Paris, often celebrated for its art, history, and culinary excellence, also emerges as an unexpected haven for those seeking a few days dedicated to wellness. Places like the Luxembourg Gardens, Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, and the Bois de Boulogne provide ample space for yoga, meditation, or a peaceful walk, allowing one to reconnect with nature and find inner peace amidst the bustling city life. The city’s culinary scene has evolved to include a plethora of options catering to health-conscious diners. From organic cafes like Wild & The Moon to vegetarian restaurants and markets offering locally-sourced, organic produce, Paris enables visitors to indulge in gourmet experiences that are both delicious and nourishing.
But wellness isn’t solely about physical health; it’s also about enriching the mind and soul, and with its wealth of museums, galleries, and historical sites, Paris offers endless opportunities for intellectual and emotional enrichment. For those who equate wellness with a bit of pampering and luxury, Paris excels with its array of high-end boutiques, salons, and perfumeries. Shopping in Le Marais, exploring the grand boulevards, or even enjoying a leisurely cruise on the Seine can be therapeutic and a wonderful way to practice self-love. Take that up a notch with an indulgent spa day to fully pamper the body and uplift the spirit.
Paris is a city best explored on foot, and walking is a great way to stay active, explore hidden gems, and reduce stress. The architecture, street scenes, and the very act of wandering through the city’s charming arrondissements can be a joyful and invigorating experience. The Parisian lifestyle, with its emphasis on savoring the moment, whether through a leisurely meal, a quiet hour spent in a café, or simply taking the time to converse and connect, encourages mindfulness and a slower pace of life, essential components of wellness.
In essence, Paris offers a unique blend of activities and experiences that cater to all aspects of wellness, making it an ideal backdrop for anyone looking to unwind, rejuvenate, and perhaps rediscover their zest for life. It’s a city that reminds us that wellness is not just about the absence of illness but about a deeper, more joyful engagement with life itself.
Here’s a 3-day plan to help you explore the city with wellness in mind:
Day 1:
Morning: Start your day with a peaceful meditation and yoga session in the tranquil setting of the Tuileries Gardens. The harmony of nature provides a perfect backdrop for mindfulness. I loved OUTDOOR YOGA in Tuileries – Vinyasa with Jacqueline, 
organized by the Yoga Club Paris.
Then head to Café de Flore, one of the oldest coffeehouses in Paris, located in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés. It’s famed for its historical clientele (Hemingway and Sartre were regulars back in the day) but also makes fantastic coffee and pastries! Here you will find a quintessential Parisian breakfast experience. Savor a classic café au lait alongside a croissant with some great people-watching.
Afternoon: Visit the Musée d’Orsay for an “art therapy session” of sorts, immersing yourself in the world-renowned collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces to soothe the soul and inspire deep reflection.
Evening: Dine at Bistrot Paul Bert, a classic Parisian bistro in the 11th 
arrondissement that serves up traditional French cuisine with a modern twist. The steak frites here are legendary, and the wine list is impressively curated to complement your meal perfectly. Or for something a bit lighter, try Sense Eat, for exquisite vegetarian Italian cuisine in a cozy atmosphere, focusing on organic and seasonal ingredients.
Day 2:
Morning: Start early at Du Pain et des Idées. Nestled in the 10th arrondissement, this is not just a bakery but a pilgrimage site for those who cherish artisanal breads and pastries (when if Paris, do as the Parisians do!). The pain des amis and the escargot 
chocolat pistache are must-tries. Then burn off some of those calories with a leisurely walk or bike ride along the Seine. The early morning light and calmness of the city provide a peaceful start to the day.
Or participate in a Tai Chi class at the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, one of Paris’s most beautiful parks, offering sweeping views and a tranquil space for morning exercise. Classes are a bit ad-hoc but usually take place around 9AM daily. After class, grab some refreshments at Rosa Bonheur, an adorable café with outdoor seating in the park.
Afternoon: Treat yourself to a visit to the Hammam at the Grande Mosquée de 
Paris. This traditional Moroccan hammam offers a serene escape with steam rooms, massages, and tea. Take the metro to Place Monge. The somewhat hidden Hammam entrance is behind the pastry counter in the mosque’s charming courtyard café. From there, you’ll be escorted to the hammam, a high room, lavishly decorated with mosaic tiles and carved woodwork, filtered sunlight streaming through stained glass and filigreed lanterns.
Around the edges of the room, lay women reclined on beds covered with cushions, sipping mint tea from tiny glasses, nibbling on pastries, laughing, whispering and drifting in and out of sleep. Proceed through the five marble-lined chambers from steam to water and back to steam, each one heating up to the extreme 60-degree temperature of the plunging pool room, followed by “gommage” (“erasing” or exfoliation) and massage with scented oils. By the end of it you will have been scrubbed and rubbed and coated with almond-scented oils–and your skin will feel like silk. But even better, you will have experienced just a small piece of Arabic culture in a female-centric atmosphere.
OR, indulge in a facial at the Spa Le Bristol by La Prairie, known for its luxurious bespoke wellness treatments that promise relaxation and rejuvenation—each customized to the guest’. Situated within Le Bristol Paris, one of the city’s most prestigious hotels, the spa benefits from an environment that exudes elegance and charm. Pair that with the La Prairie skin care products used exclusively at the spa and you know you will emerge glowing. Beyond the exceptional treatments, Spa Le Bristol by La Prairie adopts a holistic approach to wellness, considering the guest’s overall well-being. This philosophy extends to wellness activities and relaxation spaces designed to harmonize body, mind, and spirit.
Evening: Enjoy dinner at Chez L’Ami Jean, a cozy yet bustling bistro known for its hearty Basque-inspired dishes. The chef, Stéphane Jégo, brings the warmth of the
French countryside to the heart of Paris with dishes that are rich, flavorful, and made with love. Leave room for dessert, because the rice pudding for dessert is an absolute must-try! Ah, the simple pleasures of French cuisine! For vegetarians, Wild & The Moon is a chic spot offering plant-based, gluten-free, and ethically sourced dishes that are as delicious as they are nutritious.
Day 3:
Morning: Explore the Marché Biologique des Batignolles, a vibrant organic market where you can sample fresh produce, cheeses and local delicacies—even organic wines. Consider picking up some breakfast and snacks for a picnic. While you’re in the area, check out Le Bal, a dynamic cultural center focused on the image-document
through photography, video, cinema, and more.
Or for film enthusiasts, Le Cinéma des Cinéastes: offers a carefully curated selection of films in a historic setting. It’s a great place to catch both international and French films, including indie titles that might not be shown in mainstream theaters.
From there, stroll down Cité des Fleurs, A hidden gem in the 17th arrondissement. This private street is open to only pedestrians during the day. It’s a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle, lined with beautiful houses and gardens. A stroll here feels like stepping into another world, one where time moves more slowly.
Afternoon: Enjoy your picnic lunch and leisurely activities in the Bois de Boulogne, Paris’s answer to Central Park. Here, you can rent a boat, explore the gardens, or simply relax by the lakeside.
Evening: For those seeking an adventurous culinary experience, Le Chateaubriand offers a fixed menu that changes daily, showcasing the chef’s creativity
with flavors that are both bold and beautifully balanced, located in the vibrant 11th arrondissement. For a broader, and possibly lighter menu, try Septime, known for its innovative approach to French cuisine, focusing on sustainable cooking practices and seasonal ingredients. Vegans should have their final night in town at Le Potager du Marais, a cozy restaurant offering delightful vegan versions of traditional French dishes.