PARIS Plagued by strikes, train delays and violence in its corridors, the Paris subway system is treating harried passengers to a free massage and a healthy snack.

"In this hectic life it's good to start the year with serenity," said a spokesman for the RATP transport company, which operates the metro.

The initiative was launched on Monday and continues through Friday at four stations. It includes brightly colored posters plastered on the tiled walls of the underground railway reading "Serenity", "Smile" or "Let's Be Zen".

Curious commuters queued up outside a massage booth at the Republique Station in central Paris as others nearby drank green tea and munched on seaweed crackers.

"We live in a city where there are a lot of nervous and stressed-out people," said masseur and physical therapist Christophe Basile as he took a break between customers.

"The RATP had the idea of stopping people for five to 10 minutes in their work day so they can take a break and chill out."

Basile offers eight types of massage which last up to 10 minutes, depending on the number of people waiting outside.

Passenger Francis Thellier grinned enthusiastically as he emerged from the booth after a six-minute massage.

"It's very pleasant, although a little short to make you feel better. But I can tell that the message is intended to make people feel good," Thellier said.

The massage service is available from noon to six p.m. at the Miromesnil, Republique, Gare-de-Lyon and Massy-Palaiseau stations.

(Reuter)