Both women and men in North Africa and Turkey have long enjoyed the ritual steam bath or hammam – a term that now designates not only the hot steam room itself, but the calming complex that usually also includes swimming pools. cool and warm, a separate area for shedding of dead skin with the help of a rough glove and black soap, and a dimly lit room filled with cushions where you can take a nap or have a refreshing and relaxing cup of mint tea afterwards of the bathroon.
Partly due to France’s former colonial presence in North Africa, the hammam tradition has since become a genuine staple of French urban ‘bien être’ (well-being). These are some of the best spas Paris has to offer, so head to one of these relaxing spots whenever you need a lot of stress. It’s like taking a trip from Paris to Marrakech, in just a short trip on the metro.
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Hammam Medina Center
Direction
45 Rue Petit, 75019 Paris, FranciaGet directions
Telephone
+33 1 42 02 31 05
Web
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It may not be the most luxurious of the bunch, but this hammam ranks at the top of our list for its remarkable atmosphere, service, and value for money. Located in a formerly quiet but increasingly modern and vibrant corner in the northeast of the city, the Hammam Medina Center looks unassuming, but as soon as you walk in, the colorful tile mosaics, the intoxicating smell of argan oil, oud (a scented amber from North Africa)) and mint tea, and friendly service take you to a realm of relaxation and warmth. This hammam has the best value for money. Indulge in the steam room and sauna (dry), pool, exfoliating treatment, tea, and Middle Eastern pastries such as baklava. You can literally stay for hours, the amenities are clean and spacious, and the service is friendly and warm.
- Address : 43-45 rue Petit, 19th district
- Metro: Ourcq
- Tel: +33 (0) 1 42 02 31 05
- Open: Monday to Friday from 11 am to 10 pm, Sunday from 9 am to 7 pm (only for women); men and women Saturdays from 10 am to 9 pm (swimsuit required)
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Hammam Pasha
Direction
17 Rue Mayet, 75006 Paris, FranceGet directions
Telephone
+33 1 43 06 55 55
Web
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The Hammam Pacha was a popular spot in the northern suburb of Saint-Denis, so much so that the owner recently opened a second location near Montparnasse in Paris. Contributor Colette Davidson and I spent an afternoon indulging our senses in this new direction, which is a notch or two of luxury but also more expensive than the Hammam Medina. Overall, a great retreat from everyday stress, or a great “day trip” for those of you on vacation in Paris. They are only female though, so unfortunately for men looking for a hammam experience in Paris, you will have to look elsewhere (read further for more suggestions).
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Hammam in the Mosque of Paris
Direction
39 Rue Geoffroy-Saint-Hilaire, 75005 París, FranciaGet directions
Telephone
+33 1 43 31 14 32
Web
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Perhaps the best known of the Paris hammams and open to both women and men (albeit at different times), the hammam at the Mosquee de Paris features beautiful mosaic tiles, marble, and a porphyry fountain. The bright, airy and colorful adjoining tea room is very pleasant and often visited by birds. The prices are reasonable and you can stay as long as you want, but there are fewer luxuries here than in the Medina and the Pacha. Choose this hammam if you only have a couple of hours to spare to quickly cool down and relax.
- Address : 39 rue Geoffrey Saint-Hilaire, 5th Arrondissement.
- Metro: Gare d’Austerlitz
- Tel: +33 (0) 1 43 31 38 20
- Open: Women : Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, from 10 am to 9 pm Men- Tuesday 2 pm- 9 pm; Sun 10 am- 9 pm
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Eastern Stopover
Direction
94 Rue Saint-Lazare, 75009 Paris, FranceGet directions
Located in a courtyard off the bustling Rue St. Lazare, near the Paris department store district, it is a luxury getaway aimed at couples or friends who want to share a moment of relaxation together. Dominated by shades of teal and aubergine, the Escale Orientale hammam and institute is small but very elegant and discreet and offers several high-end treatments. If you want the hammam experience but prefer privacy and tranquility to the more public setting of other hammams, or are looking for a higher caliber when it comes to beauty treatments, this is a great place to try, as I discovered shortly after it was opened the concept in 2007.
- Address: 94 rue St Lazare, 9th district (Metro St Lazare)
- Tel: +33 (0) 148 78 20 69
- Open: by appointment only
