What you should know about visiting a hammam in France
A Turkish baths experience could be just what you need – but do some research first
A hammam could help you shake off those winter blues
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Le hammam
Turkish baths provide an oasis of warmth and relaxation when it is cold outside.
Generally you alternate between sitting in a wet steam room splashing water over yourself, and wandering in and out of the sauna and/or showers.
In theory, sessions are timed but in practice people rarely watch the clock. Génial!
Le gommage
Getting scrubbed all over with black soap sloughs off old skin and dead cells. The cost is often included in the entrance price.
Either bring your own gant exfoliant from home, or buy one at the door. If you have sensitive skin, you may prefer a flannel glove. Fabuleux!
Les soins
As well as access to a jacuzzi, other treatments on offer include a wide range of massages and facials, pedicures and manicures, epilations, and sometimes even hairdressing.
These generally have to be booked in advance, and sometimes it is more advantageous to book a cure or a forfait than book treatments individually. Entendu!
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L'hydration
As well as drinking plenty of water in the steam rooms, once you have enjoyed all your treatments and are wrapped up in a dressing gown, enjoy a complimentary glass of mint tea.
Bring a magazine to flick through as you lounge and sip as slowly as possible. Il faut profiter!
Le style
Some hammams are very exotic, with multi-coloured tiles and free North African cookies with your tea.
Others are fashionably tiled in shades of grey, and you might get cucumber water rather than mint tea.
Check out the pictures on the website before you go. Do not forget to take swimwear. Mon paradis!
