One place to begin looking for yoga classes is the Federation Inter-Enseignments de Hatha Yoga, an associaton of yoga teachers in France. Clair Bornsain Petit, secretary general of the Federation says there is a fundamental difference in the Yoga that Americans prefer and the yoga the French prefer. “In America, many people take yoga to become strong and get in shape. Here in France, it is mostly for stress reduction and relaxation,” she said. Even so, for those of you wanting a power yoga class in Paris, Ashtanga yoga is available. Caroline Boulinguez teaches at a studio within shouting distance of the Place de la Bastille and she agrees that French people do not have a passion for physical exertion as do Americans. “It takes a lot of courage for a French person to take Ashtanga,” she admits. “Their bodies are not prepared. I am sure that it will catch on, but it will take longer than in the States.”

Boulinguez has been teaching in Paris for almost a decade, and it has been hard work to break ground. There are signs, however, that her Ashtanga message is being heard – she has been written about in Elle, Marie Claire and Madame Figaro. Her new clients are lovers of all things Buddhist or Eastern and want the yoga experiences they hear about from Sting, Madonna and other famous followers of the East. She also offers classed to travelers and tourists.

Aside from Boulinguez, there are gentle yoga classes available at the Association Viniyoga lle de France. Tucked in an airy building right around the corner from the Palais Royal, this organization offers a wide range of classes in a traditional low key style. Bernadette Pajot, the president of the association says, “The idea is to adapt the yoga to the individual personality and ability.” “You cannot ask a Western person who spends all day in a chair to have hips as flexible as someone from India.” Pajot, and her center offer four person classes that are particularly suited for travelers, people with injuries or special yoga needs. Each teacher organizes their classes independently, and it is essential to call ahead. There are also several English speaking teachers at the Viniyoga Center, and one in particular – Evelyn Figueroa, will schedule a special class for you and your companions if you’re with a group.
–More Yoga Centers in Paris to come…