Hello, darlings! Your Pink Tutu Sparkles is back with another dazzling travelogue! I'm currently sipping on a perfectly pink (of course!) fruit juice as I prepare to regale you with tales of my latest adventure: Lyon, France!
Now, I'll be honest, getting here was a little bit of a challenge. You see, I'm a girl who likes to travel in style. A good, old-fashioned train journey, or perhaps a spirited gallop on horseback – these are the ways I prefer to navigate the world. But alas, time was against me this time, and I was forced to take a plane. However, fear not! I made sure my trusty pink suitcase was filled to the brim with sparkling sequins, feather boas, and enough tulle to make a ballerina swoon. And, as always, my pink tutu was tucked in there, ready to be twirled and admired.
First impressions: Lyon, you are magnifique!
As I stepped off the train (yes, the train journey from the airport to the city was spectacular! Fancy French carriages, perfectly polished mahogany and even a complimentary glass of something bubbly) my heart simply soared! The city was alive with energy, from the bustling streets lined with vibrant cafes to the stunning architecture that adorned the streets.
My lodgings are just as delightful: a quaint little hotel tucked away in a cobblestoned alley, complete with a charming courtyard bursting with fragrant roses. And, guess what, darlings? It has a pink and white striped sun lounger just for me!
Twirling through history: the heart of Lyon
The first thing I had to do was head to the Place des Terreaux! It's right in the heart of the city, a bustling square bursting with history and character. The incredible Hôtel de Ville – the city's Town Hall - sits there with its Baroque splendour.
But, what really got me spinning was the incredible fountain – a giant, elaborate sculpture cascading water from graceful, whimsical figures. Honestly, I swear I saw the whole thing swaying to the rhythm of the street musicians – so majestic! It practically begs you to unleash your inner ballerina, and, as I did my first graceful twirl, I felt the magic of the city begin to weave its spell over me.
A fashion fiesta: boutiques galore
Now, my darlings, you know I'm a girl who loves to shop! So, naturally, I've been on a bit of a retail therapy adventure, and Lyon certainly didn't disappoint. I wandered through narrow, cobbled streets lined with independent boutiques bursting with chic designs and eye-catching fashions. Every single shop seemed to be showcasing something unique and stylish, each a masterpiece waiting to be discovered.
Dress for success: Lyon's style scene
The locals here have a truly captivating sense of style. From the chic, sophisticated ladies in their tailored coats and delicate scarves to the effortlessly cool young men with their effortlessly stylish ensembles, there’s a certain je ne sais quoi about Lyon's fashion. It's clear that a sense of understated elegance reigns supreme, but there’s also a boldness, a playful flair that isn’t afraid to embrace colour and individuality. I love it!
Ballet bliss: embracing the grace of Lyon
No trip to France is complete without indulging in the artistry of ballet. Lyon, it turns out, is a haven for lovers of dance. There’s an incredibly beautiful theatre, the Opéra de Lyon , just a short stroll from my hotel. I spent the evening immersed in the breathtaking performance of 'La Bayadère' – a tale of love, betrayal, and ultimate sacrifice. I couldn’t tear my eyes away! The costumes were beyond divine, the dancing – a graceful blur of elegance and athleticism. I could barely sit still myself!
I couldn’t leave Lyon without stepping into a local ballet studio, just for a little bit of pink tutu practice. It was a charming little place with floors of polished wood and an atmosphere buzzing with passion for the art form. I quickly made some new friends who helped me perfect my "Arabesque", even though I was wearing my pink tutu and my tiara – but you know, who says you need to stick to a rigid dress code in a ballet class!
Delicious treats: Lyon's culinary delights
And who could talk about Lyon without mentioning the food! French cuisine – oh la la! My taste buds are dancing a happy jig! Every single meal has been a culinary adventure. I sampled delicious pastries – those delicate éclairs were like clouds, and I’ve been making sure to include at least one croque monsieur a day! You see, it's all part of embracing the culture – the more I twirl, the more I indulge in Lyon’s delectable cuisine, the more this enchanting city works its magic on my soul.
Pink Tutu adventures:
Let’s just say I haven't been shy about showcasing my pink tutu while in Lyon.
You know, sometimes you need to wear your favourite piece, even if you’re in the most beautiful French square! And everyone loves a bit of pink!
I started the day with a visit to the Place des Jacobins. This historic square is adorned with Renaissance buildings, the perfect setting for a bit of pink-tutu posing! People were smiling, taking photos with me and laughing – so much joy! A family even gave me a giant, sparkly pink balloon – It matched my tutu perfectly, naturally. It's a good thing that the locals are so lovely here, otherwise I’d never get through all of the selfies and group pictures!
Then, after stopping for some traditional soupe à l'oignon in the iconic Les Halles Paul Bocuse, a fabulous covered market where they make such delicious food (by the way, I had a long chat with a kind butcher about how pink tutus should be included as part of every chef’s uniform, for, what could possibly be more glamorous, or more elegant!)… But back to my journey!
After the market I had a picnic in the stunning Parc de la Tête d'Or, a vast green oasis right in the heart of the city – it’s an absolute haven, where children were playing in fountains, dogs were frolicking with their owners, and lovers were finding a little bit of privacy amidst the shade of majestic trees. I must admit, that is when I indulged in one of my best pink tutu performances yet: an impromptu ballet routine amongst the park's most gorgeous flower beds. It was my own little homage to nature, to elegance, and to the pure joy of being utterly and totally fabulous! The applause from the little kids in the park was truly magical – the best audience I could hope for.
Travel with Pink Tutu Sparkles: Lyon, it's more than a trip - it’s an adventure
You see, travelling with a pink tutu isn’t just about a dress. It’s about embracing the unexpected. It's about leaving a little bit of magic wherever you go. And in Lyon, this city where romance, art and delicious food meet on every corner, that pink tutu has brought a spark, a touch of playfulness and a reminder that the best adventures are the ones where you make your own rules.
But now it’s time for me to slip into another fabulous pink ensemble. There's a drag show in the Grand Theatre tonight.
And my darlings, if you see a dazzling pink tutu dancing amongst the Parisian rooftops, know that it’s me, bringing a bit of my pink-tutu sparkle to your city before I move on to my next magical destination!
Stay fabulous!
Your Pink Tutu Sparkles
