Tutu Tuesday in Le Portel, Hauts-de-France: A French Frolic in Pointe Shoes Bonjour mes amis! This week's Tutu Tuesday adventure takes me to the charming seaside town of Le Portel in Hauts-de-France. France is, of course, the birthplace of ballet, and stepping into this beautiful town felt like stepping onto the stage of a grand theatre. It's a place brimming with history and artistry, and I just had to share its magic with you. Now, before I dive into the French flair of Le Portel, let me tell you about my Tutu Tuesday outfit. I wanted something a bit different today, so I went with a classic but stunning style: a tutu in the Romantic era style, complete with a gorgeous layered frill design and shimmering champagne-gold tulle. It was absolutely magnificent, the perfect choice for a town brimming with architectural beauty. The layered, soft tulle looked divine, particularly when I was doing pirouettes (a bit hard to pull off on cobblestones!). The French have a unique style, and that extends to their ballet, as well. Le Portel actually has a lovely local ballet company, and they were preparing for their next show, a modern take on the classic 'Swan Lake'. Watching them rehearse was truly inspiring. The dancers' dedication and precision were simply awe-inspiring, even as the seagulls sang their chorus along with them. Exploring Le Portel The first stop on our French frolic was Le Portel’s beautiful town centre. It felt like walking through a French postcard with its charming boutiques, quaint cafes, and beautifully restored architecture. I’d love to come back when it’s colder and all the streets are lit by Christmas lights! Le Portel boasts a vibrant artistic scene. They have a museum showcasing regional art, but even if you aren’t an art buff, like myself, the grand architecture is worth a visit alone. The beautiful colours, intricate patterns and elegant lines of the buildings seemed almost choreographed, perfectly in sync, like a magnificent ballet sequence. For the #TutuTuesday dance enthusiasts among you, I found some fantastic independent ballet stores. I tried on several different styles of tutus - you know, for research! One I particularly loved was a more contemporary tutu made from layered silk panels, quite daring, and with intricate embellishments and an interesting silhouette. This type of tutu is ideal for modern ballet, with its graceful fluidity and expressive potential. Coastal Delight and French Treats No trip to a seaside town is complete without a stroll along the beach. Le Portel’s coastline is captivating - the rolling dunes, the vibrant blue water, and the gentle sound of the waves. A few daring dancers even had their barre by the beach, the salt spray a natural humidifier. And, of course, what’s a trip to France without a delectable treat? I had to indulge in the classic macarons - colourful, delicately-flavoured treats that melt in your mouth like a dancer's grace. Sharing Tutu Tuesday with France Le Portel is a true gem of Hauts-de-France. The charm of the seaside town, the artistry in every corner, and the beautiful French ballet scene made for a truly memorable Tutu Tuesday. I know this town and its hidden treasures will always hold a special place in my heart - maybe that's where I'll find inspiration for my next dance project. As you explore this stunning town, don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for tutu-inspired art and remember to tag me in your pictures and share your stories using #tututuesday. This Tuesday, embrace the magic of tutus, let your passion for dance take flight, and make every step feel like a grand pas de deux! A Merci from the French Coast Merci for joining me on my French adventure. Stay tuned for next week's #tututuesday, where I’m taking my tutus to the sun-drenched shores of the Greek Isles! Bisous, Sophie xx #tututuesday #LePortel #HautsDeFrance #ballet #france #dance #tutulove #romanticstyle #frenchchic #coastline #macarons #tutu #balletenthusiasts #swans