The Sustainable Traveler’s Guide To La Ville Lumière

Planning a summer getaway to Paris? A city famed for its romantic ambiance, trend-setting fashion, and fine cuisine, France’s capital is also claiming its spot on the map as a sustainable city. 

And now, with airlines offering affordable and direct flights from many major U.S. cities, it’s hard to stay away from Europe’s most romantic city. 

Whether you are traveling solo or taking off with your significant other, Paris is a perfect destination for summer ventures or a long weekend away. Use our sustainable carry-on guide for your flight, and make sure to add some of these ethical shops, conscious hotels, and sustainable eateries to your sightseeing list. Bon voyage!

// Where To Stay // 

Apartments Actually

Why We Love It | The best way to experience Paris is like a local, and with a boutique flat rental service like Apartments Actually, you can. Founded by Sarah Park (she personally selects, renovates, and decorates each rental), Apartments Actually offers a wide range of vacation flats in Paris’ historic Le Marais neighborhood; the company also has villas in Provence. Whether you are searching for a cozy, budget-friendly vacation rental or a luxurious and grandiose place to stay, Apartments Actually is a wonderful service to help you experience the city like a true Parisian. We also love their inspiring blog with insider tips to Paris. 

Where To Find It | Le Marais District

More about Apartments Actually

Hotel Gavarni

Why We Love It | The first independent hotel in Paris to receive the European Ecolabel, the Hotel Gavarni is unmatched when it come to a sustainable place to stay in Paris. With an admirable environmental policy—the hotel is committed to using renewable energy, controlling water flow, and serving an organic breakfast—this charming, century-old accommodation (the hotel was founded in 1908) is perfect for the sustainable traveler seeking a period-decorated place to sleep. The staff is even encouraged to use public transport (paid for by the hotel) or cycle to work in order to cut down on city pollution. Like Apartments Actually, Hotel Gavarni also maintains a blog, and their posts cover topics related to ecotourism in Paris. 

Where To Find It | 5 Gavarni Street, 75116

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Le Citizen Hotel

Why We Love It | A twelve-room boutique hotel located on the Canal Saint Martin, Le Citizen Hotel is an affordable, friendly, and environmentally-responsible accommodation option for conscious travelers. Housed inside a renovated building, the intimate and chic hotel prides itself on its location—the trendy, yet off-the-beaten-path Canal St. Martin neighborhood is full of hidden gems and Parisian culture. All room prices include a fresh and seasonal buffet breakfast; there is also an on-site restaurant serving South African-inspired cuisine. 

Where To Find It | 96 Quai de Jemmapes, 75010

More about Le Citizen Hotel

// Where To Eat //

Café Pinson

Why We Love It | Founded by Agathe Audouze in 2012, Café Pinson began as a quaint, health-conscious eatery in the Marais quarter of Paris. Today, the restaurant now has two locations in the French capital. With delectable dishes made in small batches each morning, travelers with dietary restrictions will love the wheat-free, dairy-free, vegetarian and vegan options on the menu (called the Map of the day). A perfect place to enjoy a fulfilling lunch or relax with a coffee before you wander the streets, make sure to add Café Pinson to your Paris dining list. 

Where To Find It | 6 Rue du Forez, 75003 & 58 Rue du Faubourg Poissonniere, 75010

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Maisie Café

Why We Love It | Because who doesn’t need a cold pressed organic juice after one too many baguettes and glasses of wine? Maisie Café, a coffee shop and juice bar in Paris, is the perfect spot for a healthy, organic, and energizing meal during your travels. Enjoy an açaí bowl, avocado toast, or seasonal salad alongside a cup of organic coffee or fresh pressed juice. For rainier days, Maisie also serves large bowls of homemade soup and gluten-free focaccia. A bright and welcoming little café, Maisie’s is our favorite spot to refuel in-between the crêpes and frites. It’s all about balance, right?

Where To Find It | 32 Rue du Mont Thabor, 75001

More about Maisie Café

Wild & The Moon

Why We Love It | If you are searching for 100% organic, local, ethical, seasonal, and herbal ingredient cuisine while in Paris, make sure to visit Wild & the Moon. An international restaurant program offering cold pressed juices, smoothies, salads, snacks, soups, and desserts, the wild tribe is all about helping urban people adapt to slow food consumption. With each item made carefully by nutritionists and experts, every Wild & the Moon product is sourced and prepared using ancestral methods (think: soaking nuts, fermentation, dehydration, etc). The organization also provides juice detox programs and cleanses. 

Where To Find It | 55 Rue Charlot, 75003 + 6 Other Locations In Paris

More about Wild & The Moon

// Where To Shop //

Centre Commercial

Why We Love It | It is no secret that at The Good Trade we are big vans of Veja, the environmentally-friendly French sneaker brand. And, with their office headquarters located in Paris, we were thrilled to learn they also have a store and creative space called Centre Commercial in the French capital. With two locations in Paris, the store carries select and high-quality European brands like Bleu de Paname, Suzie Winkle, Paraboot, and, of course, Veja. The space is also home to various events throughout the year, including book launches and environmental initiatives. When founded, the goal behind the space was to create “the coolest store in the world,” and it may be just that. A place where fashion is mixed with a sustainable and socially-based approach, Centre Commercial is a shop you don’t want to miss during your stay in Paris. 

Where To Find It | 9 Rue Madame, 75006 & 2 Rue de Marseille, 75010

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Mamamushi

Why We Love It | A concept store and clothing line designed with simplicity and quality in mind, Mamamushi is the perfect place for clothing, jewelry, and one-of-a-kind pieces. Founded by Tunisian artist and Paris local, Maïssa Chahed, the idea behind the store was born after Chahed took a trip to India. During her travels, she was inspired by the materials, colors, and shapes of fashion and culture. When she returned to Paris, she decided to create a brand with a nomadic spirit, using fabrics sourced from all over the world. Chahed also collects small wonders and handmade products from her travels to sell in the shop. Whether you are searching for a rare, one-of-a-kind accessory, or looking for a practical item (such as a tote or t-shirt) Mamamushi is the place to visit.

Where To Find It | 28 Rue du Chateau d’Eau, 75010

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Buly

Why We Love It | Is there anything more wonderful than an elegant, handcrafted perfume to remind you of your travels to Paris? The answer is non. Buly, a brand dating back to 1803, is now owned by couple Ramdane Touhami and Victoria de Taillac-Touhami—together they bought, reinvented, and modernized the recipes of famed perfumer Jean-Vincent Bully. While the store offers beauty care products and well-crafted grooming tools, we are especially captivated by the organic, local, and water-based perfumes. With a range of fragrances and the option to personalize the label on the elegant glass bottle, Buly is the perfect shop to acquire a gift or to treat yourself.

Where To Find It | 6 Rue Bonaparte, 75006 & 45 Rue de Saintonge, 75003

More about Buly

Kayti Christian, a staff writer for The Good Trade, is a storyteller, creator, activist, and avid traveler hailing from Colorado, now living in London. With 30+ stamps in her passport, she is passionate about responsible tourism and is always looking for new ways to be a more conscious traveler. She is currently pursuing her MA in Creative Nonfiction Writing at City, University of London. 

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