Paris Feature

After a long day of shopping, nothing beats a retreat to a Parisian spa. They're easy to find, with one or two in the department stores and an institut de beauté on practically every corner. The French consider a soin (treatment) and a spell in a hammam (steam room) essential to ensuring bien-être (well-being), and Parisiennes have been waxing and plucking since Marie-Antoinette soaked in tubs of milk. Reserve one to two months ahead for a weekend appointment. Tax and service charges are included in the prices, but a tip (€5-€10) is customary for good service. Here are some top-rated spas:

Harnn & Thann. Harnn & Thann specializes in Thai treatments. If time is limited, try the "express Paris-Bangkok," a 30-minute all-body massage for €40. 11 rue Molière, 1er, Opéra/Grands Boulevards, Paris, 75001. 01-40-15-02-20. www.harnn.fr. Pyramides.

Nickel. Nickel is the place for him, specializing in men's products and body treatments. Attack poignées d'amour (love handles) with a 50-minute massage (€74), or try the express 30-minute back massage (€42). 48 rue des Francs-Bourgeois, 4e, Le Marais, Paris, 75004. 01-42-77-41-10. www.nickel.fr. St-Paul.

Spa Nuxe. Spa Nuxe is a hip spa by the creators of Nuxe skin-care products. The ancient cellar with arched corridors has cozy treatment rooms. Try the rêverie orientale: a two and a half hour hammam, body scrub, and detoxifying wrap, plus massage (€220). There is a second branch in the Printemps department store and another in the Hotel Square in the 16th arrondissement. 32-34 rue Montorgueil, 1er, Beaubourg/Les Halles, Paris, 75001. 01-42-36-65-65. www.nuxe.com. Les Halles.

Villa Thalgo. Dip into the pools at Villa Thalgo to experience the benefits of a spa marin (literally, sea spa) in the heart of Paris. Take advantage of its aquagym, fitness room, and hammams (€100, half-day pass), or opt for an Aquazen massage with warm water balloons to de-stress your sore spots (€110, 50 minutes). 8 av. Raymond Poincaré, 16e, Trocadéro, Paris, 75016. 01-45-62-00-20. www.villathalgo.com. Trocadéro.