My wife and I have been members of Front de Seine since September. I recommend it to many of my…read moreex-pat friends and describe it as the closest thing to a North American club that you'll find in Paris; I would compare it to Equinox in the US, or the Adelaide Club in Toronto. Even though it is a little bit out of the way from where I live and work, it is worth the trek, and I get to walk by the Eiffel Tower each time, which is a nice bonus.
I love a gym where I feel welcome and can spend hours there if I wanted to. When I enter to get my gym lock, I'm greeted by people who know me by name, and the same applies with other trainers throughout the session (all done in English, if you prefer). There is a nice café by the entrance where I'm comfortable sitting and having a drink with a colleague after a squash match or to wait for my wife to finish up in the changeroom. Of course there is wifi, and you can also watch whatever big soccer ("football") game is on as well on their big screen. I find it amusing that the bar doesn't serve protein drinks like a normal gym bar would but rather espressos, cappuccinos, wine and beer and some charcuterie, it is so Parisien it hurts.
The gym equipment is pristine and all new. The machines are sophisticated and use some sort of bar code technology that allows you to track your progress, if you are into that kind of thing. The treadmills all have youtube, tv and ipod capabilities - which is key when you hate running as much as I do. While I thought it was odd that there was only one squat rack and one bench press respectively, I never seem to have to fight for them, owing I think to the fact that there doesn't seem to be a big lifting culture here in Paris (see above regarding gym café). This view is bolstered when you consider these two critical pieces are in entirely separate rooms at opposite ends of the facility, yet no one else seems to mind.
The price is also very reasonable. While there is an initiation fee of about 200 euros, it comes with a few training sessions, and 15 credits for group classes or squash sessions. Yes, those are extra, and not included, usually averaging out to 10-16 euro each. The classes themselves are killer so definitely worth the money, especially bootcamp with Boris. Towels and water bottles are not included either, so you don't get all the conveniences of North American clubs. But it is more than you'll get anywhere else in Paris for 84 euro a month.
Finally, if you are into squash, this is the place for you. Courts are well kept with glass backing. I understand there are only 3 real clubs you can play at, and I've been to one of the others (CMG Montparnasse) and it is no comparison. Courts are in huge demand and fill up quickly so you have to reserve at the desk or online, often filling up (5 courts in session) a few days in advance.
If you want to check it out, reach out to Alex Kuntz, who handles the memberships, he is awesome to deal with.
