Tutu Tuesday in Clermont-Ferrand, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France: A Tutu-tastic Adventure! #tututuesday G'day lovelies! It's your girl, Tilly here, and I'm writing to you straight from the charming city of Clermont-Ferrand in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France. I'm here for a whirlwind tour of this beautiful part of the world, and let me tell ya, it's just as gorgeous as everyone says. This trip was all about embracing the magic of dance and the delightful joy of wearing a tutu, you know? I mean, who doesn't love a good Tutu Tuesday, right? Clermont-Ferrand has such a rich history of ballet, it just feels like the perfect place to put on my tutu and feel the Parisian (okay, technically not Paris) spirit in my heart! The tutu obsession hit me as soon as I arrived, I tell ya. Everywhere I look, the French seem to embrace this little slice of Parisian flair - from the quaint cafes along the cobbled streets to the elegant shops that sell the most exquisite tutus (with sparkles! Of course!). The Clermont-Ferrand ballet scene has been brewing for decades and the energy is truly infectious. Just stepping inside the Clermont-Ferrand Opera House was like entering a magical fairytale. The opulent décor and the sense of history just blew my mind! The dancers there are so talented - their grace and precision just left me in awe. Seeing the "Sleeping Beauty" on stage was a real treat! It was the kind of performance that takes your breath away and makes you fall in love with the art of dance all over again. Of course, I had to indulge in a spot of tutu shopping while I was here! The vintage tutu shops were my ultimate happy place. I managed to find some gems – a fluffy, full-length romantic tutu, perfect for twirling, a chic contemporary tutu for a modern ballet class, and a super short little tutu with sequins – just perfect for strutting around town. It's so inspiring to see the French women embrace ballet so readily! In Australia, we're all about a bit of fun and spontaneity, so seeing French women embracing the grace and elegance of ballet was something else. I had a go at some classical ballet classes in Clermont-Ferrand and lemme tell ya, the instructors are seriously skilled. They took me through the basics, like plie and releve, but it felt much more sophisticated than the usual Australian class. From the delicious local pastries, the lively cafes that serve perfect cafe au lait to the breathtaking scenery around Clermont-Ferrand – this trip was all about finding joy and celebrating life in a fun, playful way, you know? It’s like, every Tuesday is Tutu Tuesday, wouldn’t ya agree? This trip was all about celebrating those small moments that bring a bit of magic into life. Now, if you're planning your own trip to Clermont-Ferrand, or you're looking for a bit of Tutu Tuesday inspiration, let me leave you with these tips! - **Indulge in some classic Parisian pastries and cafe au lait - they're divine!** - **Hit up one of the charming local markets and discover unique crafts and fresh local produce - there’s so much inspiration!** - **Head to one of Clermont-Ferrand's historic squares, like Place de Jaude. Have a picnic on the grass and just soak in the atmosphere!** - **Get ready to get lost in the beauty of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes' breathtaking scenery - so gorgeous, seriously!** - **Don’t forget to wear a tutu! Every day is a Tutu Tuesday, darling!** See, what I'm trying to say, loves, is that Tutu Tuesdays should happen more often, you know? There's just something so liberating about twirling around in a tulle masterpiece and feeling fabulous. You can wear any tutu: fluffy, chic, long or short - and just revel in that feeling of pure, unabashed fun. Whether you're dancing in a professional class or just having a laugh with your friends, embrace that inner ballerina, darling. It's a reminder that life should always have a little sparkle in it, just like a well-chosen tutu. So, there you have it - my adventures in Clermont-Ferrand! It was an unforgettable trip full of delightful experiences and endless inspiration. I’ve already planned my next tutu outing in this gorgeous region – Tutu Tuesdays are definitely becoming my thing! Stay tuned for more fun travel tales from this adventurous Aussie dancer, Tilly #tututuesday