It’s always the perfect time to visit Paris, Euromonitor International’s top city destination. And if you’re looking for an eco-conscious trip, there’s no better city to visit.
Paris has once again been named the world’s most attractive city, securing the top spot in Euromonitor International’s Top 100 City Destinations Index for 2024. This marks the fourth consecutive year that the French capital has led the rankings, a testament to its enduring appeal and robust tourism infrastructure.
The index evaluates 100 cities worldwide, assessing them across 55 metrics grouped into six key pillars: economic and business performance, tourism performance, tourism infrastructure, tourism policy and attractiveness, health and safety, and sustainability. Paris’s consistently high performance across these categories underscores its global dominance in urban attractiveness.
“In 2024, global cities increasingly leveraged sports and cultural events to boost tourism revenues. Infrastructure improvements and continuous marketing have attracted travellers’ attention, opening further growth opportunities,” Nadejda Popova, global head of loyalty at Euromonitor International, said in a statement. “The renewed concern about overtourism is on the rise,” she said.
Paris has emerged as a global leader in sustainability, implementing ambitious commitments to reduce its environmental impact and enhance urban resilience. The city aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 through initiatives like expanding renewable energy use, increasing green spaces, and retrofitting buildings for energy efficiency.
Paris also leads in sustainable mobility, with a growing network of bike lanes, electric buses, and pedestrian-friendly streets, complemented by its Vélib’ bike-share program. Waste reduction is another priority, with widespread composting, recycling programs, and policies to reduce single-use plastics. Internationally recognized for its environmental advocacy, Paris continues to inspire other cities by hosting events like the Paris Agreement and actively promoting circular economy practices.
Eco travel in Paris
If you’re ready for that Paris trip, the City of Light blends luxury with sustainability, offering eco-conscious travelers options catering to indulgence and environmental responsibility. From opulent accommodations with green certifications to gourmet plant-based dining and eco-friendly activities, Paris provides a rich tapestry of experiences for the discerning eco-luxury traveler.
Where to stay
Comfort is key after a day touring Paris. Make sure it’s as kind to the planet as it is to your comfort at these hotels prioritizing sustainability and luxury.
Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris
Nestled in the Golden Triangle near the Champs-Élysées, this historic hotel emphasizes sustainability through energy-efficient systems and waste reduction initiatives. It features 244 rooms and suites, many with private terraces offering views of Paris landmarks.
Le Meurice
Overlooking the Tuileries Garden, Le Meurice combines 18th-century opulence with modern sustainability practices, including energy conservation and sourcing local, organic produce for its restaurants. The hotel offers elegantly designed rooms and suites, reflecting Parisian grandeur.
Intercontinental Paris Le Grand
Situated in the 1st arrondissement with views of the Opéra Garnier, this historic hotel has earned the Green Key certification annually since 2010. Its commitment to reducing energy consumption includes connecting heating and cooling systems to the city’s energy-saving network and utilizing window sensors to minimize the need for air conditioning.
Eden Lodge Paris
Recognized by Fodor’s Travel as one of the best design hotels in Paris, Eden Lodge is an eco-luxury establishment focusing on high standards of comfort and service. The staff provides a diverse and friendly environment with exceptional hospitality for guests.
Hotel du Collectionneur Arc de Triomphe
This design hotel, certified by Green Globe, is located near the Arc de Triomphe. It employs sustainable innovations to minimize waste and energy usage, including a tracking system to monitor and reduce CO2 emissions.
The Peninsula Paris
Located near the Arc de Triomphe, The Peninsula implements eco-friendly measures such as LED lighting, water conservation systems, and a commitment to reducing single-use plastics. Guests can enjoy luxurious rooms and a rooftop restaurant with panoramic city views.
Where to eat in Paris
Paris’s culinary scene has evolved to embrace plant-based dining, offering a variety of establishments that cater to both vegans and those seeking plant-forward options.
