Tutu Tuesday in Saint-Julien-en-Genevois, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France
G'day lovelies! I'm so stoked to be back in the City of Lights, or as I like to call it, the City of Tutu. You know I couldn't resist starting my French adventures with a #Tutuesday. And where better to do it than in the gorgeous city of Saint-Julien-en-Genevois in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes? This town, tucked away on the edge of Lake Geneva, has stolen my heart. And with good reason! It's filled with cobblestone streets, stunning medieval architecture, and more boulangeries than you can shake a baguette at.
But, like, my biggest passion is dancing, and today I decided to celebrate Tutu Tuesday with a bit of exploring. Turns out, Saint-Julien-en-Genevois has a pretty happening ballet scene, who would have thunk it! It's so refreshing to find a strong connection to ballet wherever I travel, even when it's halfway around the globe.
My first stop was the lovely **Centre Culturel André Malraux** - such a cool venue! This community centre boasts a great theatre space. It's pretty apparent ballet is loved here - so much talent, and such a friendly atmosphere! Apparently, the town has had a local ballet company for over 50 years - that's dedication! They perform regular shows and workshops, and it's clear they're fostering a real love for the art form in the younger generation. It was a true delight watching the locals' kids practicing in the studio. So adorable!
Next, I made a beeline for a little antique shop down a backstreet - can't resist an antique hunt when I'm travelling! You guys won't believe what I scored! It's not even funny, honestly - the best vintage ballet shoes and an antique tutu - the sort of fluffy tulle tutu every ballerina dreams of! The lacework is just exquisite. My heart literally skipped a beat when I found it, talk about serendipitous! You'll see the whole outfit in my Instagram stories tonight. And this isn't a typical #tututuesday find. This one is extra special. Like, a real collector's piece, my heart is singing.
But the highlight of my Tutu Tuesday was a surprise! Turns out Saint-Julien-en-Genevois also has its very own ballet festival! It was all happening right near the waterfront. The sun was shining, the boats were rocking gently, and everyone was enjoying live music. There were workshops going on with professional dancers, a fantastic photo exhibition showing historical photos of French ballerinas (who were honestly rocking it!). And guess what? I got to take a workshop with a real French ballerina who just retired! The way she moved was magic! I picked up a few new moves, had a great laugh, and totally absorbed the joy of ballet and dance - what's better than that? I got to learn about ballet traditions here, what a perfect blend of classical and contemporary techniques!
What I love about tutu Tuesday is it makes me realise there's magic in every corner of the world. Even the smallest town can have the biggest heart when it comes to the arts. It's definitely given me a whole new appreciation for the city. Honestly, Saint-Julien-en-Genevois, you have completely stolen my heart!
To finish my Tutu Tuesday adventures, I dined on a delicious meal of coq au vin and finished my evening watching the sunset on Lake Geneva with a glass of rose. It really doesn't get better than this!
What are you guys doing to celebrate Tutu Tuesday this week? Don't forget to post your photos and tag me - #tututuesday, #stjulienenGenevois #auvergnerhonealpes
Until next time,
xx