Post Number 1360 - Saturday 17th January 2026
Ooh la la, darlings! Your favourite tutu-clad traveller is back in Paris, and let me tell you, this city just gets more magical every time I visit! 🩰🗼
This week, I decided to skip the Eurostar (much as I adore the sleekness of those trains - did you know they've got an onboard restaurant these days?!) and treat myself to a scenic journey via Eurostar’s slower, more whimsical, sister train, the ‘Voie Libre’! Think plush velvet seats, a live pianist playing waltzes, and the charming clatter of the old-fashioned carriage wheels. Pure Parisian romance!
Now, I have to tell you, dear readers, this trip is all about finding the perfect outfit for my big night at the Palais Garnier! I know, right? Dreams do come true! My local Derbyshire ballet troupe, ‘The Dancing Derbyshire Diamonds,’ won a prestigious award for best choreography last month, and guess who’s dancing the lead in the showcase? Yep, your girl! The grand prize? A one-off performance on the Palais Garnier stage. Can you imagine? It's a moment I'll cherish forever.
Anyway, back to Paris! First things first - I headed straight for Le Marais, because you can't visit this fabulous city without soaking up the unique boutiques tucked away in its cobbled streets. The scent of pastries, the hum of conversations in French, and the breathtaking architectural detail… I could honestly just get lost in the atmosphere for hours.
Speaking of getting lost, I found the most incredible shop called "Chez Tulle" - heavenly, I tell you! Not only is it pink (because, duh), it’s stuffed full of the most gorgeous tulle fabric imaginable. Honestly, it felt like I was walking into a dream. I tried to resist, really I did, but when you see fabric as soft as a cloud, with colours that whisper sweet nothings… well, you just can't say no!
After indulging in some sartorial delight, I treated myself to a rather special cup of tea (or shall we say, ‘thê’?!) at the gorgeous Mariage Frères boutique. Now, I know a lot of people are obsessed with the big, famous tea rooms, but let me tell you, nothing beats the understated charm of a tea shop with over two centuries of tradition. The warmth, the fragrance of a million exotic leaves, and a scone that was practically a cloud. Pure heaven!
Speaking of indulgence, let's talk about dinner! If you're in Paris, darling, you absolutely must visit the Musée de la Musique. The building itself is stunning, with all its grand history and stunning architecture, but what I adore is the bistro! I tucked into a delicate lamb stew that would make even the most jaded foodie melt.
Fashion is ALWAYS the highlight of my travels! This week, I'm on the hunt for the most enchanting ballet tutu imaginable, one that embodies the ethereal magic of Paris itself. I've been sketching ideas (it’s quite hard to draw while you're wearing a pink tutu!), and the vision keeps getting bigger and bolder. Think flowing silk, layers of shimmering tulle, and enough pink to make a flamingo blush. It's going to be spectacular!
For my grand Palais Garnier debut, I'm channeling the classic Parisian elegance with a hint of whimsy. Imagine a soft blush pink dress, a smock-like, layered bodice with little lace ruffles. You can just imagine it - all light and airy, a touch of Parisian fairytale sprinkled in for good measure. To top it all off? A beautiful little tiara, sparkly, of course, with an absolutely fabulous pink feather boa. I'm thinking something that just floats down the back in a swirl of feathers, like the dreamiest tail of a ballet bird! I've got my eye on some magnificent feathery boas from the 'Moulin Rouge' shop… they're just perfect.
Tomorrow I’m on a little Parisian adventure. My day is devoted to a few of my favorite things. I will of course indulge in more delicious Parisian snacks - my favourite pain au chocolat! - and enjoy the elegant ambience of the beautiful French café "Le Petit Jardin" I discovered last time. I’ve discovered so many gems of shops on previous visits but my Parisian adventure wouldn’t be complete without a detour to my favourite antique and vintage shops along rue de Rivoli! This will be an exciting adventure finding a new pink tutu treasure for my collection - I’m just hoping to snag an elegant one in excellent condition.
I will post tomorrow with photos of all my wonderful Paris shopping and vintage discoveries!
Until then, darling readers! I’ll leave you with a piece of Parisian magic: the sound of laughter echoing through the streets, the warm glow of the setting sun kissing the Seine, and the dream of pink tutus swirling on the Parisian breeze.
Sending love from the City of Lights! ✨ Emma xoxo
Don't forget to check back in next week for another installment of #PinkTutuBlogParis, coming to you every Saturday!
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I look forward to sharing my Paris adventures with you every week!
Stay lovely! 💕
