Paris city tours are on the rise as the city embraces ecotourism, coming tenth in the European Green City index and offering numerous green city tours.
Paris is famous for being the number one romantic destination in the world, but the city also has plenty to offer the genuine ecotourist with a number of guided Paris city tours as well as options for getting around the city alone.
Whilst many visitors to the French capital will arrive desperate to see sites such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and the Champs Elysees, there are plenty of additional green options which will help sustainability and to reduce Paris’ carbon footprint.
City tours in Paris
Probably the best way to enjoy Paris if visiting for the first time is to embark on a guided city tour, led by a local. Seeing Paris through a local’s eyes will reveal a hidden store of gems to explore which would normally be difficult to find. Take a four-hour Paris city tour to discover the delights of Saint-Germain, learn secret local haunts via the Metro, explore the twisting medieval back-streets and experience real French cuisine in a busy Parisian market.
It’s never a good idea to drive when considering a Paris city tour – like most cities, Paris’ Metro will transport you all over town whilst not costing the environment ‘the earth’. If you don’t fancy walking then why not consider a bike city tour, which can be taken day or night and are a fabulous way of exploring the famous Parisian sights.
City tours in Paris will take ecotourists to all the green areas which are dotted about both the outskirts and centre. Jardin du Luxembourg is one of the biggest parks in Paris and one of the most beautiful; it has a plethora of sculptures and other attractions and is a must for those interested in ecotourism.
The city government has spent a lot of money over the last 15 years turning vacant lots into green areas in order to offer a refuge from urban areas to locals and visitors alike.
Markets, food and drink in Paris
France is famous for its gastronomic delights and many of the lesser known spots which offer genuine cuisine can be found on one of the Paris city tours above. However, there are plenty of places to explore using your own means too – why not use the V?lib and take a gentle ride around the tangled back streets, you will be amazed at what you find.
A Paris city tour for the ecotourist has to include ethical and organic shopping and this is something that the city can deliver on. Whilst your guided Paris city tour will have taken you to a number of unknown marketplaces, there are options for dining spotted about the city if you know where to look. Le Potager du Marais is a recommended eating spot for ecotourism as they serve a selection of organic and sustainable food. A list of other good restaurants and cafes can be found at the official visitor’s bureau and there are plenty of boulangeries that you will come across during your Paris city tour that serve organic breads and more.
For something completely different, why not book an ‘Invited in Paris‘ trip, a unique, tailored trip to a Parisian apartment where your host will cook a classic French dish for you as well as offer advice on getting around, wines, restaurants and even child care.
Green hotels in Paris
When planning a green trip to the French capital, look for hotels which have been awarded La Clef Verte (the green key) or the European Eco-Label to ensure that a hotel meets the required environmental standards an ecotourist should expect.
Alternatively, why not stay with the locals – Paris offers a number of participatory options for green tourists including the option to stay for bed and breakfast breaks at selected guest houses across the city which have been approved as eco-friendly.
Another option is to rent a fully-furnished apartment in Paris; this is a very cost effective and green way to spend time in the city as all expenses (such as gas, electricity etc) are included in the cost.
Responsible tourism in Paris
Paris city tours can include a number of options for the ecotourist as the city really has gone green and is committed to sustainable tourism. There are a range of ecological venues to discover which explore the urban ecology and what can be done to sustain it.
In Square Jules Verne, the ‘Pavillon ? la cl?‘ has a permanent environmental exhibition which features climate change and transport information and the ‘P?niche de l’eau’ barge provides information on water resources in Paris and the conservation challenges faced. These are something to bear in mind when taking a Paris city tour as it enables visitors to see how their actions have an impact on the local environment.
To see how local wildlife has been impacted around the city, take time out from your Paris city tour to visit the Mus?um National D’histoire and the Mus?e du Vivant and make sure that, if you’re staying self-catering, you make use of the recycling bins at the Paris Metro.
Paris is a wonderful and beautiful city and its determination to ensure sustainability makes it a top destination for ecotourism. Whilst Paris has many iconic tourist attractions, these can be enjoyed whilst retaining an eco-friendly ethos.
Further to this, there are many tucked away places in Paris where visitors can get to see the ‘real’ Paris and mix with the locals. Options to stay with locals or in an apartment represent an excellent opportunity for the eco-tourist to really get to grips with local culture and Paris city tours led by locals will take even the most adventurous green tourists to hidden spots they would have found difficult to discover alone.
Photo credit: Anirudh Koul