A Mindful Wellness Escape of Zen & Indulgence in Paris: 3 Days in the 9th

Stay

If the concept of having an in-hotel spa experience sounds like a convenient idea, you can choose between La Fantaisie, a botanical oasis with lush interiors, or the wellness haven, HOY Hotel Paris’ yoga-inspired boutique property.

If you prefer the Opéra neighborhood, check out the chic boutique Hotel Pulitzer and consider splurging on the Pulitzer suite or The Signature Extra City View.

Book a grounding wellness ritual

Consider either a massage, reflexology, or facial session at your hotel’s spa. Guests at La Fantasie can use the FORA $100 spa credit (perhaps on their Signature Premium by Holidermie facial) and enjoy spa amenities like hot and flotation baths, a cold plunge, a hammam, or the infrared sauna. If you’re looking for a unique restorative experience, join a sound bath session at HOY Hotel.

Nature reset & sweet treat

Stroll through the leafy Square Montholon and enjoy an artisanal salted-butter caramel from Maison Le Roux or the made-in-Paris chocolate bonbons, or a single-origin chocolate bar (like 75% Venezuelan or Mexican) from Le Chocolat Alain Ducasse - Le Comptoir Martyrs on a park bench.

Apéro

Consider being French for the afternoon and partaking in the pre-dinner Apéro custom of a glass of wine, champagne, pastis, kir, or apéritif cocktail between 6 and 8 pm. One of my favorite neighborhood haunts for this is Wine Therapy, or if something bubbly sounds appealing, enjoy a glass of champagne at Cave Pétillance.

Dinner options

• For something formal, grab a reserved-in-advance table at Frenchie Pigalle for a refined tasting menu, or Le Bon Georges, which offers two distinct atmospheres, depending on your mood. The Bistro, vibrant and authentic, and the Chef's Table, for a more intimate moment and a tailor-made experience.

• If you’re looking for something more casual, yet sophisticated, on your first evening, consider Chef Carlos Moreno’s innovative Mexican cocktails and tacos. COMER is my favorite gastronomic Latin restaurant in Paris.

Yoga

Start your day with a session at one of three studios.

• HOY Hotel’s YUJ Studio: Offers infrared and candlelit yoga practices in a stunning studio. There’s nothing else like this, truly a yoga luxury experience.

• Yay Studio (Douai): The YAY Studio brand in Paris is consistently well-regarded for its authentic approach. Instructors are approachable and focus on genuine yoga rather than athletic, heated power sessions or glamorous experiences.

• Yoga Village: Technically in the 2nd arrondissement (across the street from the 9th), but it’s my go-to yoga studio for the exhaustive number and variety of classes. Camille’s Yin class is one of my favorites.

Coffee ritual

With intermittent fasting and yoga accomplished, it’s time for an exotic granola recipe and a flat white or espresso at KB Roasters. Enjoy the view of Sacre Coeur from the terrace, weather permitting.

Spa

If you skipped the hotel spa on Day 1, then treat yourself to a customized facial or holistic treatment at Les Jardins Suspendus.

Lunch

Not many restaurants in Paris get all their ingredients from their own organic farm. Go with sustainable, farm-to-table dining at MÛRE Cantine.

Treat yourself

Choose a croissant from the beloved Mamiche. Yes, there’s a line of locals, so you know it’s good. Artisanal chocolate bonbons from Ara Chocolat are available, including options such as tonka bean or Japanese tea ganache. Chocolate popsicles are also offered.

Walk it off

Become a flâneur for the afternoon. FYI: “This is someone who strolls through the city observing life, people, and details, not with a specific goal, but with curiosity and aesthetic appreciation”.

Explore one of the first “malls” from the 1800s for the well-to-do class where they’d show off their clothing and “be seen”. Check out Passage Jouffroy.

Next, visit the neo-classical Eglise de la Sainte Trinité and enjoy its facade from a bench in Square d'Estienne-d'Orves.

Dinner options

• If elegant dining, pioneering cocktail concoctions, and a creative tasting menu is what you’re in the mood for, definitely try Nectar (Le Bar by Maison Mère).

• A sophisticated, plant-forward fine dining and wellness foodie option at 42 Degrés.

• If you’re in the mood for French, sustainable meat options like steak and tartare, check out Bien Élevé.

Morning nourishment

Now that you’re feeling restored and seeking a cozy/comfy breakfast vibe with premium, specialty coffee, head to Coutume for creative egg, bagel, and pancake options.

Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, take a few steps into the 10th arrondissement to potentially spot Korean K-Pop stars at Shin Coffee, and start off with their signature drink, a Black Sesame Latte.

Rooftop view and shop

For a panoramic 360° view over Paris with landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Sacré-Cœur / Montmartre, Opéra Garnier, Notre Dame, and the domed glass roof (coupole—a stunning Art Nouveau dome built in 1912 with stained glass, located above the main atrium of the store itself), take the elevator to the 7th floor and follow the signs for the rooftop “Terrasse” on the 8th floor of the flagship Galeries Lafayette Haussmann store.

Indulgence

Tick off the Ispahan macaron from Pierre Hermé—this rose, lychee, and raspberry macaron is worth the wait. Otherwise, some others are just as mouthwatering.

• Mogador → Milk chocolate & passion fruit (tropical and rich cocoa)

• Huile d’Olive & Vanille → Olive oil & vanilla (surprisingly silky and aromatic)

• Infiniment Vanille → A blend of three vanillas (Madagascar, Tahiti, Mexico)

Green escape

Recharge on a park bench at Square d’Anvers or return to Square Montholon to devour your award-winning macarons.

Afternoon reflection

Sip tea at Le Valentin Jouffroy in the covered passage if you didn’t make it there yesterday, or enjoy a cocktail or other adult beverage on La Fantaisie’s rooftop.

Dinner options

• For a lively finish to your wellness holiday, choose Pink Mamma, a four-story Italian trattoria with a greenhouse rooftop, buzzing vibes, and hearty Tuscan food—one of Paris’s most stylish spots for pasta, pizza, and cocktails.

• Try a unique, modern sushi hand-roll bar, DokiDoki.