Le Potager de Charlotte
Founded in 2015 by brothers David and Adrien Valentin, Le Potager de Charlotte aims to elevate plant-based cuisine by crafting gourmet dishes from fresh, local, and organic produce. The menu changes with the seasons, ensuring that each dish highlights the natural flavors of the ingredients. Signature offerings include chickpea and rice galettes served with cashew cream and a delectable chocolate mousse made from aquafaba. The restaurant’s commitment to ethical dining is evident in its warm and inviting atmosphere, making it a favorite among both locals and visitors.
42 Degrés
As Paris’s first raw food restaurant, 42 Degrés offers a unique dining experience where dishes are prepared below 42 degrees Celsius to preserve nutrients and flavors. The innovative menu features items like raw lasagna made with zucchini layers, cashew-based cheese, and sun-dried tomato sauce, as well as a raw cacao tart for dessert. The restaurant’s modern décor and commitment to health-conscious dining have made it a standout in the city’s vibrant culinary landscape.
Alain Ducasse’s plant-forward ventures
Renowned chef Alain Ducasse has embraced plant-based dining with the opening of Sapid, a restaurant where 95 percent of the menu is plant-based, featuring dishes like lentil Bolognese and tomato-watermelon salad. Ducasse’s commitment to sustainability and evolving consumer preferences is evident in this venture.
Additionally, at his two-Michelin-starred restaurant Le Meurice, Ducasse is incorporating a strong vegetal influence, aiming to reinvent contemporary French cuisine with a focus on plant-based ingredients.
What to do
Visitors are never short on things to do in Paris, but if you’re a planner, there are some must-do activities beyond all of the traditional sightseeing.
Explore Paris by bike or subway
Paris has transformed into a prominent car-free city, with investments in infrastructure making it easier for tourists to explore sustainably. Biking offers freedom and a practical way to see the city’s green spaces and landmarks while burning off all those croissants and crepes. If biking isn’t your scene, the city boasts a thriving subway system, or put on a comfortable pair of shoes and see the city by foot — so much to see, you won’t mind if you wind up taking a wrong turn or two.
Visiting secret gardens and farms
Discover tranquil escapes like the Hôtel Particulier Montmartre’s vast garden or La Vallée Suisse near the Champs-Élysées. These hidden green spaces provide a serene retreat from the city’s bustle. In 1850, Napoleon III reconfigured Vieux Paris with help from George-Eugène Haussmann who designed the statement-making boulevards and stone edifices as well as public parks. “Centuries-old woodlands and royal hunting grounds were transformed into rambling green spaces at the four points bordering the city, and dozens of smaller squares and gardens were built within the 20 arrondissements,” reports Conde Nast. And in the decades since, French leaders have added more green space as part of the city’s sustainability commitments. “Paris now boasts more than 400 gardens and parks, woods, and squares — and has plans to become Europe’s greenest city by 2030,” Conde Nast notes.
Visitors can also participate in guided tours or workshops at urban farms like Nature Urbaine, which showcases sustainable agriculture practices atop city buildings.
Eco shopping
Engage in sustainable shopping by visiting renowned flea markets such as Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen. There, you can find vintage treasures and support the circular economy. Or visit shops like “Day by Day” that offer package-free goods, allowing you to purchase only what you need and reduce waste. Paris is also a haven for clean and eco beauty finds.
Spa day
All that sightseeing can take a toll, so make sure to add a spa day (or two) to your Paris agenda. Visit the Spa My Blend by Clarins at Le Royal Monceau for treatments using Clarins’ plant-based products in a serene, eco-conscious environment, providing a holistic wellness experience. The Caudalie Boutique Spa, with locations in Le Marais and near the Louvre, offer vinotherapy treatments using natural ingredients derived from grapes, emphasizing eco-friendly practices. Spa Le Bristol by La Prairie, situated within Le Bristol Paris, utilizes La Prairie’s products, known for a commitment to sustainable ingredient sourcing and environmentally friendly packaging. The spa offers a range of treatments in a serene, eco-conscious environment.
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