Disneyland Paris—One-fifth the size of Paris, Disneyland Paris (formerly Euro Disney) has six hotels, numerous restaurants, and six theme worlds with Disney's interpretations of the Wild West, small-town life in the U.S. and other motifs. The narrations are in French only. 4 November-31 March Monday-Friday 11 am-8 pm, Saturday and Sunday 10 am-8 pm; 1 April-1 November Monday-Friday 10 am-8 pm, Saturday and Sunday 9 am-8 pm. Twenty mi/32 km east of Paris in Marne-la-Vallee. By train, take the RER A, get off at Marne-la-Vallee/Chessy. By car, take Highway A4 toward Nancy and Metz, get off at Exit 14 (Disneyland Paris). Hotel information, phone 01-6030-6030; general information, phone 01-6474-3000; reservations, phone 01-6030-6053.
Menagerie—During the Prussian Siege of Paris in 1871, the animals at Paris' oldest zoo were eaten by starving Parisians. Today, all is well, and delighted children can be seen communing with the baby animals. Daily 10 am-5 pm. Free for children age 3 or younger. In the Jardin des Plantes, 57 Rue Cuvier (5th). Phone 01-4079-3794.
Mosquee de Paris Baths—Attached to the city's main mosque is a Turkish-style steam bath with several chambers. The farther in you go, the hotter it gets. A bald giant who's a ringer for Mr. Clean offers the brave (or unsuspecting) a massage that's almost as painful to watch as it is to endure. But afterward, you can relax on floor mats, and waiters bring around mint tea and sweets—from start to finish, it's an unforgettable ritual. Hours for women: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday 10 am-9 pm. Hours for men: Tuesday 2-9 pm and Sunday 6-9 pm. Place du Puits de l'Ermite (5th). Phone 01-4331-1814.
Missing sports?
Even in this dense urban setting, you can find many ways to work out—indoors in a health or sports club or outdoors in one of many parks. Paris is filled with parks for lovers, children, joggers and roller skaters. Among the most jogger friendly are the Champs de Mars gardens just behind the Eiffel Tower (Metro Lena), Parc Monceau (Metro Monceau) and the Jardin des Tuileries (Metro Tuileries, Concord or Louvre).
Tennis and indoor swimming are available, and Disneyland Paris has its own golf course. You can rent a bike in Paris or in such places as Versailles and Fontainebleau. Bicycling outside of Paris is enjoyable because the countryside is attractive and flat. If a little more speed gets your blood pumping, you can rent a race car at a track just outside the city.
Bicycling
Bois de Boulogne—The bicycle rental stand in the Bois de Boulogne has no phone. It is across from the Jardin d'Acclimatation on the Route Mahatma Gandhi.
Paris Velo—All-day mountain-bike rental. Daily 10 am-7 pm, closing an hour earlier in winter. 2 Rue du Fer a Moulin (5th). Phone 01-4337-5922.
Golf
Golf Disneyland Paris—You can swing a club on this 18-hole competition course, as well as rent equipment and take some lessons. Monday-Friday 9 am-sunset, Saturday and Sunday 8 am-sunset. Winter daily 8 am-4 pm, summer 8 am-sunset. For reservations, phone 01-6045-6890.
Health Clubs
Alesia Club—Sauna, shiatsu, tanning, relaxation, stretching and aerobics but no strength training or pool. Monday-Friday 11 am-9 pm, Saturday 11:30 am-8 pm, Sunday 2-8 pm. 143 Rue d'Alesia (14th). Phone 01-4542-9105.
Gymnase Club—Has Nautilus equipment, but only one of its locations has a pool. Monday-Friday 7:30 am-10 pm, Saturday 7:30 am-8 pm, Sunday 9:30 am-2 pm. 147bis Rue St. Honore (1st). Phone 01-4703-9544. Other locations (call for hours): 28 Ave. General Leclerc (14th), phone 01-4542-5057; 9 Rue de Malte (11th), phone 01-4700-8095; 11 Rue Chanez (16th; this location has a pool, as well as higher fees), phone 01-4651-8818.
Vit'Halles—All the latest equipment but no pool. Membership not required. Monday-Friday 8 am-10 pm, Saturday 10 am-7 pm, Sunday 10 am-6 pm. Place Beaubourg, 48 Rue Rambuteau (3rd). Phone 01-4277-2171.
Swimming
AquaBoulevard—Not only wave pools but also golf, tennis, bowling and other activities. Monday-Thursday 9 am-11 pm, Friday 9 am-midnight, Saturday 8 am-midnight, Sunday 8 am-11 pm. 4-6 Rue Louis Armand (15th). Phone 01-4060-1000 or 01-4060-1515.
Piscine Pontoise/Club Quartier Latin—Health club with a pool, as well as gym, squash and sauna. Monday-Friday 9 am-midnight, Saturday and Sunday 9:30 am-7 pm. Pool hours vary, so call ahead. Pool information: Phone 01-4354-0623. 19 Rue de Pontoise (5th). General information: Phone 01-5542-7788.
Tennis and racquet sports
Timing—Eight indoor tennis courts and three squash courts. Daily 7 am-midnight. Voie des Sables, Villejuif (five minutes from Porte d'Italie Metro stop). Phone 01-4726-7273.
