Pampered in Paris.

By Tina M. Lynch.

What do Kermit the Frog and William Shakespeare have in common?

Kermit the Frog is loved by millions around the globe and has had quite an illustrious career. His success could very well be attributed to the fact that he is cute, cuddly, silly, and loveable, but there might be something much simpler to it than that: he is GREEN! You see, researchers have shown that the colour green is the most soothing colour to our eyes. So, although Kermit lamented being green and even sang about his difficult lot in life as an emerald-coloured amphibian, no wonder he became such a big hit! Just looking at him is calming and relaxing!

So, what does this have to do with pampering? In essence, pampering is engaging in activities or putting yourself into situations where you feel comforted, soothed, nurtured, taken care of, cozy, and possibly even transported. The colour green is calming and soothing and frequently used in interior design to promote feelings of health, well-being, relaxation, and freshness. In addition, green has been linked to regeneration, rebirth, fertility, paradise, and in some countries, wealth. It seems, then, that we should never underestimate the power of green on our peace of mind and health. Aha! What a colour! Where can we find it? Well, obviously, green plays a huge part in nature, naturally! Green and nature are ‘biggies' in the quest for health, wellness, and feeling good. So, there you have it - spending time surrounded by nature pampers and nurtures us, and I daresay a ‘deeper part' of us, the very essence of us: our souls. And thus, though it differs from engaging in pampering body treatments, oils, saunas, hammams, massages, and the like, I have chosen to focus on something just as essential to health and well-being, and not always so easy to find in Paris, ‘green spaces'.

Now, what do Shakespeare and Kermit have in common? Well, they are both GREEN, of course! At least in Paris, that is, and more specifically, in the Shakespeare Garden in the Bois de Boulogne. Located on the grounds of the Pré-Catelan, near the elegant restaurant of the same name, the Jardin Shakespeare is an outside theatre created in the shape of a circle and near and dear to my heart. The trees, plants, and aromatic flowers were all chosen based on the flora cited in the works of Shakespeare, so we find olive trees, palm trees, and heather, among others. The whole area is a true haven of verdure and well worth a visit. The open-air theatre itself, also known fittingly as the Théâtre de Verdure, is only open from 14h to 16h daily, but the Pré-Catelan is open all day, every day.

As for some Pré-Catelan history, the story goes that the name derives from a troubadour named Arnault Catelan, who brought provençal liqueurs and other such things to Philippe le Bel, the then King of France, who was living in Passy at that time. On one of his royal trips, Mr. Catelan was assassinated on the road by an escort sent by the King. The escort murdered him because they thought they would find gold in his satchels. That was not the case, however; and the murderers were discovered due to the provençal aromas they became covered in while searching through the troubadour's collection of essences and liqueurs for the King. To pay his respect, the King had a pyramid topped with a cross erected at the scene of the crime. Oh yeah, and in case, like me, you find the history of the kings and queens of France slightly confusing, Philippe le Bel or Philippe the Fair or Philippe IV, was the guy who single-handedly tried (and pretty much succeeded) to rid France of the Knights Templar in the 13^th century - I think he owed them some money or was jealous of their wealth or some such thing.....

Anyhow, the Jardin Shakespeare is a precious place and so is the Pré-Catelan. Once inside the fenced park, fields of green stretch out to meet you. The grounds are accented with a refreshing and lush array of large and lovely trees and are adorned with wonderfully tended flowers, plants, and bushes. There is even a stream with ducks, next to a charming wooden house, the sight of which makes you feel as if you are in another world altogether. There is also a section with ping-pong tables and a play area for the kids if you go en famille. Most importantly, though, there is plenty of space to relax, have a stroll or picnic, languish about, and soak up the power of green. Late spring or early summer is the most beautiful time to go as you can catch the tulips or other flowers in bloom - just gorgeous! So, pamper yourself and your soul with a visit and indulge in the healthy benefits of green.

By the way, for Shakespeare lovers, the open-air theatre, Théâtre de Verdure, is open for certain performances throughout the year. At the end of May and beginning of June you can catch London's Tower Theatre Company performing a work of Shakespeare at their annual season in Paris, which coincidentally, is happening this week. You can find more information about the Tower Theatre Company on their website, http://www.towertheatre.org.uk/paris.htm. This year's performance is the very accessible ‘Twelfth Night' and will be performed in English (French subtitles displayed at the side of the stage) from the 27^th of  May to June 1^st. Tickets can be purchased in person by check or cash at the entrance of the theatre or online with a credit card. Adult tickets are 18€ each, Children under 14 are 10€ each. Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more (12€ per person) and can be arranged through their contact in Paris, Robin Baker at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or 01 45 20 67 30.  For any additional information, you can contact Jean Carr by email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or by telephone at 00 44 20 88 83 49 87.

Metro Line 1: Les Sablons

Metro Line 2: Porte Dauphine

Bus: N° 244 from Porte Maillot, stop Bagatelle-Catelan

Velib: There are Velib stations at Porte Dauphine and Porte Maillot.

*Please note: bicycle riding is not permitted on the grounds of Pré-Catelan, but of course the Bois de Boulogne is an excellent place to go cycling and there are many bike paths or bike-friendly lanes.

Copyright © 2008 by Tina M. Lynch