French women are admired the world over for their svelteness and youthful beauty even as they age (Catherine Deneuve, anyone?). So it shouldn’t be surprising that Parisian spas tend to put the focus on aesthetics and designer skincare over zen relaxation. That’s not to say that you can’t strike a pose of repose at Paris spas…it’s just that the emphasis is more likely to be on treatments that give natural beauty a little boost.

If you’re going to indulge in the local anti-aging aesthetics, you might as well splash out and start with a facial of 24-carat gold at the George V Spa. Set in the Four Seasons Hotel George V, this spa is our favorite in all of Paris. From the gilt-infused treatments to the gilded Versailles-inspired 18th century décor, you’ll be pampered in ultimate luxury. If relaxation’s your goal, retire to the lush garden-encircled pool, where the indoor lighting replicates a sunny day (complete with sunrise and sunset).

But if all that Toile de Jouy is a little over-the-top for you, plenty of the choicest Parisian spas lean towards minimalism. At the Dior Institut au Plaza Athénée, images from the fashion catwalk beamed into the reception clue you in that this spa is as style-conscious as its parent brand, the House of Dior. The clinical white walls don't exactly scream relaxation, but it can be a thrill to join the couture-clad society ladies as they pamper themselves back into youth-dom (we're talking microdermabrasion with sapphire particles and "3D lifting"). On the high-tech tip, you might also fancy L'Espace Payot, where in-house doc Nadia Payot lends a scientific edge to treatments and facilities are appointed with all the latest gadgets. The stark minimalist surrounds can actually be a soothing respite from a shopping romp on the nearby Avenue des Champs-Élysées, while a tea and a tartelette from next-door La Maison du Chocolat are sure to boost your joie de vivre, too.

Craving something just a little earthier? Even if you're not going au naturel, there's no reason you can't stick close to nature. Step off the boutique-laden Rue Saint-Honoré for the feng shui surrounds of L'Appartement 217, where everything from the organic bespoke facials to the biodegradable kimonos to the nutritional advice is earth conscious. Though Spa NUXE is located smack dab in the middle of the Printemps department store, it's grounded in the nature-meets-science Nuxe product line, which culls active ingredients from exotic plants–you'll peel back the years and emerge smelling like a tropical garden all at the same time. Or, head for the fountain of youth at Spa Valmont pour Le Meurice, a petite spa where Swiss skincare specialists slather on age-defying skin treatments blended with pure, mineral-rich glacial water. Lounge on the sunny terrace post-treatment to complete your communion with the elements.

While a portion of their beauty regimens will always remain tucked discreetly behind treatment doors, Parisian women are never shy about a trip to the salon. It's a city of proudly displayed haute coiffures, and some of the most très chic cuts can be had at Alexandre Zouari. His "golden scissors" have graced everyone from the crowned heads of Dubai and Monaco to France's First Lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy.

Though venturing to any one of our favorite spas and salons in Paris is an aesthetic journey leading directly to a more beautiful you, don’t discount the possibility for achieving a state of Zen. Putting yourself in the care of such expert hands can be the ultimate form of relaxation. Just like those native Parisian beauties, you'll look "oh là là" on the outside, but feel "om" on the inside. C'est magnifique!

Photo of George V Spa courtesy of Four Seasons George V