The Paris Wellness Guide
Where to Eat
Where to Exercise
Take a Yoga Class
Over the past few years, yoga has become a big part of the Paris wellness scene. New studios have opened up, international teachers are flocking to the city, and there’s never been more variety in terms of yoga styles. Drop-in yoga sessions in Paris aren’t exactly cheap, but if you’re there on a long-term basis, you can buy a class bundles from each of these studios:
Running in Paris
Running is definitely having a moment in Paris. Early morning joggers are now taking to the streets before bakeries have even opened their doors. It’s not surprising, really. Running through one of Europe’s most beautiful cities is hardly a chore, and it’s an excellent way to explore its parks and leafy gardens. The Luxembourg Gardens in the 6th arrondissement are particularly popular, as there’s a 1.3-mile gravel path around the perimeter. If you don’t mind getting up early to avoid the crowds, following the route of the Seine, starting at Notre-Dame, will take you past some of the city’s main sights.
Walk Everywhere
It might seem obvious, but it’s easy to forget that walking around Paris is also exercise. Whether it’s a romantic stroll up Montmartre or a power walk down Boulevard Saint-Germain, it’s the best way to admire the buildings and fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the city. Stopping off along the way for a macaroon is definitely allowed.
Where to Relax
Promenade Plantée
Promenade Plantée, a former 19th-century railway viaduct, is now the world’s first elevated park. It’s beautiful during the spring and summer. The rose bushes and cherry trees blossom and the scent of lavender could relax even the most stressed visitor. The path stretches for 4.7km, bordered by a mix of landscaped sections and patches of wild vegetation. It feels like an escape, but the views of the 12th arrondissement are a wonderful reminder that you’re still in the middle of Paris. The closest metro stops are Bastille and Gare de Lyons. Avenue Daumesnil/Porte de Saint Mandé/Bois de Vincennes, 75012 Paris
Le Tigre
If you’re serious about wellness travel, Le Tigre Yoga Club is the place to go in Paris. Despite its name, the centre offers a lot more than yoga classes. Meditation sessions, mindfulness, Pilates, Qi Gong, and Tai Chi are a few of the sessions on the timetable. You can also choose from various holistic therapies, such as shiatsu, or just enjoy the signature massage. Massages start at €95 for 55 minutes and classes start at €29 for a single class pass. There are two branches of Tigre Yoga, located at 101 rue du Cherche-Midi, 75006 Paris & 17/19 rue de Chaillot, 75116 Paris
Place des Vosges
Tucked away in the Marais district, the Place de Vosges is one of the loveliest squares in Paris. It was the first planned square in the city and its symmetry is an example of classic French style. The park is surrounded by red-brick buildings and stone arches. Sitting on a bench and watching the world go by is one of the simplest ways to relax in Paris. Place des Vosges, 75004 Paris
Where to Indulge
Spa Nuxe
Producers of the cult beauty oil, Nuxe opened their award-winning day spa in 2002. Housed in the former cellar of a 17th-century building, Spa Nuxe is a soothing labyrinth of stone walls, oak beams and low lighting. The range of treatments includes massage, beauty treatments and detox sauna rituals. Massage sessions start at €80 for 45 mins. 32-34 rue Montorgueil, 75001 Paris
Massage Concept
After a long flight, or an even longer day of walking around Paris, Massage Concept is the place to treat yourself. It’s all about massage here and the variety is impressive; 11 kinds of massage are available and there are 26 qualified masseurs and masseuses on staff. If you don’t know the difference between Swedish massage and Ayurvedic, the staff will help you choose something suitable. Prices start at €40 for 30 minutes and go up to €125 for a two-hour session. 15 Rue de la Grande Truanderie, 75001 Paris
Where to Escape
Bois de Boulogne
Sprawled on the city’s west side, Bois de Boulogne is one of the largest public parks in Paris. It’s 845 hectares in size, so it’s ideal when you’re in need of some fresh air. Wander around the walled garden, hike through the woods or stroll around one of the two lakes. Porte Maillot is the closest metro stop. 75016 Paris
Giverny
One of the loveliest day trips from Paris, Giverny is the magical former home of Claude Monet. The pink house, where he lived for 40 years, is next to his carefully planned gardens. Explore the oriental themed Water Garden with its Japanese bridge, weeping willows. There’s also a lush flower garden, known as Clos Normand. Although it’s just a 45-minute train ride from Paris, Giverny looks like another world. Get there by taking the train from Saint-Lazare in Paris to Vernon station. 84 Rue Claude Monet, 27620 Giverny
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