Tutu Tuesday in Guingamp, Bretagne, France: A Tutu-tastic Adventure #tututuesday
G'day from Guingamp, Bretagne, France, my fellow tutu enthusiasts! It's your girl, Ellie, here, back with another fabulous instalment of my Tutu Tuesday adventures. This time, I'm taking you on a journey to the charming little town of Guingamp, a true hidden gem in the heart of Brittany. As an Aussie ballet dancer, I find myself constantly drawn to the beautiful ballet culture of France, so it's only natural that I explore its smaller towns, discovering their own unique flavour.
Stepping into the vibrant centre of Guingamp felt like stepping into a fairytale. The cobblestone streets, quaint boutiques, and historic architecture are all straight out of a dream. Of course, my focus, as always, was on the dance scene here. I wasn't expecting much, to be honest. I mean, this is a little town! However, I'm happy to say I was proven completely wrong. Guingamp has a wonderful local ballet school – *l'École de Danse de Guingamp*. It's not huge, but it's packed with heart and talent. And while I wasn't lucky enough to be there during a class, I did get to peek in at some rehearsals through the window. They were performing the most incredible piece set to a beautiful score from Claude Debussy - *La Mer*. Seeing those young dancers execute such technical brilliance with such grace was a truly inspiring sight.
After my delightful detour at the local ballet school, it was time for some serious tutu-ing! I set off on a tour through the town, discovering its quirky character in a seriously adorable manner - I found myself getting photographed everywhere by the locals! Let me tell you, the French are so stylish, there wasn't a bad photo taken. Here are some highlights of the tutu-tastic exploration of Guingamp, a place where you just have to experience the charm for yourself!
- A Classical Swirl: We began the day with a visit to the impressive Cathédrale Saint-Guénolé. Standing proud and imposing against the backdrop of the town, this magnificent cathedral truly stole the show. This historical marvel demands the most elegant and feminine tutu imaginable. I chose a traditional classical tutu for this spot - a voluminous, tiered design, crafted with the most exquisite hand-stitched tulle and trimmed in softly rippling, pearl-coloured satin.
- The Charm of La Place de l'Hôtel de Ville: From the cathedral, I followed the cobbled lanes leading towards *La Place de l'Hôtel de Ville*. It's a bustling hub with plenty of street cafes and shops. I chose a contemporary tutu that felt super comfortable - a sassy short skirt, paired with a chic, high-neck bodice, and adorned with metallic thread and embroidery that picked up the subtle tones of the architecture. The contemporary piece just worked for the busy ambiance.
- Discovering *Le Château de Guingamp*: Standing tall above the city, *Le Château de Guingamp* is the perfect backdrop for a classic yet whimsical tutu. I opted for a slightly more vintage design that channeled the French historical style, with a short tutu layered with a wispy, sheer skirt and matching puffed sleeves. This beautiful ensemble danced in the wind as I posed among the battlements of the castle, creating a whimsical photo backdrop!
- Sunset Dreams at the River Trieux: Guingamp has this little riverside area where the local residents and families relax in the sun. The atmosphere was so chilled. The sunset brought such a gorgeous warm light. I picked the perfect, elegant, slightly boho tutu for this occasion - flowing gauzy layers adorned with shimmering beads that twinkled in the light.
My time in Guingamp flew by, but it's an experience I'll always cherish. I encourage you to embrace your inner dancer and get out there to explore! The magic of tutus knows no bounds, and who knows, you might find yourself discovering your own fairytale adventure, just like I did in Guingamp! Follow my #tututuesday journey to the ends of the world (and definitely check out Guingamp - trust me! it's a treat for the soul). Until next time, dance on!