The carbon footprint of travelling by train is considerably lower than that of flying, so with Eurostar you’re already off to a good start.
Next, where to stay? A growing number of Parisian hotels are trying to reduce their impact on the environment by changing towels and sheets less regularly, using low energy bulbs and appliances, recycling and using environmentally-friendly cleaning products.
This family-friendly hotel in Montmartre is part of Accor’s Planet 21 programme, which asks guests to reuse their towels. Savings made on water and energy are used to fund tree planting, with one tree planted every minute.
This 5-star hotel in the heart of the ultra-chic 7th district is not too cool to be green.
The hotel is signed up to the Charter for Sustainable Accommodation in Paris, committing to reducing water and energy use and to follow eco-responsible and ethical management policies.
This cosy, family-friendly hotel near the Champs Elysees has signed up to the Charter for Sustainable Accommodation in Paris as well as being Green Key certified.
Situated just off the Champs Elysees, this 4-star hotel is Green Key certified and committed to offering guests more sustainable consumption options whilst reducing the environmental impact of an overnight stay with breakfast.
Located in the upmarket 16th district, between Place Victor Hugo and Trocadero, the hotel is committed to creating a positive and sustainable impact and has signed up to the Charter for Sustainable Accommodation in Paris as well as being Green Key certified.
Centrally located in the arty 6th district, great for shopping and eating out, this 4-star boutique hotel with spa and fitness centre is Green Key certified and committed to sustainable practices.
This smart café with a soul rustles up all-day veggie-friendly fare that’s as easy on the eyes as it is on the wallet. Le Bichat works directly with farmers, taking care to source organic produce as locally as possible. Everything’s made on the premises, from the colourful and nutrient-packed rice bowls to the scrumptious cakes. Grab a seat on the mezzanine level to linger a while.
Tucked away in quiet side street near the foodie delights of rue des Martyrs, this fashion label takes care to tread lightly. Having interned at Courrèges, designer Léa Schaffhauser now focuses on made-in-France clothes sewn from organic fabrics or couture offcuts. Nothing is wasted, with scraps getting turned into natty headbands, totes and clutches.
Pack a picnic hamper from Humphris, an organic deli with a mission to connect consumers directly with the people who produce their food. 300 loaves are baked three times a week on their farm in the Yvelines, but there’s more to tempt the gourmet besides. Raid the shelves for cold cuts, artisanal cheeses, honeys and other preserves, all sourced from hand-picked farms.
The neon’s pink, hanging plants dress the terrace and there’s flamingo wallpaper in the toilets... So far, so millennial. But this charming cocktail bar also prides itself on taking small steps to ease its impact on the environment. Plastic straws have been banned, and fruit and veg are picked according to the seasons and reused in garnishes. Cheers to that.
Forget fusty stores packed with undesirable cast-offs: this upcycling spin-off from vintage stalwart Kiliwatch gives clothes a second lease of life. The collection has a breezy Parisian feel. Browse the racks for polka-dot dresses, floral playsuits and ruffled blouses. Don’t miss the carefully curated selection of vintage accessories, from cross-body bags to adorable straw hats.
All style, all substance: our pick of the city’s shopping spots with a conscience
From hummus bars to fauxmageries, Paris is coming around to a lighter, greener way of eating.
Delicious and good for you - what's not to love?
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Image credits: © Shutterstock; © Shutterstock; © Mercure Paris Montmartre Sacre Coeur; © Le Cinq Codet; © The Napoleon Hotel; © California Paris Champs Elysees Hotel; © Le Dokhans - A Tribute Portfolio Hotel; © Bel-Ami hotel; © Le Bichat; © Les Sauvageonnes; © Humphris; © Ekyog; © Abattoir Végétal; © david haffen; © Shutterstock; © Shutterstock