Guests at the legendary Four Seasons Hotel George V have Paris at their feet, thanks to its prime location in the heart of the city.

Although much is made of the love-hate relationship Americans have with all things French, there is no denying that France often tops the must-visit list of many U.S. travelers. The country never fails to charm with its engaging sidewalk cafés, historic treasures, captivating culture, and sensational sense of style. Known for its numerous beauty brands, France is no stranger to lavish spas and decadent skincare treatments. Thanks to two Four Seasons spas—each embracing its celebrated locale—the country can claim even more bragging rights.

Spa-ing in Paris

The elegant sitting area, which overlooks the pool, features a classic Louis XVI-style decor with its marble columns, decorative fireplace, and crystal chandelier.

Located just off the Champs-Elysees, the Four Seasons Hotel George V (Paris) offers the ultimate in unadulterated luxury. Opened in 1928, the original George V raised the bar in the hospitality industry with numerous innovations, such as a telephone in each guest room with both an inside and outside line and a dumb waiter system to expedite food service. Not surprisingly, the hotel attracted an influential clientele. In fact, it became General Eisenhower's headquarters during the liberation of Paris in 1944. He later returned while president of the U.S., as did other heads of states, including Jimmy Carter, Richard Nixon, and François Mitterand.

The relaxation lounge serves as a tranquil place to indulge in a post-treatment drink and snack.

Today, the hotel is managed by Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts thanks to a long-term agreement signed in November 1997. As part of that agreement, the hotel incorporated the Four Seasons name and underwent a $125-million renovation project. Intended to recapture the hotel's original style and grandeur, the renovation also included the addition of a full-service spa. Opened in December 1999, the Four Seasons Hotel George V Spa features a classic Louis XVI style. According to spa director Verena Fox, the spa's French interior design sets it apart from other local spas. It is also one of the few spas in Paris to feature an indoor pool. Upon entering the spa lobby, guests are treated to a view of the pool and its frescoes, depicting the gardens of Versailles.

Courting France's rich past, the spa relies on historical figures and places as a source of inspiration for its treatment menu. Marie Antoinette and her beauty secrets, for example, inspired A Stroll Through Versailles ($514, 2 hours 30 minutes), which honors her favorite scent: orange blossoms. The package involves a steamed orange blossom body scrub, a relaxing massage with warm shea butter, and a milky facial. According to Fox, it is the spa's most popular offering. Spa-goers can also opt to indulge in the package's treatments individually. Each concludes with a serving of delicious pink pastries.

Guests can appreciate the spa's frescoes, which depict the gardens of Versailles, while soaking in the pool or Jacuzzi.

This past holiday season, the spa introduced the 24 Karat ($748, 2 hours) package, which draws on the restorative powers of gold. Using this precious metal in its many incarnations, the package features a 60-minute four-handed face and body treatment using massage oil that is mixed with particles of gold and three thin sheets of 24-karat gold that are massaged into the face. Spa-goers are then treated to a moisturizing hair treatment, followed by a blow-dry. The package is wrapped up with a serving of green tea packaged in 24-karat gold leaves from the French teahouse Mariage Frères and a homemade macaroon topped with gold shavings.