Rejuvenating Spas of Paris

Paris is one of the world's most visited cities, and the crowds here prove it too. So it pays to be prepared. Several cultural centers and museums offer tickets in advance which is worth, though at an extra cost, to save time waiting in the line.

Paris is unquestionably best explored on foot. It is a compact wonder of beautiful parks, huge and wide boulevards and green leafy squares. When you get tired, public transportation is easy and inexpensive. The subway train goes about everywhere you need to go for tickets that are cheap and can be bought in a bulk to save time again.

The Parisians are known for being polite and exchanging formal greetings is a rule. Informal American-style manners are considered impolite. Learning a few key French words will take you far. Always say please and thank you.

The City of Light is magical all year round. However, it is especially gorgeous in June, when the days are long; making it easier for sightseeing and lingering in the cafes. Winter can be dark and cold but again, it is the best time to get cheap airfares and hotel deals.

After a long day of sightseeing and shopping, nothing beats a retreat to a Parisian Spa. They are easy to find, often with one or two departmental stores and a beauty institute on almost every corner. The French consider a treatment and a spell in a steam room as essential to one's well-being.

The people of Paris have been waxing and plucking since the time of Marie Antoinette, who soaked in tubs of milk. It would feel great to make yourself like a local and have an hour's treat or more of pampering in the spa's here.

Tourists can find treatments of all price ranges. However, it would be a good thing to reserve a month in advance and almost two months in advance for a weekend appointment. The prices here include tax and service charges, but a tip of five or ten Euros is customary for good service.

A few popular spas of Paris worth trying are as below-

The Zen Cinq Mondes, in the shadow of the Opera house, offers a huge range of treatments that begin from 49 Euros. The Two hour 'reviving tropical ritual' combines a Japanese bath of flowers and some essential oils and a steam bath which is followed by a scrub and massage, all for 182 Euros.

The Spa Nuxe is a hip spa that belongs to the creators of Nuxe skin care products. The ancient cellar with arched corridors and stone has cozy treatment rooms. Their honey dream specialty includes a one and a half hour of scrub, wrap and massage for 145 Euros.

The Harnn and Thann specialize in Thai treatments. When you fall short of time, you can try their 'express Paris-Bangkok' therapy for 40 Euros and a half an hour all body massage.

The Nickel is the place for men in Paris. Specializing in men's products and body treatments, the spa offers a great-deal manicure-pedicure for 25 Euros. One can also try their 'super clean corps' body scrub and massage for one hour at 69 Euros.