The Best Workouts in Paris, According to 5 French Fashion Insiders
Urban legend may have you believe that une Parisienne simply walks off her baguettes and macarons, but those in-the-know are here to tell you otherwise: "I'm big on workouts and [a] healthy lifestyle," says Paris-based editor in chief of Self Service magazine, Claire Thomson-Jonville, who regularly takes to Instagram to show off her daily lunchtime laps at the Hôtel Barrière Le Fouquet's—a far-cry from New York City's local (and less-stately) YMCA pools. With such double tap-worthy backdrops, it should come as no surprise that squeezing in a sweat session in-between shows this Couture season may just be the chicest move of all.
Below, five French fashion insiders sound off on their favorite fitness finds, from a secret body-sculpting barre class to a Kundalini yoga studio tucked away in a private home in Montmartre. À votre sante!
Claire Thomson-Jonville, editor, creative director, and consultant
Spa Diane Barrière Pool
"[This] super nice swimming pool within Hôtel Barrière Le Fouquet's feels very calm and disconnected from outside busy Paris life. I try to swim practically every day, and this is my go-to pool. I like to go early in the morning once I drop my daughter off at school, or sneak in at lunchtime for a midday swim when I can. I get asked a lot about this pool on Instagram—there are paintings on the wall, and a big hammam, sauna, and cryotherapy as well."
Coté Ring
"I love the discipline of boxing. This little studio in the Marais is where I train one-on-one with my coaches. They’re all ex-professional fighters or are still competing. They work you hard, [but] I love to forget about the craziness of my day and focus for an hour on physical training. It’s such a great overall workout."
Caelo Yoga
"Caelo Yoga is a tiny studio in the 2nd [arrondissement]. Klara’s Jivamukti class is the one to take. I’m new to Jivamukti [a five tenet philosophy towards englightenment] but I’m addicted to the deep stretches. I'll go with a friend on Tuesday night or a good Saturday morning session to get me in a great mood for the weekend."
L'Espace Bikram
"[This is an] airy studio not far from the Parc Monceau. The changing rooms are spacious and it’s the best Bikram studio that I’ve found in Paris. They have ‘purist’ classes for classic 90-minute sessions, but they also do 60-minute yoga [set] to music. I’ll jog here on a Sunday morning for an early class and feel very proud of myself on my way back to brunch."
Lili Barbery-Coulon, author, journalist, and founder of the lifestyle site, lilibarbery.com
Satnam Montmartre
"Satnam Montmartre is the tiniest studio as it can only host 8 [people at a time] but it is part of kundalini yoga teacher Anne Bianchi's personal home, which is stunning. The house is in Montmartre and you have to cross a mesmerizing garden full of flowers in bloom to get inside, and then you practice with a wide window facing you. I love this place. Be sure to book your spot by contacting Anne by email: anne.bianchi75018@gmail.com."
Caroline Benezet
"My life absolutely switched after I attended my first class of kundalini yoga by Caroline Benezet. Caroline used to be a model. She lived in New York City for years and did her teacher training there. She is such an inspiring teacher, gorgeous inside and out. I love how she manages to infuse real life in her classes. She enabled me to find my inner source of self-esteem and I am forever grateful. I follow her wherever she teaches: Tigre Yoga Club, Rasa Yoga, and Studio Keller in Paris. Follow her on Instagram; she always gives good advice."
Blanche
"This huge private sports club is brand new and I really feel like becoming a member. It was opened by two French brothers who are already in charge of Klay club and Ken club in Paris. It has a swimming pool, a rooftop, a restaurant with the great chef Jean Imbert, plenty of classes with yoga, boxing and TRX all day long... And there's a movie theatre inside the space! One of the owners is a movie producer and director, so I'm not surprised that he wanted to gather all his passions in one place."
Fanny Bourdette-Donon, International PR & Special Projects Manager at Dior
Klay
“Working out doesn’t really come naturally to me. I wish I would enjoy it but trust me, I really do not... I force myself to workout twice a week when I’m in Paris more to release stress than anything else really. My favorite gym is Klay. It’s super pretty and located around the corner from my favorite African restaurant, Pal, where I usually go after my session as a reward. I really can’t motivate myself to work out alone so I mostly do group classes, like TRX. My favorite coach, Sebastien Bensoussan, worked on a really cool rap and reggaeton playlist (he was tired of having me complain about the music), which makes the class super fun!
Aurélie Bidermann, Aurélie Bidermann creative director
Studio 7
"I’ve been taking floor barre classes for years. I am very loyal to my instructor, Vassila at Studio 7 on rue Princesse in the 6th. To book, call +33 6 09 45 40 06."
Kshanti Yoga
"When I feel like unwinding, I will take a yoga class at Kshanti Yoga."
Jardin des Tuileries
"I walk to and from work on a daily basis through the Jardin des Tuileries and Jardin du Luxembourg. It is great exercise with gorgeous Parisian views!"
Clara Cornet, Creative and Merchandising Director at Galeries Lafayette
Cluster Sports Club
“My favorite workout is by far at Cluster Sports Club where I do 45 minutes of High Intensity training classes. The two coaches, Gregoire and Sebastien, are twins, and they always have great spirits and bring out the best in me! I like going with a friend as all the exercises are done as a duo. It’s very challenging but planking together might be the best way to test a friendship!”
