Paris for the Holidays

Hammam Spa

Posted on April 14, 2019 Updated on July 10, 2022

The ultimate spa day (they no longer admit men)
Heat and Steam and Water
A rough and abrasive defoliation (“gommage”)
Followed by a oily massage
We image a scary foreign locker room and shower,  bathhouse environment
If the experience is as authentic and intense as we hope,
then this would become a part of our annual itinerary

Paris Hammam

A trip to a foreign land is exciting and invigorating whether it is confronting a new language and cultural barrier, navigating the Paris streets and metro, as well as the prospect of descending underground, down into the catacombs and sewers.

But for us perhaps the next scary, unfamiliar and physically invigorating experience is the Hammam at the Paris Mosque.

As we envision this, you bring your own towel and toiletries, lock everything into a flimsy locker, remove your clothes and cross your fingers.

There will be steam and heat, very abrasive (almost violent) exfoliation by a muscular attendant equipped with textured mittens, followed by a massage, then maybe some mint tea.

Sounds like weekends can be buzy, usually the days are segregated between days for men (Tuesdays and Sundays at the Paris Mosque) the remainder being days exclusively for women.

As I discovered last year, guys are no longer admitted

Steam Bath, Sauna, Soaking
Gommage (exfoliation)
Massage, heavy with oils

The Turkish Bath Experience in the Mosquée de Paris

Spa Therapy: Navigating Paris’ Hammam Scene

Spa Therapy: Navigating Paris’ Hammam Scene

Paris Hammam – Mosque de Paris

https://www.thecut.com/2016/10/the-best-turkish-hammam-in-paris.html

http://www.cross-pollinate.com/blog/779/a-guide-to-turkish-hammam-and-its-rituals/