Bonjour mes amies!
The Eurostar whizzed me into Paris this week, and as the train pulled into the Gare du Nord, I could practically feel the city's vibrant energy radiating towards me. My heart did a little pirouette – this was going to be good! And of course, I was decked out in my trusty pink tutu, ready to add a touch of ballerina sparkle to the Parisian streets.
This trip was a double dose of ballet bliss, combining my love for performances with the thrill of exploring the French capital. It's so exciting to finally be back in this iconic city after a bit of a hiatus! The first stop on my Parisian escapade was the Paris Opera Garnier, which just happens to be one of the most stunning opera houses in the world. The grand architecture, the intricate chandeliers, the sheer beauty of it all left me speechless! It felt like stepping into a fairytale, complete with a sprinkle of magic dust.
Luckily, I'd snagged tickets to see a truly exceptional performance – “La Bayadère”, a romantic ballet that swept me away with its dramatic storytelling, breathtaking choreography, and of course, the dazzling costumes! My favourite scene was the “Kingdom of the Shades,” where the dancers’ ethereal movements, combined with the dramatic lighting and shimmering fabrics, made for a truly unforgettable spectacle. It's amazing how ballet can convey so much emotion and narrative just through movement!
Following the ballet, I took a spin through the Parisian streets, and of course, the Eiffel Tower had to be a part of my itinerary! I know, I know, cliché! But you simply can’t visit Paris without marvelling at this iconic monument, right? As the sun began its slow descent, casting the city in a golden glow, I ascended to the top of the tower and enjoyed the most magical panoramic views – Paris looked like it was twinkling beneath a veil of twinkling lights! The Eiffel Tower never fails to impress!
Next, I ventured into the chic neighbourhood of Saint-Germain-des-Prés to do a little browsing in the Bouquinistes along the Seine River. It's like a charming open-air book market with hundreds of booksellers displaying their wares in colourful stalls along the riverside! This is definitely my favourite way to explore a new city – browsing through secondhand books can tell you so much about the local culture and history. And yes, I found a beautiful vintage book with an embossed cover depicting ballerinas!
Dinner was all about “La Cuisine Française”, so naturally, I treated myself to a decadent meal at La Maison Lameloise which is one of the best restaurants in Paris and definitely deserves a spot on any foodie’s must-visit list. They have a three Michelin star rating which really speaks for itself! After that delicious meal, I took a walk through the city, savouring the charming cafes, the stunning architecture, the street performers, the scent of freshly baked bread – Paris was truly a feast for the senses!
The next day, it was time for a bit of shopping! My favourite Parisian boutiques are just too tempting, and I confess, I just couldn't resist popping into the beautiful Balmain store. I fell in love with their latest collection of stylish evening wear - such amazing, bold designs! Who knows, maybe I'll rock a pink tutu to one of my next ballet events! And then, of course, I had to pop into the legendary Galeries Lafayette where they had this fantastic exhibition of fashion illustrations. This reminded me that Paris has always been a fashion icon!
My trip culminated in a truly special experience – I attended a captivating ballet class at École de Danse de Paris. The teachers were passionate, the students were talented, and the studio was brimming with energy! This class had an uplifting feel – it was a joy to be a part of!
One of my favourite things about Paris is the way it blends old and new. It's a city steeped in history but at the same time, it’s a vibrant hub of creativity and modernism. It’s this blend that really inspires me – and maybe encourages the little girl in me to embrace the world of dance and pink tutus with open arms!
Paris always seems to hold a special place in my heart – the city has a magic and glamour that’s unlike anything else!
And to you, my lovely readers, I challenge you to embrace your inner ballerina, find your own personal style, and express yourself with passion and confidence. I'll keep inspiring you to dance with the world and sprinkle your lives with a little bit of pink tutu magic.
Until next Saturday, my lovelies, may your days be filled with beauty, grace, and the joy of dancing.
Bisous, Emma 💕
