Paris, the City of Lights, is also a city of sublime relaxation! While you’re indulging in Parisian fashion, wine, and delectable cuisine, don’t forget to treat yourself to a rejuvenating spa experience. From the bustling city center to tranquil enclaves, a plethora of luxurious spas await, ready to pamper you with invigorating massages, rejuvenating body scrubs, and luxurious facials.
The History of Spas in France
Did you know that the term “spa” has its roots in ancient Roman times? The word “spa” originates from the Latin phrase “sanitus per aqua,” meaning “health through water.” In the 19th century, France embraced the idea of hydrotherapy, inspired by the renowned Roman baths, using fresh water to prevent and treat ailments like rheumatism.
Today, indulging in a spa treatment is a delightful way to invest in your well-being and achieve optimal health. And what’s a spa without water? Whether it’s a refreshing dip in a pool or the soothing steam of a hammam, water plays a vital role in creating a truly relaxing experience.
A Spa for Every Mood and Budget
Choosing the perfect spa in Paris is like choosing the perfect Parisian café – there’s one for every taste and preference! Consider what you need, whether it’s a deep tissue massage, a luxurious facial, or a full-body detox, and set a budget that fits your desires. Each spa on our list offers a unique experience, but one thing remains consistent: the commitment to natural beauty and holistic wellness.
Parisian Spa Escapes: A Journey of Sensory Delights
Let’s explore some of the most extraordinary spas in Paris and beyond!
The Ritz Paris: Step Back in Time with Art Deco Elegance
Imagine yourself stepping into the Ritz Club & Spa, a haven of Art Deco elegance, just like Coco Chanel, Zelda Fitzgerald, and Colette once did. Take a dip in the 16-meter mosaic-covered pool, unwind in the sauna or hammam, and indulge in a signature flower-inspired massage to relieve tension from head to toe.
The Ritz’s facials, featuring the renowned French brand Biologique Recherche, will leave your skin balanced and revitalized. Top off your ritzy experience with a stylish new do at David Mallet’s in-house salon, and conclude with a delightful afternoon tea in the Salon Proust.
Shangri-La Paris: Zen-like Tranquility in a Historic Palace
Step into Chi, The Spa, nestled within the elegant Shangri-La Paris, a former residence of Prince Roland Bonaparte. Before exploring the prince’s private residence on the second floor, take a refreshing dip in the 17-meter pool, which opens onto a serene green terrace.
Indulge in a holistic massage blending CBD and traditional techniques, designed to release tension and restore a sense of tranquility. This spa experience is a symphony for both body and mind, leaving you in a state of unparalleled zen.
Kupala: Embrace the Slavic Tradition of Wellbeing
Experience the art of the Banya at Kupala, Paris’s first-ever Banya spa. This centuries-old Slavic ritual unfolds in a warm, wooden space by Maison Alchemy, infused with the soothing scents of meadow and mountain herbs.
The experience includes a body sweeping with oak, birch, or eucalyptus branches, followed by a freshwater bath, leaving you with deeply relaxed muscles, improved breathing and blood circulation, and a strengthened immune system. Elevate your experience with a gentle honey scrub, a customized facial treatment, or a full-body massage for an even deeper sense of serenity.
Dior Spa Plaza Athénée: Haute-Couture Skincare for the Modern Woman
Dress your skin in Dior with a luxurious treatment at the new Dior Spa Plaza Athénée. Choose from a selection of three-hour rituals for both face and body: Dior D-Tox Therapy, Dior D-Stress Therapy, Dior D-Vibe Therapy, or Dior D-Fit Therapy. Each ritual will leave you with a radiant inner glow.
Say goodbye to jet lag and sleep disturbances in the Dior Light Suite, a cabin designed to synchronize your circadian rhythms. Top off your Dior experience with a revitalizing fruit and vegetable juice from Wild & The Moon on your way out.
Spa Charme d’Orient: A Journey to the Middle East
Escape into the centuries-old rituals and customs of the Middle East at the luxurious Spa Charme d’Orient. This hammam, adorned with stones and tiles, boasts all-natural beauty products and a captivating scent of orange blossom.
The sacred three- or four-hour ritual includes a body scrub with black soap made from eucalyptus oil and olive oil, a skin exfoliation with rhassoul clay, a body wrap, and a gentle head massage. Complete your journey with a soothing argan oil body massage. A cup of fresh mint tea reawakens the senses as you leave.
Four Seasons George V: Where Luxury Meets Expertise
At the iconic Four Seasons George V, there’s no need to choose between a facial and a massage. Skincare expert Olivier Claire delivers both flawlessly in his 120-minute regenerating regimen, rejuvenating both mind and body.
His namesake products, crafted with locally-sourced plants, will leave you radiant. For a truly special experience, opt for the Japanese ancestral tradition of Kobido facial massage, a technique dating back to 1472, known to add radiance while toning the face, as taught by Tokyo-based expert Dr. Shogo Mochizuki.
Waldorf Astoria Versailles: Royal Pampering in a Palace Setting
The cherry on top of the royal cake at the Waldorf Astoria Versailles, nestled near the Château de Versailles, is the dazzling Guerlain Spa. Each personalized treatment at the hands of a skilled facialist or masseuse is fit for royalty.
The Radiance Facial Treatment uses products from the historic Maison Guerlain, leaving you with a radiant complexion and expert skincare tips. For a complete detox before relaxing by the Greek-inspired indoor pool, try the Imperial Relaxing Massage.
Auberge du Jeu de Paume: Escape to the Heart of Chantilly
The magic of Chantilly isn’t just about its historic château and famed Chantilly cream. Beneath the Auberge du Jeu de Paume lies the subterranean Spa Valmont.
Indulge in the Majestic Treatment, an unforgettable facial and neck massage using three unique Valmont massage protocols and four masks. The signature Le Cavalier ritual begins with a detoxifying sauna session overlooking the Moroccan-style pool, leaving you in a state of complete inner calm. The spa also offers tempting treatments using natural oil brand Maison Caulières.
Indulge Your Senses in Paris
From the history of spas in France to a list of the most luxurious spa destinations in and around Paris, we hope this guide has inspired you to embark on a journey of relaxation and rejuvenation in the City of Lights! Treat yourself to a moment of bliss, whether it’s a soothing massage, a rejuvenating facial, or a transformative spa ritual. These Parisian spas are waiting to pamper you and help you rediscover a sense of well-being and balance.
