Monday, February 18, 2013

Les Thermalies 2013

This arresting poster was in all the Metro papers. Cut it out and attend free a spa convention in the Carrousel du Louvre. Why not?

I've reached the conclusion that bathtubs are a sign of luxury in Paris...
Certainement in Parisian tiny apartments a shower is the most practical form of ablutions available (usually in a closet-like space).
I'm lucky to have quite a nice sized sale de baine in my little studio but it's still got a shower not a tub.
Back to the spa convention, Les Thermalies. There were 6 theme-based exhibition areas. This thing was huge and ran for FOUR days! Who knew?
Mud is big in France. Another surprise. Well any kind of treatment but especially salt/sea water in the North on the Atlantic coast and mud treatments. Spas from all over the world showed up and the place was jumping full of interested clientel signing on the dotted line.
I took a special liking to this elegant Venetian dipping his hand in a big pot of mud from Venice...in and out as an enticement to his spa.
Another area was dedicated to Le Salon de l'eau et du bien-etre/well being offering innumerable on-the-spot treatments - massages, facials, posture insoles, brushes for dead skin - endless choices plus mineral waters. Being thin and looking perfect does not come easily. Hard work is involved.
Framboise/raspberry creams looked appealing. There were big plates of fresh seafood available as well. Very a pro po.
Back to tubs. I have been on one of these tables getting a massage while shower heads soak you once long ago at Eugenie les Bains for a weeks stay in my salad days (whatever that means). They fed us lots of salades bien sur - cuisine minceur de Michel Guerard. The kilos fell off me. 
These bathtubs were like boats - enormous!
And elaborate. I must reveal that French Girl has a 'shaped' bathtub I found difficult to get out of - French hips are non-existent.
Here's a not so luxe bathtub from the darling musee du Jouets in Poissy..ahem
Probably the closest I'll get to a bathtub in Paris is this fishbowl. Still attending Les Thermalies was eye-opening. Don't miss it next year if you get the chance.

17 comments:

  1. That raspberry cream looks good enough to slather on toast!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Considering that it is Gommage it would be tad sticky OK very sticky!

      Delete
  2. Do they have spas in Paris - or public hot tub or whirlpool places? Just curious. With tiny facilities and Parisian's love of pleasure I would think they would be a hit.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Great opening sketch!
    Very cute post, with the posters, mud, and some really fabulous tubs! I'm a shower person, but I could change if I had one of those tubs :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Most people prefer Showers I think..just not me.. who knew a tub would be a luxury. They have more interesting conventions in Paris. Who knew..:)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Exactly...who knew?
      I feel compelled to attend everyone of them if I can...

      Delete
  5. Love that Venetian with his hand in the mud. He wouldn't be able to do anything else all day with his hand covered with mud like that. Too funny.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hahaha...I hadn't thought of that Grace!

      Delete
  6. What an interesting post. Such a fascinating day out. I would never think to go to such an event. I love your curiosity for Paris life- you opened a new, and fascinating (bathroom) window for us today.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Remember le sale de Bain is just for ablutions! C'est tout

      Delete
  7. Nice post! Once in Biarritz I tried Thallasotherapy and brought my son - five at the time. Heaven to me but he kept complaining how the pool was salty and the seaweed so slimy!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. When I drank the waters at Egenie les pres they made me I'll!! Plus Michel Gereur popped a champagne cork that landed on my head. These places can injurious to yr health!

      Delete
    2. I meant Michel Gerard - the desserts were out of this world fab as was the mud baths. You come out of there feeling newborn.

      Delete
  8. Oooh, the massage with the shower sounds superlative. I think "salad days" means that time in our lives when the kilos would just fall off. Now they seem permanently attached. I wish I'd gone to the exhibit. :(

    ReplyDelete
  9. Love it! And I love my own huge old cast iron clawfoot tub. I call it My Boyfriend.

    ReplyDelete
  10. You will have to take it with you to Paris Amy!!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Anonymous3:47 AM

    Just a note to let you know I did receive the delightful drawing and to let you know how much I enjoy breakfast in Paris(I wish) everyday. I have been to Paris 4 times so far and breakfast ( read almond croissant) is indeed my favorite meal there. I look forward to going again but meanwhile I'll continue to enjoy your Paris Breakfasts.
    Doreen

    ReplyDelete

Love hearing from you