Bonjour, mes chéries! It's Emma here, ready to take you on a whirlwind tour of the most magical city in the world – Paris! And what a day to be in Paris! Today is New Year's Eve, and the city is abuzz with excitement, glittering with festive lights and the promise of a fresh start. I, of course, am wrapped in my pinkest tutu (it’s a special New Year's design with a sparkly sequined bodice, how fabulous!), ready to celebrate and explore!
The Eurostar is my happy place! As you all know, I’m a huge fan of travelling by train – there’s something so romantic and thrilling about whizzing through the countryside and arriving at my destination feeling energized and ready to embrace the adventure. This time, it was the Eurostar whisking me to Paris in just a few short hours. I sipped a hot chocolate, people-watched and of course, I had a little dance in the aisle - don't worry, the train was almost empty as most people had already gotten off!
Bonjour Paris!
Walking out of Gare du Nord into the crisp Parisian air always fills me with a sense of joy – it's like Paris itself whispers a warm, "Welcome back, darling!" There was something so special about Paris today, though, as the city sparkled with an even more enchanting air than usual. The smell of freshly baked pastries wafted through the air mingling with the gentle scent of cinnamon. There were Christmas lights hanging everywhere, and the Seine river looked like a mirror reflecting the light of a thousand stars.
A Ballerina's Paradise
As usual, Paris had a few treats in store for a ballet-loving pink tutu wearing girl like me. It’s no surprise, of course, that I headed straight to the Opera Garnier. I love visiting here, it is one of my favourite places in the whole wide world. Every time I come, I'm filled with a childlike awe – the sheer opulence of the building! From the ornate interiors to the impressive Grand Staircase where so many glamorous ballerinas have graced the steps with their elegance.
New Year’s Eve, Paris style!
It wasn't just the beauty of Paris that struck me today – it was the special feeling in the air – the energy of anticipation as the city prepares to welcome the New Year. Paris always knows how to put on a show and on New Year’s Eve, they pull out all the stops!
The Eiffel Tower was spectacular. Every 15 minutes, a dazzling light show lit up the Iron Lady making it seem as though she was sprinkling fairy dust on the whole city! We wandered around, taking in the sites – Notre Dame ( which is still under restoration, but it's so moving to see the immense power of this iconic landmark). The shops were bursting with gorgeous holiday decorations, and every café and restaurant had tables filled with people enjoying a meal and a drink, ready to ring in the new year with a little French magic.
Shopping for Inspiration!
Who can visit Paris without a little shopping therapy?! And, as a firm believer in pink, I made a beeline for the most iconic of all French pink stores, Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche. A dream for a girl like me - from the beautifully presented fashion and homeware departments to the fabulous pink-tinged interior itself, it's heaven on earth. I bought myself a new pale pink tutu for next year's performances – the fabric is so soft and the silk ribbon that adorns the waist has a lovely French feel!
Dancing into the New Year
To end our perfect Parisian day, we saw a brilliant performance of ‘Sleeping Beauty’ at the Palais Garnier. It was so beautiful - the dancing was faultless, the sets were stunning, and the costumes - well simply divine! You all know I adore ballet, and it felt so perfect to watch a show on New Year’s Eve. We raised our glasses at midnight to celebrate with the dancers and the audience, and I have to say, I’m already looking forward to my next trip back to Paris.
A pink tutu, a smile and the city of lights!
That's all from Paris! I hope you've enjoyed this little slice of my adventures here. Don't forget, I’ll be back with another #PinkTutuBlogParis post next Saturday - so make sure you check back for more of my Paris highlights.
Remember to stay pink and spread the love of tutus! You know where to find me – at www.pink-tutu.com And if you want to see my pink tutu on stage this year (it's going to be extra-special) - just visit my website for all my upcoming performances.
A bientôt! Emma xxx
