Published on December 31st, 2024 | by Nicole Rowe
0Green Glamour: Discover the Sustainable Side of Paris
“Paris isn’t just the city of love; it’s also the city of green innovation, where sustainability meets style at every corner.”
Paris, the City of Light, has long been a destination of glamour, history, and culture. But in recent years, it has embraced a new identity—one that blends luxury with eco-consciousness. From sleek electric bikes zooming along the Seine to farm-to-table dining experiences, Paris is evolving into a hub for sustainability. Whether you’re a frequent visitor or a first-time traveler, there are countless ways to experience the city’s greener side.
Traveling Sustainably: Eco-Friendly Journeys to Paris
When it comes to reaching Paris in an eco-friendly way, the Eurostar is your best bet. Traveling from London to Paris in just over two hours, the high-speed train offers a far more sustainable option than flying. Not only does it significantly reduce carbon emissions, but it also provides a comfortable, scenic ride through the French countryside. Upon arriving at Gare du Nord, you’ll be steps away from the 25hours Hotel Paris Terminus Nord, a chic and eco-conscious hotel that offers the perfect base for your Parisian adventure. Book ahead to secure the best deals and start your green journey in style.
“From cycling along the Seine to dining at eco-conscious eateries, Paris proves that you can enjoy the best of the city while keeping the planet in mind.”
Dining Sustainably: The Best Eco-Conscious Restaurants
Sustainability doesn’t stop at transportation in Paris—it’s also a key focus in the city’s culinary scene. Cojean, Paris’ premier sustainable eatery, is a shining example of how food can be both delicious and ethical. This B-Corp certified restaurant uses sustainably sourced produce and donates leftover food to homeless shelters and food banks. Its eco-friendly packaging is made from recycled materials, and all its restaurants have dedicated recycling stations to minimize landfill waste.
The menu at Cojean is a delightful fusion of healthy fast food, with 40% of the dishes being vegetarian. The offerings include seasonal salads, sandwiches, hot and cold dishes, and delicious smoothies and cakes. Whether you’re on the go or looking for a quick, nutritious meal, Cojean is the perfect stop to fuel your Paris exploration. And if you’re not in Paris, don’t worry—Cojean has expanded to London, with several locations across the city.
Exploring Paris: The Green Way
Paris is becoming increasingly bike-friendly, with new bike lanes popping up across the city. In fact, the city has committed to becoming 100% cyclable by 2026, with plans to build 112 miles of segregated bike lanes to ensure the safety of cyclists. This makes it the perfect city for a leisurely ride, especially on an electric bike. You can easily rent an electric bike from BizeBike, which offers chic, eco-friendly bikes for rent by the day, week, or month.
“Sustainability in Paris isn’t a trend—it’s a lifestyle, and you’re invited to be part of it.”
Cycling around Paris allows you to experience the city in a way that’s both fun and environmentally friendly. Pedal along the Canal Saint-Martin or the banks of the Seine, taking in the picturesque streets and iconic landmarks. As you ride, you’ll pass charming cafés, bakeries with their tantalizing pastries, and the stunning architecture that makes Paris so unique. It’s a wonderful way to see the city’s daily life and enjoy its beauty while keeping your carbon footprint low.
Fashion with a Conscience
Paris has long been a global fashion capital, and it’s now leading the charge in sustainable fashion as well. La Caserne, located in the city’s 19th arrondissement, is a hub for eco-conscious fashion brands. Founded in 2021, this innovative space is dedicated to transforming the fashion industry by promoting sustainable practices. Eco-friendly brands can collaborate, learn, and grow at La Caserne, which also features photography and design studios, as well as events and discussions focused on sustainability in fashion.
At La Caserne, you can shop from a range of ethical brands that prioritize ecological materials, fair labor practices, and environmental responsibility. The on-site boutique offers a curated selection of clothing, accessories, and footwear that reflects the growing demand for sustainable fashion. After shopping, grab a bite at Ora, the sustainable restaurant located within La Caserne, where you can enjoy delicious vegetarian dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.
