Three Ways to Relax in Paris

Savor a Lazy Afternoon in These Parisian Establishments

Apr 17, 2009

Whether you like snacking on rich French fare, soaking away your worries in a steam bath, or relaxing with live jazz and a glass of wine, Paris has just what you need.

As spring pulls into full fling, so does the chance of rain on your vacation in Paris. Sure you can visit some unforgettable underground attractions, but Paris also offers some unique ways to relax and get your mind off the rotten rainy weather. Here are three ways to spend a relaxing day out of the Paris rain.

The Hammam of the Paris Mosque

Without leaving France, you can take a trip to the mysteries of north Africa at the Mosquée de Paris. In Paris' 5th arrondissement (district), the Paris Mosque features of course a prayer room and madrassa school, but also a restaurant, tea room, and hammam which are open to people of all faiths.

Spicy, savory dishes like harira soup, lamb couscous, and chicken tagine offer a break from typical bistrot faire. Mint tea and sugary oriental pastries warm up a rainy afternoon. And for a real oriental treat, offer yourself a trip to the hammam, where an afternoon spent in the heavy vapors of the steam baths will melt away all thoughts of the gloomy weather outdoors.

As the hammam is part of a traditional mosque, some days are reserved for men only, others for women. Please check the mosquée de Paris' website for days and hours. Also, it's a good idea to bring your own flip flops and exfoliating glove (one may be purchased, but at 6 euros, it is relatively easy to find a cheaper one before you come to the hammam). A swimsuit is also obligatory.

The Printemps Department Store in the Heart of Paris

Yes Printemps is a department store at 64 boulevard Haussman, in Paris' 9th district. But it's also a café, restaurant, and roof top deli with a 360° of the Paris skyline. The café, Angelina serves the most heavenly hot chocolate in the French capital. The restaurants—sushi, world, and traditional French brasserie—offer warm, unexpected alternatives to sidewalk cafés. The 6th floor brasserie even bathes in the green and blue light of a stained glass cupola worthy of any gothic cathedral. And if when the weather looks bright, the panoramic Déli-Cieux deli gives diners a choice of light, energizing fare with a view to match.

And for an added treat for the eyes, (besides the luxurious Parisian goods on offer on all 11 floors) Printemps hosts a free fashion show every Tuesday. Of course, the panache hardly rivals Chanel's spring collection catwalk show, but the casual atmosphere can be refreshing. And for the mere mortals who don't personally know someone on Chanel's uber-hip guest list, this is still a great chance to say you attended a fashion show in Paris.

An Evening of Jazz at Le Franc Pinot

Wind down after a day of relaxation at Le Franc Pinot jazz club in the Ile Saint Louis, the tiny island behind the Ile de Paris. Even before arriving in front of the marine blue facade, the atmosphere begins to change. That's part of the charm of the Ile Saint Louis, which feels like more like a familiar town than part of an international metropolis.

Inside, a cozy ambiance reigns, soft jazz melodies drift into the air. The trumpet and piano blend perfectly thanks to the natural acoustics of the stone vaults. Because as if being a jazz club in Paris weren't charming enough, Le Franc Pinot is also housed in an underground cellar with vaulted stone ceilings, which perfectly balance the sound, even better than some modern concert halls.

At Le Pinot France, it's even possible to have a jazz dinner on the balcony overlooking the small stage in the cellar. And of course it's always possible to just stop in for some after dinner drinks and a little jazz before heading back to the hotel after a relaxing day in Paris.

For the more adventurous, Paris also offers a surprising underground life. Either way, Paris offers many options for escaping the capricious weather or just taking time to see a different side of the French capital.

The copyright of the article Three Ways to Relax in Paris in France Travel is owned by Christina Rebuffet-Broadus. Permission to republish Three Ways to Relax in Paris in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.