Philippe Meslier was walking past the Sorbonne University in Paris recently when an elegant woman offered him a massage. He enjoyed it so much that he returned a couple of days later, but this time to give massages himself.
Now the 59-year-old Frenchman wears a badge that describes him as an anti-stress agent working for a movement that is fast becoming one of the most curious attractions in the capital.
La Décontraction à la Française (French-style Relaxation) is an association that offers free massages in some of Paris’s busiest locations. On sunny afternoons, a dozen or more anti-stress agents can be found by the Sorbonne, with a stream of people enjoying a break from the bustle of Parisian life.
The movement was founded by André Choukroun. Eight years ago he had a “flash of inspiration”. His contribution to humanity would be to provide free massage. He claims that his movement could do more to fight global poverty than Bill Gates’s foundation. Not everyone is so enthusiastic.
Jean-Paul David, vice-chairman of the French National Council of the Order of Physiotherapists, said that street masseurs had no right to practise because they were not professionals. “In fact, they are nothing at all,” he said.
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