Cruising the Seine in Eco-Style
One of the most iconic ways to see Paris is from the water. The Seine River offers unparalleled views of the city’s landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Notre-Dame. But now, you can enjoy this classic experience in a more sustainable way with a Green River Cruise. These silent, electric boats are designed to reduce carbon emissions and noise pollution, making them a perfect choice for eco-conscious travelers.
“Explore Paris through a greener lens—because the future of travel is both beautiful and sustainable.”
The Green River Cruise offers a leisurely journey along the Seine, allowing you to take in the beauty of Paris from a new perspective. The boats are fully electric, and the company aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2026. As you glide along the river, you’ll pass some of Paris’s most iconic sights, including the Eiffel Tower, the Pont Alexandre III, and the Marais district. It’s a peaceful and eco-friendly way to experience the magic of Paris, all while helping to reduce your environmental impact.
A Green Oasis in the Heart of Paris
For a unique and sustainable experience, head to the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, where you’ll find the world’s largest urban garden and farm. Located on the roof of the exhibition center, this 15,000-square-meter garden is home to over 30 different plant varieties, all grown in the heart of the city. The garden is part of a larger effort to promote sustainable food production and urban agriculture in Paris.
Visitors can take guided tours of the garden, participate in activities related to sustainable food production, or simply enjoy a peaceful walk through the greenery. The rooftop garden is also home to yoga classes and other wellness activities, making it a great spot to relax and connect with nature while in the city. Whether you’re interested in urban farming, sustainability, or simply enjoying a beautiful view of Paris, the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles urban garden is a must-visit.
Shopping Sustainably in Paris
For those who love to shop, Paris offers a range of sustainable shopping options that allow you to indulge in fashion and accessories without compromising your eco-conscious values. One such destination is Centre Commercial, a department store founded by the creators of the popular VEJA sneakers. This store is dedicated to promoting sustainable fashion and ethical consumerism, offering a wide range of eco-friendly brands that prioritize environmental responsibility and social causes.
At Centre Commercial, you’ll find brands like Patagonia, Bleu de Paname, and Norse Projects, all of which are committed to using ecological materials and supporting local factories. Shopping at Centre Commercial is a great way to support brands that align with your values while enjoying some of the best fashion Paris has to offer.
Sustainable Souvenirs and Local Crafts
No trip to Paris is complete without picking up a souvenir, but you can make your purchases more sustainable by opting for locally made, eco-friendly products. Many boutiques and markets in Paris offer handmade goods crafted by local artisans, such as jewelry, pottery, and textiles. These items often use sustainable materials and are produced in small batches, making them more environmentally friendly than mass-produced products.
Head to the Paris Flea Market, located in the northern part of the city, for a chance to find unique, sustainable treasures. The market is home to a wide variety of vintage and second-hand items, from furniture and clothing to art and antiques. Shopping here not only supports local artisans but also helps reduce waste by giving new life to pre-loved items.
Paris is a city that has long been associated with luxury, art, and culture, but it is now proving that sustainability can be just as glamorous. From eco-friendly transportation options like the Eurostar and electric bikes to sustainable dining and shopping experiences, Paris offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy the city while minimizing your environmental impact. Whether you’re cycling along the Seine, dining at a zero-waste restaurant, or shopping for ethical fashion, Paris invites you to explore its green side and embrace a more sustainable way of travel.
Sustainability in Paris isn’t a trend—it’s a lifestyle, and you’re invited to be part of it. So, pack your bags, hop on the Eurostar, and get ready to discover the city’s eco-friendly offerings. Because in Paris, every step you take is a chance to make a difference.
Header Photo Credit: Christian Skiada https://www.pexels.com/photo/people-cycling-near-the-louvre-pyramid-in-paris-28880035/
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