“I have chosen to be happy because it is good for my health.”
Voltaire
Well-being and wellness in France
The French word for wellness is bien-être. Interestingly it is the same as the word for well-being. The concepts of wellness and well-being are thus interchangeable in the French mindset. Bien-être refers to emotional, physical and mental health. It is a balanced, holistic way of ensuring quality of life and general happiness, achieved through the practice of activities that bring pleasure.
I find the French approach to wellness to be, well, typically French. The emphasis in on pleasure and enjoyment, with a touch of beauty. The French eat mainly in moderation, they favour unprocessed, balanced meals. In keeping with the French philosophy of working to live rather than living to work, they take regular holidays (usually 5 weeks a year) and factor in regular time to relax and unwind. Self-care is closely linked to quality of life. It is a recognised priority at work and at home. Maintaining health, fitness, and life balance are all part of the equation.
Wellness in Paris
Bien-être is big business across France, particularly in Paris. Staying in shape, maintaining your appearance as well as countering the effects of stress and ageing are part of life.
In Paris, the possibilities are endless. I know because I am slowly working my way through them! There is a wide variety of activities including coaching, beauty and anti-ageing treatments, fitness, meditation, yoga, relaxation, massage, spas, naturopathy, dietitians, nutritionists, organic food and products, food and vitamin supplements, detox retreats and more.
My favourites are pilates, yoga, massage and various beauty treatments. The French approach to wellness is holistic. This means that the astehtics of the place or the environment are an important part of the practice. Classes are therefore generally held in minimalist, tastefully decorated, luminous studios. The calming atmosphere created by these beautifully thought-out spaces enhances the experience, contributing to the overall sense of well-being.
Wellness minibreaks in France
Staying a weekend or even a week in a spa hotel is popular way to rest and recharge. It is quite common for French couples, families or solo travellers to head for a hotel with thalassotherapy or thermal spa treatment options. There are usually several wellness programmes of treatments and meals available as a package or you can choose your treatments à la carte. Another wellness break is the retreat. They are held in beautiful settings and offer a 3-day weekend or full week of rest, mindfulness and activities based around a theme. You’d be surprised by the number of different themes – detox, juice detox, fasting, meditation, yoga, hiking, horse-riding, surfing, weight loss, mental health, luxury pampering.
Thalassotherapy resorts
My first experience of thalassothérapie was several years ago when I took my kids away for a few days to a seaside hotel in Dinard on the West Coast of France . It was the February school holidays and instead of going skiing like most French families, in winter we generally prefer a refreshing dose of sea air to clear our heads. The hotel I chose had an indoor pool (family time) and the option of thalassotherapy spa treatments (me-time). I noticed several couples with small babies staying at the hotel. The new mother would be enjoying the Thalassa treatments while the father cared for their (very small) baby. How amazingly restorative that must be post-pregnancy and birth! I later found out that it was fairly common practice (for those who can afford it).
Thalassotherapy is based on the healing benefits of seawater and sea products, such as algae, sand and mud. It first became popular in the 19th century for treating rheumatism and depression in seaside towns in northern France. Today there are over 50 Thalassa spas in France offering a variety of treatments from trained hydrotherapists, beauticians, sports coaches, physiotherapists, masseurs and relaxologists. It is a thoroughly relaxing experience and I highly recommend it if you’re looking for some pampering.
Thermal spas
Thermal spas are another popular wellness destination, often located further inland or in the mountains (in the Alps, Pyrenees etc). These spas offer naturally heated thermal water (about 33°C°) rich in minerals, such as magnesium, calcium, chloride and fluoride. Options include saunas, steam baths, water jets, hot/cold contrast pools and jacuzzis. You can look forward to cardiovascular, digestive, dermatological and anti-ageing benefits as well as overall relaxation. Some spas are even reimbursed on medical insurance, if prescribed by your doctor. Apart from any medically proven benefit, it is an excellent way to reset and recharge.
Try the French way
Over the years, as I’ve navigated life in France, I’ve learnt to either adopt or dismiss French ways of doing things. Whether it is unconsciously or consciously, I often try things on for size and then either keep going in my tried-and-tested personal or Australian way or I switch it out for the French way or I settle on a hybrid approach. In making wellness and well-being a priority in my life, I have been quietly influenced by the French approach to wellness. I enjoy my weekend me-time when I get to explore a new pilates studio in a different part of Paris. I appreciate the asthetics, the atmosphere and the experience of being in the moment. There is a lot to be said for the French way of finding pleasure in self-care and making quality of life a priority each day.