Saturday 3rd August 2024
Bonjour, mes amies! This week, I'm whisking you away with me to the most romantic city in the world - Paris! It feels like forever since I last donned my pink tutu and danced through the cobbled streets, but the call of the Eiffel Tower was too strong to resist!
Now, I'm not just a tutu-wearing ballet enthusiast; I'm a huge advocate for all things French! From the intricate details in fashion, to the exquisite cuisine, to the charming cafes on every corner, Paris simply sings to my soul. So, it's no surprise that this little city holds a very special place in my heart.
As a reminder, you can catch up on my weekly blog every Saturday at www.pink-tutu.com, where I share my adventures, inspiration, and fashion finds! And if you're anything like me, I'm sure you'll be inspired to grab your own tutu and embark on a little adventure too.
This trip wouldn't have been possible without my amazing ballet performances back in Derbyshire. All that twirling and leaping has really paid off! It's been such a joy seeing all the lovely people who come to see me dance. But honestly, the real magic of ballet lies in its ability to connect with others. The warmth and smiles from the audience after each performance truly inspire me to continue on my pink-tutu fuelled journey!
Anyway, I'm rambling! Let's get back to Paris!
This time, I took the Eurostar, and let me tell you, there's no better way to travel. Watching the countryside whizz by is simply mesmerizing, and with a glass of bubbly and a good book, the journey is an experience in itself! I love being able to sit back and let the world go by.
I touched down in Paris on Friday afternoon, and honestly, just stepping out onto the platform at Gare du Nord sent shivers down my spine! That unique blend of hustle and bustle, chic style, and the delicious aroma of fresh bread… It truly feels like coming home.
The moment I got to my hotel, I grabbed a baguette from the bakery downstairs (I mean, who could resist?), put on a Parisian-inspired outfit (a pink tutu, of course, paired with a crisp white shirt and a black beret - I simply can't go without my signature style!), and then it was out to explore!
First stop: Le Marais! The cobblestone streets are bursting with hidden treasures - charming boutiques, independent bookstores, art galleries, and the most delightful little cafes! There’s nothing like wandering around these winding streets, soaking up the atmosphere.
I picked up a beautiful hand-painted fan from a small boutique. I’m not a fan of carrying a bag on my trips, so a stylish and practical fan was just the thing! I popped into Shakespeare & Co., a lovely independent bookstore, and fell in love with all the unique titles on display. I’ve never been so tempted to buy every book in sight. They have some of the best selections and the books all have beautiful covers. You can see that a lot of love goes into running the shop. I bought a couple of novels in French - it's definitely time for a new challenge.
Next, it was time for dinner. I chose a small, cozy bistro called Les Deux Amis. The ambiance was delightful, with the gentle murmur of conversations and the clinking of glasses, the lighting is just right and they were playing French music. The service was fantastic and the food… Oh my goodness! My mouth is still watering thinking about it! I indulged in escargots, followed by a mouthwatering steak frites, and the perfect Parisian dessert – a delectable profiterole.
After a good night's sleep, I was ready to explore more of Paris on Saturday. I started with a romantic stroll along the Seine. It was absolutely magical. It's the perfect way to see the city, the gentle river, and the beautiful Parisian bridges! And of course, it was picture-perfect for a selfie with my pink tutu twirling!
Next on the agenda: a trip up the Eiffel Tower. The view is breathtaking - the whole city stretched out before you, a sea of terracotta rooftops and winding streets. The whole world felt like it was at my fingertips!
For lunch, I settled into a café right by the Louvre Museum. This was where the magic really began. My eyes couldn’t get enough of the Louvre’s beautiful exterior. It’s incredible how something so grand can blend in seamlessly with the street life of Paris. I sipped on a delicious cappuccino, people-watched, and felt inspired. The creativity here is almost tangible, and it fuels me. It's impossible to resist a dose of art when you're in Paris. The art, the culture, the fashion, everything!
After a couple of hours, it was time to put on my most glamorous tutu (a new one! - You'll be able to see it in the photos) and head for a ballet performance at the Opéra Garnier. Now, that was an experience. The sheer grandeur of the theatre is simply awe-inspiring! The opulent decor, the plush velvet seats, and the dramatic lighting, it all made me feel like I'd stepped back in time.
The performance was of Giselle, and it was simply magical. The graceful movements of the dancers, the powerful music, and the enchanting story all came together to create a truly unforgettable performance.
Of course, no Parisian experience would be complete without indulging in some shopping! I headed straight to Le Bon Marché and the Galeries Lafayette. I was amazed by the elegance of these Parisian department stores. They’re filled with stunning fashion, exquisite accessories, and delicious treats! (I confess I may have indulged in a few macarons!)
You know I just had to pick up some Parisian chic for myself, including a fabulous vintage scarf. The designs are incredible! My purse was feeling lighter than usual after shopping for these incredible items, but I knew I needed these. Paris inspires me in so many ways and finding something new in Paris is a must. The beauty of this city inspires the designs of these clothes and the way these women express themselves.
As I sit here typing this, my mind is swirling with all the wonderful memories I've made. But this is only the beginning of my Parisian adventure. There's so much more to see, to discover, and to explore. And, of course, more fashion to find, tutus to wear, and inspiration to soak up!
Keep an eye out next Saturday, because I'm sharing even more Paris stories and pictures with you then! Stay fabulous and until then, don't forget to embrace your inner Parisian and wear your pink tutu with pride.
A bientot!
Emma www.pink-tutu.com
P.S. Don't forget to follow me on Instagram @pinktutublog for behind-the-scenes peeks at my Parisian adventures!
