A dreamy guide to a green getaway in the
most romantic city in the world.
There’s something about Paris that a girl can’t
get out of her mind. Romance and love of life is in the air. But
did you know that Paris is actually a very sustainable city? Because
of the overall eco-consciousness of its people, the metro system
has an entire bicycle program where you can pick up a bike at any
kiosk; swipe your metro card and grab one for a ride. Paris is also
home to multiple markets, so you can discover farm-fresh organic
foods, clothing and countless antiques and re-purposed products
daily. Parisians are extremely conscious of not using plastic, re-purposing
everything they can, and developing new ways to go green. Hotels
especially, are doing whatever they can to offer sustainable services
and make your stay as green as possible. But what we love most about
Paris is its lifestyle. Parisians are all about enjoying life. There’s
no schedule, no stress; every day is about enjoying the moment,
nurturing the relationships you have, and of course spending lots
of time on fashion and dressing up. Sitting in a cafe drinking wine
or cafe au lait for hours and people-watching is an integral part
of the lifestyle. Fashion is a serious part of the city’s culture,
and both men and women dress to impress. French celebrities are
not pop stars, but rather fashion designers like Karl Lagerfeld
and Marc Jacobs who create for classic french labels like Louis
Vuitton and Chanel. Upon researching our latest excursion, we stumbled
across the most beautiful pictorial guide of Paris ever created,
“Taschen’s Paris.” This comprehensive book is divided into three
essential sections: hotels, restaurants and shopping, and is an
insider’s guide to the three major activities anyone will be doing
when visiting the romantic city. When you decide to book your next
eco-trip to the City of Love and Lights, leave your schedule at
home to give yourself plenty of time for socializing, shopping,
eating and drinking. It’s the heartbeat of Paris.
text by gina la morte | bonjour
PARIS | photography by vincent knapp
|
Grande
Herboristerie
Parisienne de la Place Clichy
Filled with the scent of a fresh meadow, this cool shop in
the city of Paris sells more than 900 herbs. To fulfill a
natural girl’s dream, herbalists are ready to mix you an elixir,
no matter what your ailment. They also have wonderful teas! |
|
Villa & Hotel Majestic
A brand-new hotel where the “art de vivre meets luxury,
this contemporary sanctuary is just steps from the Champs-Elysées.
Wellness and sustainability are guiding philosophies here,
from the Majclub Wellness Centre to the selection of materials,
fabrics and fixtures chosen according to ethical and eco-conscious
positioning. The 4,800 square-foot MajClub features an organic
line of Chinese medicine-inspired “Clé des Champs” products
and treatments. Founder Céline Claret Coquet has also created
an innovative face-lifting treatment though the use of acupuncture
and gold needles, exclusive to the MajClub. The entire hotel
is focused on providing a peaceful and tranquil experience.
www.majestic-hotel.com
|
|
Hotel
Gavarni
The first independent hotel in Paris to be awarded the European
Eco Label. Hands down it is the real deal and incorporates
eco in every single area that can be done. Everything from
the organic breakfast. to using all recyclable paper products,
to the 100 percent organic bath products, to 100 percent renewable
energy and taxi sharing,! They even installed flow reducing
valves in all the faucets and shower handles to reduce water
consumption by 30%. The decor is exquisite and luxurious.
They offer “Green Tours” of Paris and have a really informational
blog on the greening of paris.
www.gavarni.com
www.greenhotelparis.com |
|
Taschen
in Paris
This boutique is a pure delight of books and art that will
keep you enthralled for hours. |
|
Cafes,
Cafes, Cafes...
In Paris it’s
all about sipping cafe au lait or a glass of wine, eating
great food and spending quality time in the cafes people watching
with friends.
|