Bonjour mes amies!
Well, here I am again, back in the city of love! It's Christmas Eve and the air is crisp and sparkly with anticipation. Paris has always held a special place in my heart – the architecture, the history, the fashion...and let's not forget the pastries! But more importantly, Paris has a thriving ballet scene, and that’s what brought me here, tutu and all!
This trip has a particularly sweet significance. It's my 25th birthday, and what better way to celebrate than to indulge in the delights of Parisian ballet? My first trip was at 17, with my Nana, and we had such a fantastic time exploring the beautiful streets, enjoying macarons and witnessing some truly stunning ballets. So this year, I thought I'd recreate those childhood memories, but with a few more pink tutus, naturally.
Getting to Paris was an adventure all its own. The Eurostar zipped us through the English countryside with incredible speed, and by the time we reached the Gare du Nord, I was feeling incredibly excited and a tad tipsy, thanks to the lovely bottle of bubbles we enjoyed on the journey. My Nana is a good sport, and she always allows me to live out my Parisian dreams, whether it be with the most daring outfits or a quick whirl through a park in a tutu. She always assures me she prefers to dress in a slightly more subdued style (though I can't help but notice that my influence has made its way into her wardrobe over the years – and I can only attribute that to my dedication to spreading the joy of pink and tutus).
Saturday Shenanigans:
It wouldn't be a Pink Tutu Paris post without some Parisian discoveries! So let's jump straight in, shall we?
1. L'Opéra Garnier: The Jewel of Paris
No trip to Paris is complete without a visit to the Palais Garnier, and it didn't disappoint! This stunning, grand building is like stepping into a fairy tale – with a magnificent staircase fit for Cinderella and exquisite décor worthy of the most lavish ballet. Of course, my love of tutus inspired me to twirl up those stairs – much to the amusement of some tourists! They might have raised an eyebrow, but it’s impossible to feel self-conscious when surrounded by such breathtaking beauty. The acoustics inside the theatre were astounding, and the lighting and details were simply dazzling.
2. French Ballet Fêtes!
This weekend Paris is truly bursting with festive performances and events, and I'm determined to soak it all up! I've already secured tickets to ‘Le Lac des Cygnes’ at the Palais Garnier. Now that's a classic ballet production everyone needs to see! The Bolshoi Ballet is performing at the Théâtre du Châtelet. You know, I always love watching their performances – and this show will definitely have me leaping with joy (if you will!). But there's also 'The Nutcracker' at the Palais Garnier, 'Sleeping Beauty' at the Théâtre de Chaillot, and more, more, more! It's overwhelming in the best possible way, with an embarrassment of riches to enjoy.
3. Pink Tutu Shopping Spree!
No trip to Paris is complete without indulging in a bit of fashion, and let's just say that this weekend I've gone all out for a pink tutu shopping spree. This trip I discovered "Le Bon Marché," a Parisian department store that I’d heard whispers about. It's pure heaven for a tutu enthusiast! Imagine a department store completely dedicated to luxurious items from all over the world, from Parisian couture to the most delicate Italian silks. I found myself spending hours just admiring the selection. I have to admit I was completely overwhelmed with all the beautiful things they had. So I set a strict budget and stuck to it…ish!
I'm not sure how it happened but after spending a couple of hours wandering about I found myself in a luxurious shop in a tiny courtyard behind the store. Imagine my delight when I discovered that it was entirely dedicated to pink tutus, a boutique designed for ballerina-lovers everywhere! I ended up leaving with an array of fabulous tutus - all of them of course in the most gloriously flamboyant pink imaginable!
4. Café, Croissants, and Pink Tutu Magic!
There’s something magical about wandering through the Parisian streets with a delicious croissant in one hand and a glass of cafe au lait in the other. Paris is truly a city to be savored at a slower pace. I took my time, exploring quaint side streets lined with cobblestone and historic buildings, stopping in cafes for a sugar rush and finding hidden pockets of serenity amidst the city’s bustle.
While my wardrobe definitely felt the pressure from all the shopping (but not to worry, I'll do my best to showcase everything in a separate blog post!) I didn't allow my obsession with clothes to take over the joy of exploration! And let's not forget, the city is already so visually delightful! I love taking photos for the Pink Tutu Blog - with each one documenting my Parisian escapade with an unmistakable dose of pink tutu magic! I hope they capture all the Parisian charm for you.
5. Le Marais Magic
Le Marais, nestled on the right bank of the Seine, is my favorite area to wander. There is such an abundance of boutiques and cafes there. A perfect place to experience Parisian charm – without having to navigate those infamous tourist hordes! It's my secret hideaway where I go to lose myself in the vibrancy of Parisian street art, find unique fashion finds, and discover new cafés for the most heavenly pastry! It’s a blend of vibrant street life and historical charm and makes my heart skip a beat, which is truly an experience!
And if you think I haven't incorporated a tutu or two, you're wrong! As a reminder, I always pack my trusty tutu wherever I travel. Who says I can’t take it on the metro, or have it peek out of a window box at Le Marais?! (Not that I'd ever be caught doing anything remotely gauche…!) I simply cannot resist spreading a bit of tutu magic, wherever I go!
A Pink Tutu Reflection
Being here, in Paris, in my trusty pink tutu, reminds me of the joy and confidence I feel when I embrace my true self. I can be bold, fearless, and utterly free. The tutus I wear are a symbol of self-expression – they represent the dancer, the dreamer, the girl from Derbyshire who dared to dream pink and embrace the beautiful possibilities that come with living a life in full color. I am a true testament that the world is a much more wonderful place when everyone embraces their individuality and creativity – and a pink tutu can definitely help!
If you have a love of Parisian adventures and ballets, then join me on this journey by checking in with the Pink Tutu Blog next Saturday! You're in for a treat!
**Lots of love,
Emma (aka The Pink Tutu Girl!)**
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