We love Paris! But it is certainly not known for being healthy. That said, over the years we have unearthed a few gems plus we ask top Nutritionist Madeleine Shaw (her clients include the glowing Millie Mackintosh and rather gorgeous Caggie Dunlop)  who lived there for her best places to eat, shop and work out!

STAY

Park Hyatt
Perfectly located near the Jardin Tuileries and the River Seine (all-important for that morning run), the Park Hyatt is one of the most perfect places to stay. It’s spa offers an array of decadent face and body treatments using much-loved Creme de la Mer, a brand that has become known for its innovative use of sea kelp (totally hip & healthy) to get fantastic cosmetic results. When you are not being pampered with this pioneering product, why not relax in the Sauna, steam room or work up a sweat in the gym. This five-star luxury hotel also benefits from a sweet courtyard garden – a wonderful place to take tea (they’ll ask if you want milk or soya with that). Plus the breakfast is also worth a mention which is abundant in fruit, gluten-free cereals and gluten-free bread. Ces’t parfait! 5 Rue de la Paix, Paris, France, 75002; Tel: +33 1 5871 1234; www.paris.vendome.hyatt.com Nightly rates at Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme start from 600€* for a double room including VAT, excluding breakfast. To make a reservation please call +33 1 5871 1234; email [email protected]

Le Bristol
A stay at the Bristol won’t be forgotten in a hurry (but be warned… your bank balance won’t forget it for a while either). Set on, what can only be described as Paris’s answer to Bond Street this is a haven of calm and tranquility from the bustling city. Have lunch in their beautiful walled garden, where you can order anything from fish to salad, or both. The rather spectacular swimming pool is situated on one of the top floors and affords amazing views over the city beyond. The spa, which comprises of 8 treatment rooms, a hair salon, and a fitness centre, uses La Prairie products and even comes with a kid’s club to keep the little ones occupied when you need your relaxation time! Le Bristol Paris,112 rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré, 75008 Paris. Tel: +33 (0)1 53 43 43 00, www.lebristolparis.com

MADDY SAYS: Until recently I was living in the wonderful city of Paris. Being a nutritionist, when I first got the job, I was daunted to be living in the land of bread, cheese, and cream. However, I was amazed to discover the incredible emergence of real healthy living in this beautiful city once famed for it’s rich food and fine wine. Here are some of my faves…

EAT

Au Grain de Folie
A vegetarian and vegan hub. This cheery place has a menu that’s pretty much macrobiotic, with lots of different types of veggies cooked and presented in many mouthwatering ways. One of their meals does contain fish (it’s delicious), and they also have amazing juices to compliment your meal. 24, rue de Vieuville, 75018. Tel. 01 42 58 15 57. Open Tuesday – Sunday, 1:00pm -2:30, and 7:30-10:30.

Phyto Bar
This innovative spot hosts delicious organic meat, wild fish, organic veggies, as well as beautiful organic wine and champagne! 47, Boulevard Saint-Germain, 75005. Tel: 01 44 07 36 99. Open daily from 12pm – 12am.

La Chandelle Verte
This place has the elegance and scrumptiousness of a typical French Bistro, but is bursting with nourishing, organic goodness. 40 rue d’Enghien, 75010. Tel: 01 47 70 25 44. Open Monday to Friday, for lunch only, from noon until 2pm.

Bob’s Kitchen
This place had the coolest energy! Drop in here for freshly pulped bespoke juices. They have great, comforting vegetarian food too. 74 rue de Gravilliers; 75003. Open Mon-Fri 08-3pm. Sat-Sun 10-4pm.

Ralph’s
American-style restaurant where you can get a great organic piece of steak. All their meat is organic and hormone-free. There’s outdoor seating, and wonderful opulent interiors. Heavenly setting for a hearty meal. 173 Boulevard Saint-Germain, Tel. 75006. +33 1 44 77 76 00

SHOP

Naturalia, La Vie Bio, Bio Génération, BioCoop are scattered all over Paris. They contain the usual things you hope to find at health food stores: fresh produce, healthy snacks, chemical-free toiletries and yummy smoothies.

The mecca for organic shopping can be found just outside of Paris at Les Nouveaux Robinsons; this houses everything organic you could dream up and much, much more. I think it’s what every supermarket should be like! Address: Place de la Republique, 93100 Montreuil-sous-Bois. Open Mon – Sat. 10am-8pm. 

Lole
One of our favourite activewear brands (we sell it here), which actually originated in Canada, has a massive following in Paris. Join one of their White Yoga Tours for an amazing display of group yoga – it often takes place somewhere super cool such as a museum or major art gallery. Plus the store also offers complimentary classes. Atelier Lole, 9 Rue des Blancs Manteaux, Paris, 75004. Tel: +33 14 27 81 824, www.lolewomen.com

TO MARKET WE GO

Raspail Market 
This is the most amazing market I have ever experienced; it’s loaded with magnificent fruits, vegetables, organic meat, dairy and nuts from local gardens, and all over the world. Nearly forty vendors are on site, with some of the finest biological products. Boulevard Raspail, Entre la rue du Cherche-Midi et la rue de Rennes, 75006 Paris. Open Sundays: 9am – 2pm.

Marché Biologique Batignolles 
Another organic paradise. This place has more food than the eyes or stomach can handle. Highlights are amazing stalls serving hot healthy crepes, as well as delicious organic goat’s yogurt. Boulevard des Batignolles, 75017 Paris. Open Saturdays: 9am – 2pm.

WORKOUT

Rasa Yoga
The most incredible sanctuary that offers yoga and Pilates classes, running around the clock. Some of the classes are taught in English, however do give a French class a go, as it’s quite an adventure. They also have a wonderful store full of beautiful mats, books, and clothing. Its tranquil energy will leave you ohmming! 21 Rue Saint-Jacques  75005, Tel. 01 43 54 14 59.

Cross Fit Gym This the coolest place to work up a sweat. There are classes running all day. This gym is not for the faint-hearted, however there is always a modified version. Check out my post on Cross Fit  for full details. 51 Rue Etienne Marcel 75001 Tel. +33 6 20 62 77 40.

Walking
The Parisians are a healthy nation as they walk everywhere. It’s the most amazing city to wander around. On every corner, there’s a treat for the eyes, from beautiful churches, to meandering cobbled streets or lovers kissing… Get strolling!

words by Madeleine Shaw

IF YOU ONLY DO ONE THING THIS WEEK:  STAY HIP & HEALTHY ON HOLIDAY