There was a time when it felt as though Paris was impervious to the healthy lifestyle boom of the last decade—and while it’s true that this city doesn’t do trendy wellness like, say, Los Angeles, there are glimmers of a burgeoning self-care scene in the City of Light.
That said, some of our favorite stops are as stubbornly traditional as Paris itself—opulent, luxurious, with a penchant for quality ingredients. Check out our go-to wellness itinerary below.
A quintessentially Parisian spa experience—with a holistic twist:
Between the Champs-Elysées locale, unobstructed views of the Eiffel Tower, and palatial decor, the iconic Bristol Hotel is as luxurious as it gets. And that includes its stunning spa—Le Bristol is the only hotel in Paris permitted to perform facials with La Prairie products. But while there are no misses here, we’re partial to the menu created in collaboration with Tata Harper—the cult-fave, Vermont-based brand beloved for its clean ingredients and farm-to-skin approach.
A 5-star, TCM-inspired retreat in the thick of it all:
Steps away from landmarks like Place Vendôme and the Tuileries Garden is the palatial Mandarin Oriental—and its two-story spa offers the perfect respite from a day of exploring all the city has to offer. Choose from a lengthy menu of holistic treatments that combine the very best of French beauty with a TCM twist: think luxurious facials infused with ancient essential oils, acupressure massages focused on the body’s meridian points, and trigger point movement to help release stagnant energy.
A time-traveling facial chased by a rooftop coffee:
Face yoga, TCM massages, and a rooftop coffee with unmatched Parisian views—all housed in an airy, minimalist space? Say less. Spend the morning at this gorgeous escape, featuring an impeccably curated menu of facials and massages inspired by Tui Na, a Traditional Chinese treatment that helps clear energetic blockages. Round out the experience with a tea or coffee on the 8th floor terrace, taking in the city’s bustle from this impossibly calm perch.
For a quick (but healthy) bite:
In the city where it’s standard to nurse a coffee (or glass of wine) for hours at the brasserie, grabbing a green juice from a to-go fridge seems… well, foreign. But this eatery has quickly become a local staple, as evidenced by its rapid expansion across the city (eight locations and counting). A word to the wise: If you have a few spare minutes, grab a seat and enjoy one of their daily hot bowls.
Sculpting facials endorsed by the fashion set:
Come for the yoga, stay for the energy healing:
Take your pick from a hefty workout menu of reformer pilates, yoga, cardio, dance, and more—and inquiring minds can rest assured that classes are bilingual. You’ll get plenty of support from the kind and welcoming staff. And if you’re in need of a little more TLC, you can take your pick from reflexology treatments, Chinese energy healing, and more.
A 19th-century apothecary that’ll transport you back in time:
French pharmacies have become the stuff of beauty lore at this point, but this historic apothecary takes things to an entirely different level. You’ll be overwhelmed (in a good way) by the floor-to-ceiling cabinets of herbs, tinctures, and fragrances. Grab a few items for yourself—and some souvenirs for your loved ones.
For a traditional spa day that will make you feel completely brand new:
We’d be remiss to share a Parisian wellness itinerary without a traditional hammam experience—and Les Bains is a perennial favorite for locals and tourists alike. You’ll plan to spend the day here in order to get the full bath house experience: scrubs, massages, and steams that will quite literally strip away any residual stress.
