Where to find the coolest beauty and wellness addresses in the City of Lights
Since moving to Paris from London, I’ve noticed that while the so-called ‘French girl cool’ might be a low-key look, it’s far from maintenance-free. Parisians often favor looking polished, as they appreciate style and elegance more highly than those in London, where eclecticism is a priority. Although Parisiennes keep make-up and hair subtle, maintaining well-groomed hair, nails, brows, and keenly looked-after skin is essential. The trend towards naturally focused and organic brands is on the rise, yet results are paramount. Expectations for premium beauty treatments are high in this city, and there are numerous standout places worth exploring.
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Beauty
L’Espace Beauté, La Samaritaine, 1st arrondissement
Cross the Pont Neuf from Saint Germain or stroll along the Seine from the Louvre to discover Paris’s most talked-about grand magasin, La Samaritaine. Nestled in an elegant Art Nouveau building from 1870, it reopened in 2021 after extensive renovations. Take a trip to the fifth floor to admire the breathtaking glass roof and decorative frieze, and then descend the riveted steel staircase into the basement. Here, you’ll find renowned brands like Tom Ford and Darphin alongside emerging beauty names. Don’t miss the manicure stations by Kure Bazaar, and if you’re not indulging in the Les Cinq Mondes spa, continue to the rue de Rivoli side to access a selection of smaller wellness brands. If you’re a traveler from outside the EU spending over €100.01, visit the tax-refund area for a chance to receive around 10% back on most purchases instantly through in-store machines.
Must buy: Try the Aromatic Cleansing Balm with Rosewood, £38, by Darphin, ensuring your skin is impeccably clean for that quintessential relaxed French aesthetic.
Address: L’Espace Beauté, La Samaritaine, 9 rue de la Monnaie, 75001
Muse, 16th arrondissement
Parisians certainly know how to look polished, which is evident in the chic 16th arrondissement, where nail bars are plentiful. Muse, located on Avenue Victor Hugo, is among the finest. This quaint location provides quick yet flawless manicures to locals and busy visitors alike. While many prefer traditional colors like noir or khaki for their manicured nails, nail art options are also available.
Must-try: A Flash Mani with nail polish is an excellent way to enhance your look, and it’s competitively priced, making it an enticing option.
Address: Muse, 140 Av. Victor Hugo, 75116 Paris, France
L’Institut 68, 8th arrondissement
Next to the famous Champs Élysées is the luxurious Guerlain store, where you can also find an indulgent spa on the upper floor. This elegant spa, established in 1939, retains its original decor and provides treatments blending modern skincare techniques with longstanding traditions. With an abundance of natural light and a welcoming atmosphere, this spa is a favorite among busy locals.
Must try: Le Soin Sur-Mesure, £260 for 90 minutes, is tailored to your specific needs in collaboration with the therapist, providing a personalized luxury experience.
Address: L’Institut 68, Avenue des Champs Élysées, 75008 Paris
Nose, 2nd arrondissement
In the heart of the second arrondissement is Nose, a chic perfume concept store. You can sit at a stylish black bar and use an iPad to input your favorite fragrances. An algorithm developed by experts will suggest five new scents for you to explore further. The attentive staff is knowledgeable about the extensive collection, ensuring you find the perfect perfume for your collection.
Must buy: Parisian Musc by Matiere Premiere is a captivating modern fragrance that embodies the essence of Paris.
Address: Nose, 20, rue Bachaumont, 75002 Paris
Pharmacy Du Forum Des Halles, 1st arrondissement
Though many might overlook the shopping mall experience, Pharmacy Du Forum Des Halles stands out for its wide selection of French pharmacy brands. Here, you can discover the better-known ones like La Roche Posay and Embryolisse as well as more niche options at competitive prices. Don’t forget to look for large sizes and assorted mini product bins that make for excellent travel companions.
Must buy: As warmer months arrive, an aerosol cooling facial mist is a must. Try Caudalíe’s Eau de Raisin for refreshment.
Address: Pharmacy Du Forum Des Halles, 1 rue Pierre Lescot, Porte Rambuteau, Niveau -2, 75001, Paris
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Wellness
La Boutique Aime, 11th arrondissement
Aime attempts to capture the essence of the French glow with its product line focusing on probiotics and nutrition. Their flagship store in the Marais provides comprehensive advice on food supplements intended to promote skin, hair, and overall well-being. You can also experience their Le Glow Studio offering facials and scalp massages.
Must buy: French Glow combines probiotics and essential fatty acids to balance and enhance skin tone.
Address: La Boutique Aime, 16 Boulevard des Filles du Calvaire, 75011
La Piscine Josephine Baker, 13th arrondissement
As the Seine is set to become swimmable by 2025, the Piscine Joséphine Baker offers the chance to enjoy swimming in a picturesque setting. The unique barge pool features a glass roof that opens up during good weather, making for a scenic swim. It’s essential to adhere to swimming rules, inclusively swimming caps and Speedos.
Must try: Evening swims offer a perfect way to relax after a day of exploring.
Address: La Piscine Josephine Baker, Quai François Mauriac, Quai de la Gare, Paris 75013
Spa Le Bristol, 8th arrondissement
Paris excells in classic luxury experiences at numerous elegant spas located in palatial hotels. Spa Le Bristol by La Prairie represents the epitome of opulence, featuring an array of treatments by renowned luxury brands that are also available to non-hotel guests.
Must try: The Relax & Regenerate signature massage, from £198 for 55 minutes, is tailored to relieve travel-induced discomfort and provide pure relaxation.
Address: Spa Le Bristol, 112 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, 75008 Paris, France
Maisie Café, 1st arrondissement
While traditional French cuisine remains robust, Maisie Café caters to those looking for vegetarian and vegan options. Situated conveniently between Jardin des Tuileries and Hotel Costes, it offers delightful organic coffee and juices. This café is a perfect stop for health-conscious exploration.
Must buy: The Go Juice is a nourishing mix of beetroot, ginger, and lemon that provides a perfect start.
Address: Maisie Café, 32 Rue du Mont Thabor, 75001
Yuj Yoga Studio, 7th arrondissement
While not overly saturated, Paris offers numerous opportunities for yoga practice, with Yuj Yoga Studio standing out for its stylish ambiance near the Eiffel Tower. The unique thermal atmosphere under infrared light enhances your practice experience, making it as enjoyable as it is rejuvenating.
Must try: Attend a Friday night Flowmix class for a wonderful end to your week.
Address: Yuj Yoga Studio, 11 rue Edmond Valentin, 75007
