Hammams are something one might more readily associate with Marrakech than Paris but the City of Light can more than hold its own – not least because since Morocco was once a French territory, we have learned a thing or two about these glorious havens of calm.
Here are three of the best hammams you’ll find in the capital, all of which include a hot steam room, tepid and cool pools, sloughing area, and relaxation zones, complete with lashings of cushions, where you can unwind, sip mint tea, or simply have a snooze.
Hammam Medina Center
From the outside, this hammam in the 19th arrondissement appears pretty modest-looking; step inside however, and the colourful mosaics and heady scent of mint tea and argan oil will instantly transport you to the very heart of the romantic Morocco of your dreams.
Bathing suits are mandatory at all times.
Cost: from 44 euro for the basic package
Includes: (basic package) swimming pool, sauna, spa stone, chill out area, bathrobe, towels, scrub mitt, soap, non-slip footwear, exfoliating scrub treatment, tea & pastry
Duration of stay: as long as you like
Address: Hammam Medina Center, 43-45 rue Petit, 75019 Paris
Métro: Ourcq
Opening times:
- Monday to Friday: 11am-10pm (women)
- Sunday: 9am-7pm (women)
- Saturday: 10am-9pm (mixed)
- Public holidays: 10am-9pm
Hammam Pacha
Hammam Pacha, located in the 6th arrondissement, near Montparnasse, is a step up in luxury from the Hammam Medina Center, with prices that reflect its opulence. That said, if you’re female, it’s worth every cent, since this is a women-only hammam. As with other hammams in Paris, bathing suits are mandatory.
Do be aware that evenings and weekends can get pretty noisy, so if you want to quietly relax, go on a weekday morning or early afternoon.
Cost: from 60 euro for the basic package
Includes: (basic package) swimming pool, sauna, spa stone, chill out area, bathrobe, towels, scrub mitt, soap, non-slip footwear, exfoliating scrub treatment
Duration of stay: 2,5 hours
Address: Hammam Pacha, 17 Rue Mayet, 75006 Paris
Métro/RER: Duroc
Opening times:
- Monday to Wednesday: 11am-8pm
- Thursday/Friday: 11am-11pm
- Saturday/Sunday: 10am-8pm
Mosquée de Paris
The City of Light’s Great Mosque, in the 5th arrondissement, houses perhaps the most famous hammam in Paris, which features a beautiful fountain carved from porphyry, stunning mosaics, and an abundance of cooling marble. Across the patio from the hammam is a souk, where you can browse to your heart’s content, and perhaps even pick up a souvenir or two. The souk is open from 11am to 7pm, seven days a week. After shopping, why not visit the tea room next to the hammam, where you can continue your Moroccan experience, with pastries and mint tea (our favourite).
While not as luxurious as others in the city, this strictly women-only hammam offers more of an authentic experience. Expect to pay less than the others as well.
Duration of stay: as long as you like
Address: 39 rue Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 75005 Paris
Métro: Gare d’Austerlitz
Opening times:
- Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 10am-9pm
- Tuesday: closed