SURPRISE
More than a profession or a range of cosmetic treatments, well-being is an entire lifestyle! At HO KARAN, each month we test experiences - more or less atypical - to soothe the body and mind, refocus us. This month, Laure went to Belleme, the first infrared sauna in Paris, and tells you about its experience.
After a career in audit and corporate finance, Carla Haddou decided to completely change course and launch in Paris "Belleyme", a place dedicated to holistic well-being combining healthy delicacies and infrared sauna.
I went to test this café-sauna with a friend on a Saturday morning. It is located near the Carreau du Temple, one of my favorite areas in Paris. We were greeted by Carla in person who takes care of the coffee, the sale of partner products (food supplements and superfoods) and the briefing before entering the sauna. We entered through the café which can accommodate ten customers and has a lovely terrace. In the back there are 2 sauna cabins well insulated from the main room, and each has its own shower. We want 2 people seated in the sauna without worry, on the other hand it is not possible to lie down.
How does the infrared sauna work?
The sessions last 30 minutes, they are longer than a classic hot stone sauna, because the temperature is lower there, and there is no humidity. The infrared sauna uses infrared thermal radiation at a temperature between 40 and 50 degrees. This type of sauna is therefore ideal for people who cannot stand the very high heat imposed by the traditional sauna.
In a classic sauna where hot stones are sprinkled with hot water, the surrounding air will be heated, while in the Belleyme sauna, the infrared rays will directly warm the body, which gradually rises. in temperature. The goal? Increase sweating to remove more toxins and heavy metals.
What is Belleyme's promise?
“The infrared sauna helps the body to relax and release toxins, thereby helping to leave skin glowing, strengthen the immune system and feel general well-being.”; " Intense elimination of toxins: the key to a boosted immune system, radiant skin, and a purified body! ” , “This technology, well known to athletes, also allows relaxation and muscle regeneration while stimulating the metabolism.”
My impressions
I really like the dry heat of saunas, like the moist heat of steam rooms (particularly suitable before a massage). This heat is known to release endorphins and lower cortisol levels, thus mechanically reducing stress. The Belleyme infrared sauna does not miss this promise of general well-being. After the session I was relaxed and in a very good mood.
I also immediately noticed a marked improvement in the quality of my skin. Since I stopped the pill I have acne on the lower part of my face, and the infrared sauna session has visibly reduced the redness and inflammation. I had already noticed this improvement with traditional hammams and saunas. I would not be able to quantify the performance of the infrared sauna compared to the traditional sauna on this point but it is real.
On the other benefits put forward by the place (strengthens the immune system, fights against cellulite, decreases joint pain or improves sleep) I cannot comment and I think it would take more than one session to see effects.
What about coffee in all of this?
Carla offers a menu of hot and cold drinks, smoothies and gluten-free pastries. Their superfoods, drinks and pastries are guaranteed to be dairy-free and are, for the most part, gluten-free and vegan.
I don't usually eat in the morning, but being a big date lover, I was tempted by their date stuffed with peanut butter. If I enjoy the two foods separately, the combo might have been a bit heavy in the early morning even so delicious :)
The healthy coffee Belleyme is open Tuesday to Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 18 p.m. and from 10 a.m. on weekends.
Sauna reservation online at https://belleyme-paris.com/
Price of an infrared sauna session: 45 €
Photos: Valentin Le Cron