Modern juice bars in old school France

I’m a Los Angeles girl, and I used to have a lifestyle and routine that is sometimes hard to duplicate in France. So, in my best So-Cal voice, I ask, “May I have a shot of wheatgrass and a detox green juice with spirulina, s’il vous plaît?”

What did she say? It must be a ‘Holly-weird’ thing. Nope, not at all. To all you health freaks and geeks: REJOICE! Modern day pure and raw juice bars are popping up all over France and I am the first in line every chance that I get.

However, you don’t have to be a juice fast or raw detox person to enjoy these bars. People of all backgrounds, beliefs, and countries are into fresh juices and smoothies. And with the so-called ‘modern diet’, I’d say you may want to try a green juice today. Your body will thank you for it.

What it’s NOT: A fat and sugar filled glass of artificial ingredients that resembles a milk shake with no health benefits. In other words, bad for you!

What it IS: Fresh raw juices from real fruits and vegetables. Along with add-ins like spirulina, goji berries, vitamin boosts and protein powders. Not to mention a glass full of health benefits, vital minerals and nutrients with no added sugars or fat. In other words, good for you!

Now, hang in there, you don’t need to be a raw person, vegan, athlete, or health expert to go to a juice bar. Have you ever had a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice? Voilà, you’re in ‘The Juice Club’. Take it a step further and try a pineapple, banana, and strawberry smoothie. See, that wasn’t so hard, and it sure is yummy! My favorite is a green juice full of detoxing veggies.

From Paris to Nice, you’ll find juice bars! Bob’s Juice Bar was one of the first to open in Paris. It took off in popularity long before it was en vogue.

I was stoked to meet Desmond Martin who owns three Zumo Juice & Smoothie Bars in France. They are located in Nice (in the Nice Etoile), Marseille, and Avignon. Zumo is a chain that started in Ireland in 2001, and is currently the largest juice bar chain in Europe.

Mr. Martin loves his job. He enjoys the reaction to his 100% real juice concoctions! He told me, “I love to see people smile after they taste my juices and smoothies. It makes me so happy to know that I am providing something that’s good for them and that tastes great!”. I second that, Des! I love the Detox and Amazon Acai drinks there! You can choose to add-in items to customize your drink, too. Don’t be shy, order one for now and one for later.

Another favorite of mine is Le Bar à Fraîcheurs, in Antibes.

Le Bar à Fraîcheurs is a tiny, yet fabulous, walk-up juice and smoothie bar. They offer coffee, parfaits, salads, and wraps. Miam miam!  I love the Colda, Passionata, and Keep-Cool drinks here. They offer a loyalty stamp card, too.

The friendly owner, Amandine, explained they serve soups and hot chocolate during the colder months. They are open all year, whereas some small businesses close during the off-season.

There is nothing like watching your smoothie being freshly made in front of you along with a kind smile and good conversation. This is a must stop in Antibes – go get juiced!

À votre santé!