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Where to stay, go out, and shop sustainable in Paris
Paris is always a good idea and we're not going to argue with Audrey Hepburn! If you are planning a trip to Paris and want to explore the City of Light in sustainable style, look no further than our conscious guide to shopping, eating, drinking and sleeping in this vibrant, oh so chic city. Your romantic weekend, fun trip with the girls, 48 hours of culture, trip to wander the elegant boulevards, or business break in the French capital can be cool, conscious and achingly, ethically stylish. Here is our pick of Paris hotels, cafes, shops and spas for the sustainably savvy traveller.
And did we mention that Paris has recently outlined plans to become the Sustainable Capital of Fashion by 2024.
Bon voyage cheris!
WHERE TO STAY
EDEN LODGE
Eden Lodge, a three-minute walk from the Alexandre Dumas metro station, is a sophisticated boutique guesthouse set in a contemporary zero-carbon building. Equipped with all the latest eco innovations such as a wood pellets boiler, solar energy, rainwater harvesting, air purifying tiling and Japanese toilets, it also has a beautiful garden with biodiverse plants and mature trees.
The rooms are modern and elegant and come with the usual free Wi-Fi, smart TVs, minibars, and... en suite bathrooms with low-water-consumption toilets. All have balconies or patios.
Complimentary continental breakfast is served on a communal table in a guest kitchen, or on the terrace. Bikes are are available to loan. Book here
HOTEL GAVARNI
The first independent hotel in Paris to receive the EU Ecolabel of environmental excellence awarded to products and services meeting high environmental standards throughout their life-cycle. Hotel Gavarni Ecolabel criteria include renewable energy, energy efficiency, regulation of water flow, waste management and fully organic breakfasts.
In the heart of Paris, close to the shops, the Eiffel Tower and the Champs Elysées, the hotel really does offer a haven of peace and sophistication for the conscious traveller. Rooms feature free wifi, flat screen TVs, minibar and ensuites.
Hotel Gavarni breakfasts are sourced from local organic farms. This is ecotourism in the heart of Paris! Book here
HOTEL LE CITIZEN
Exceptionally located on the Canal Saint Martin in the heart of a vibrant neighbourhood, Le Citizen is committed to reducing its impact on the environment with green practices including water conservation, recycling and energy saving policies.
The fresh, bright interiors with natural materials and light wood furniture echo the boutique hotel's eco credentials. Rooms feature canal views, free Wi-Fi, iPads, flat screen TVs and designer toiletries. Book here
WHERE TO EAT
GROUNDED PARIS
Breakfast in Paris can be still a croissant and a café creme but in bright new sustainable Paris you will find now plenty of healthy options.
One of our favourite healthy food places is Grounded Paris, a vegan coffee shop serving chia bowls, gluten free avocado toast, vegan cinnamon rolls, brioche sandwiches and many more delicious treats for breakfast and lunch.
location: 101 rue de Charonne, 75011 Paris
WILD & THE MOON
Wild & The Moon is a truly eco friendly, vegan, gluten free, organic restaurant. It was created by a tribe of food lovers, chefs, nutritionists and naturopaths who believe that food should be good for you, good for the planet and just delicious.
Here you will find a selection of cold pressed juices, nut milks, smoothies, salads, soups, desserts, super bowls and snacks. Serves breakfast, lunch and early dinner.
LE GRENIER DE NOTRE DAME
Next to Notre Dame is the very first vegetarian and macrobiotic restaurant in Paris. Le Grenier de Notre Dame has worked with the same local growers (for the pumpkins, root vegetables, endives and cabbages) since its opening in 1978.
At Le Grenier you can enjoy vegetarian and vegan versions of French food and other international cuisines like falafel in a cosy bistro atmosphere.
location: 18 Rue de la Bucherie, 75005, Paris
LE PORTAGER DE CHARLOTTE
If you are a foodie and vegan, Le Potager de Charlotte is an absolute must.
Vegan brothers David and Adrien are dedicated to gourmet plant based cuisine.Farmers market sourced ingredients come together in dishes like chickpea and rice pancakes with cashew cream, and quinoa with pomegranate, marinated tofu with roasted hazelnuts. Sunday brunch is an all-in feast of granola, pancakes, avocado, hummus and more. Bon 'App!
location: 12 rue de la Tour d'Auvergne, 9e, Paris
...looking for more sustainable restaurants in Paris. Click here
WHERE TO SHOP
CENTRE COMMERCIAL
A multibrand store started by the two founders of sustainable sneaker brand Veja. Centre Commercial combines fashion with social commitment, and artistic projects with environmental concerns.
Here you'll find ethical and sustainable brands including Suzie Winkle, Veja, Valentine Gauthier, Baserange, Zespa, Mara Hoffman, Kowtow, and many more.
location: 9, rue Madame | 2, rue de Marseille | 22, rue Yves Toudic
L'APPARTEMENT FRANCAIS
A concept store on a mission to share the love for products made in France.
Here you will find everything, from beautiful bags and quirky jewellery, to fabulous perfumes and essentials, all made in France. A true treasure trove of gifts for friends, family and you, bien sur.
location: 27 rue du Bourg-Tibourg 75004 Paris
ALTERMUNDI PARIS
This boutique that offers a chic and eco friendly collection of products from Fair Trade certified companies. All articles are designed and produced by French and European designers.
...looking for more places to shop in Paris. Click here
BIS BOUTIQUE SOLIDAIRE
Nothing more is fashionable than vintage. Add Paris as your location and you are in store for some unique and totally on-trend fashion finds to treasure.
In a contemporary setting, Bis Boutique Solidaire combines vintage with preloved high end ready-to-wear fashion. Here you'll find affordable vintage garments and accessories for women, men and children, curated daily by the discerning team.
...looking for more preloved boutiques in Paris. Click here
WHERE TO PAMPER
MADEMOISELLE BIO
The organic answer to beauty emporium Sephora. This multibrand beauty chain offers mostly European brands such as Melita, Weleda, Phyt’s and of course, Dr. Hausckhka.
Mademoiselle Bio also offers a popular range of treatments including massages, facials, manicures and organic waxing. We recommend you book in advance!
FLORAME
Established 28 years ago, Florame offers a wide range of high performance beauty and well being products made entirely from natural processes and raw materials that have been rigorously selected and officially certified.
Why not spoil yourself with one of Florame's in-house beauty treatments while you are here...
WHAT THE FLOWER
What the Flower, the most unique hair salon in Paris, perfectly captures the idea of all natural beauty. Here you will enjoy eco chic hair care in a unique nature inspired atmosphere.
All hair treatments are carried out with 100% plant and vegetable based hair colour, shampoos, masks, and styling products. You just sit back and enjoy the experience, surrounded by plant life.
location: 35 rue du Chemin Vert, 75011 Paris.