Yoga Classes In Paris

12 comments - 12.29.2006

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(Please note that this list was recently updated in 2013. However prices, addresses, and policies are subject to change. You may wish to visit the website or call the school for additional information.)

If you feel the need to work off that croissant au beurre you’re likely to indulge in every morning or the daily éclair au chocolat you’ve been treating yourself to each afternoon, for visitors to Paris that practice yoga, there’s plenty of places scattered about the city with classes all day long so you can downward-dog all that buttery richness away.

You’ll find most of the yoga studios in Paris tucked away in old courtyards while others are sleek and modern. In my experience, you’re less-likely to find a ‘power yoga’-style class which feels like a heavy-duty workout in Paris as you’ll find in many US cities, but it probably best not to overexert yourself too much…after all, you’re on vacation!

Most yoga classes in Paris are Vinyasa or Ashtanga-style, with lots of variations. Of course, classes are in French (although some schools do have English-language classes), but more teachers speak some English and if you regularly practice yoga, you should be able to follow along.

Here’s a list of a several studios that are centrally located, with some notes about their classes and styles. Most studios require regular students to pay a cotisation annuelle, an annual fee, although they waive it for short-term visitors. Please note that class prices are the current rates, and you should check the individual studios web sites for updates. If you like to have water handy, it’s best to bring a small bottle along with you.

Most yoga studios in Paris don’t offer showers or towels. Expect to pay more than you would for an individual class in the US, although most places offers series of multiple classes, which is worthwhile if you plan to be in town for a while. Mats are available, but changing rooms in most of the places are non-existent, so be prepare to ‘see-and-be-seen’ (and believe me, I’ve seen everything)—so don’t be shy!

Fédération Française de Yoga
Offers classes in Yoga Dynamique (Vinyasa) and Yoga Détente (restorative), for relaxation. There is sometimes a class in English offered once a week. Yoga sessions are 1 or 1½ hours, and visitors pay 10€ per ‘trial’ class. Free mats available.

Fédération Française de Yoga
11, passage Saint-Pierre Amelot (11th)
Métro: Oberkampf
T: 01 47 00 28 20
(Press large button on keypad to enter building.)

Samasthiti Studio
Primarily offers Ashtanga classes, although there’s different levels including débutant évolutif near-beginner and Vinyasa créatif, which offers variations on the Ashtanga series. There’s also Mysore-style classes offered. Visitors can purchase 1, 2, or 3-classes, on a visitor-basis. Classes are 1½ hours long. Mat rental available.

Samasthiti Studio
23, rue de Cerisaie (4th)
Métro: Bastille
T: 01 44 07 31 33

Espace Saint-Louis
51-53, rue Saint Louis en l’Île (2nd)
Métro: Sully-Morland, or Pont Marie
and
28, rue du Roi de Sicile (4th)
Métro: Saint Paul
T: 09 50 52 67 43

Yoga Yoga
6, passage de la Vierge (7th)
Métro: Ecole Militaire
T: 01 47 20 71 56

Centre Sivananda de Yoga de Paris
123, Boulevard de Sébastopol (2nd)
5th floor
Métro: Réaumur Sébastopol
T: 01 40 26 77 49

Rasa Yoga
A friend of mine and I checked this place out and we were bowled over by how clean and modern it was. This sleek yoga studio on the Left Bank, right near Notre Dame, offers Ashtanga and Vinyasa classes with spiffy changing rooms, lock-boxes…and showers! Single classes are 20€.

Rasa Yoga
21, rue Saint Jacques (5th)
Métro: Cluny-La Sorbonne
T: 01 43 54 14 5

Bikram Yoga Paris
If you’re a practitioner of ‘hot’, demanding Bikram yoga, there are the two studios in Paris. Both have a daily class in English at each location. Single classes are 25€, and mats & towels are available to rent.

Bikram Yoga Paris
13, rue Simon Le Franc (4th)
Métro: Rambuteau or Hotel de Ville
T: 01 42 47 18 52

17, rue du Faubourg Montmarte (9th)
(Door code-A4246)
Métro: Grand Boulevards or Cadet
T: 01 42 47 18 52

Other Yoga Schools in Paris (by neighborhood)

Red Earth Center (10th)

Yoga Planete (3rd and 6th)

Paris Yoga (8th)

Espace Energie (5th)

Yoga & Meditation (11th)

Rituel Studio (6th)

Centre de Yoga du Marais (3rd)

Red Earth Centre

Yoga Marais (3rd)