette! The department store was absolutely bustling with life! There were stunning displays of fashion and cosmetics, beautifully curated and artfully arranged. I particularly loved the display of delicate lingerie. Oh, the silk and lace - truly the stuff of dreams! We took our time browsing through the various floors - I had to snag myself a new blush-coloured dress and Madame Chantal bought herself a sophisticated pair of pearl earrings.
We even saw a gorgeous display of shoes with feathers, oh, how I love feathers - so elegant! But I've decided to save those for my birthday outfit. A girl needs a bit of whimsy! Speaking of whimsy, the window displays with the flower arrangements - oh, they were pure enchantment! Even Madame Chantal, usually very calm and collected, let out a delighted gasp when she saw them. I have a feeling we both will be adding a new Parisian floristry workshop to our wish list!
Ballet & Afternoon TeaOn the agenda for the rest of the afternoon was a ballet show - always a treat for any true ballerina! Today we were enjoying âLe Lac des Cygnes" at the OpĂ©ra Garnier. This magnificent opera house, with its ornate architecture and vibrant dĂ©cor, really is a sight to behold! Even the ticket hall was impressive!
The performance itself was truly spectacular. I had never seen âSwan Lakeâ performed with so much grace and artistry. The dancers flowed across the stage with exquisite control, telling the tale with every step and gesture. I almost wanted to leap onto the stage myself! Madame Chantal couldn't help but admire the elegance of the dancers. She was whispering little snippets of technical ballet information under her breath, a sign that even she, the queen of ballet, couldn't help but feel enthralled.
The ballet truly was the perfect ending to an afternoon full of Parisâ unique delights, and, of course, we capped it off with a delightful afternoon tea at the elegant Le Salon des ThĂ©s - one of my favourite tea rooms in Paris. Imagine delicate finger sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream and jam, and delicious pastries! I indulged in a scrumptious strawberry cake and enjoyed a steaming cup of herbal tea with a pinch of honey. The teapot even had a beautiful porcelain cover and it was beautifully set out on a little cake stand with my own little teapot.
Madame Chantal and I were enjoying a truly decadent treat â all washed down with a lovely French wine. You know what they say, sometimes a girl needs a little Parisian indulgence, donât you agree?
A French FĂȘte: Parisian CharmOur final stop on this fantastically fun and Parisian-filled day was a bustling local fĂȘte - Iâd discovered this tucked away gem just off the Champs-Elysees! The entire street was buzzing with an irresistible festive energy. We watched children on a carousel - one child even managed to snag a ride with a big, fuzzy purple unicorn! I got a glimpse of Madame Chantalâs cheeky smile â maybe it was just the thought of me getting to ride a unicorn next time!
A delicious waft of crĂȘpes and the melodies of a local accordion player filled the air, inviting us to savour the sweetness of a Parisian night. We both indulged in a couple of tasty, savoury crĂȘpes - topped with melted cheese, onions, and crispy bacon - an oh-so-delicious Parisian staple! The accordion music drew us to a group of local residents who were twirling and swaying together - a lovely, authentic glimpse of local Parisian life. We watched a few locals in elegant, silky outfits perform graceful waltz steps as other families, friends, and even tourists alike, cheered them on. It felt like a scene right out of a fairytale!
For me, this little festivity summed up Paris perfectly! This joyous mix of vibrant colours, delightful music, delicious treats, and friendly faces is the essence of Parisian magic.
Onward to New Adventures!Our little Parisian escape has already been filled with laughter, love, and memories that will stay with me forever. However, the journey isnât over yet - this weekend's Parisian adventure is just beginning! Next, we plan to delve into the Parisian art world â we will explore the Louvreâs collection of Impressionists. After that, I am on the lookout for the ultimate souvenir - maybe a gorgeous antique tutu! I'll keep you updated with all the highlights of this wonderful, and very pink, Paris escapade!
Until then, embrace the joy of fashion, dancing, and the irresistible magic of Paris!
See you soon,
Emma xxx
