A capital built on history, culture and decades of decadence, Paris is Europe’s most-visited city.
But welcoming up to 50 million visitors a year comes with a heavy footprint. The local community and the environment feel the weight of that kind of volume.
Following the Rio Earth Summit in 1992, Green Globe (now the world’s top certification for sustainable tourism) was founded on the principle that protecting the environment was both a “moral obligation and a business imperative for travel and tourism.” Fast forward to today, this statement still holds true.
With Earth Day round the corner, we’re spotlighting seven of Paris’ 4- and 5-star hotels that prove luxury and sustainability can co-exist, and thrive.
The ultra-luxury palace pioneers
1. The mindful monarch: Le Bristol Paris (8th Arr.)
The first Parisian Palace to receive the Green Key, this Oetker Hotel’s commitment is systemic. One of its unique features is an in-house flour mill for 100% organic ancient grains that are used to make homemade bread.
With smart waste management, underground water cooling and heat recovery technologies, it has an old-world heritage meets future-world science vibe to it. Le Bristol Paris proves that a Palace doesn’t need to change its soul to protect the planet.
2. The dedicated conservationist: The Peninsula Paris (16th Arr.)
The Peninsula is EarthCheck certified, and is working to BREEAM standards. It launched its first Sustainable Luxury strategy in 2013 and has now transitioned to its Sustainable Luxury Vision 2030.
Under this framework, it is tackling the issues of diminishing natural resources, climate change, and growing social inequalities. The Peninsula offers luxury and five-star comfort, fuelled by conscious decisions.
3. The social advocate: Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris (8th Arr.)
Awarded the prestigious Green Globe certification, Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris prioritises social sustainability. From energy efficiency and waste management to water conservation and biodiversity, its sustainability commitment is thorough.
Beyond its technical eco-achievements, it also focuses on inclusive luxury. Following a rigorous selection of suppliers integrating CSR criteria, it partners with local Parisian artisans with local, organic, ethical, and seasonal products. For those who are looking for luxury with a human conscience, staying at Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris supports the human fabric of the neighbourhood as much as the environment.
The wellness & nature specialists
4. The minimalist: Hôtel Nuage (8th Arr.)
The home of the slow life movement in Paris, Hôtel Nuage strips away the noise of travel. By removing energy-draining minibars and swapping gas boilers for energy-efficient heat pumps, it lowers a guest’s carbon footprint compared to traditional luxury stays. Chemical-free, Vapodil dry-steam cleaning additionally uses 97% less water than what is typically used to clean guest bathrooms.
It’s provides a sanctuary for the traveller who wants to recalibrate their senses. Continuing the same energy, the hotel provides a Slow Paris guide dedicated to sustainable and intelligent tourism. It highlights places to breathe and savour in the 8th arrondissement.
5. The short-circuit foodie: Hôtel Grand Powers (8th Arr.)
The highlight at Hôtel Grand Powers is its restaurant, Café 52. Promoting holistic luxury, its menus are curated using seasonal, organic produce, sourced locally from a short-circuit radius.
In addition to gastronomy as activism, the hotel consciously reduces its environmental impact throughout each department. It uses eco-friendly cleaning products and has implemented energy-saving light bulbs and thermostats to reduce energy consumption.
Playing a responsible role in the community, the hotel also donates unused hygiene products and pastries to the Les Hôtels Solidaires association. These are then redistributed the same day to people who need them most.
6. The eco-artisan: Hidden Hotel (17th Arr.)
Raw, tactile, and grounded, this is the spot for biophilic design. Every material, from the coconut-fibre COCO-MAT beds to the ecological, non-toxic Keim wall paint, is chosen for its low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) levels and biodegradability.
Beyond the materials used, the hotel monitors its energy consumption and has a number of measures in place to ensure it remains low: motion sensor lighting and toilet paper made from recycled and eco-labelled material, to name a few. It chooses its suppliers based on their sustainable commitments and favours seasonal produce. This Green Globe-certified hotel even offers guests an electric scooter rental service during their stay in Paris.
The concept & design innovator
7. The bio-hacker: HOY Paris (9th Arr.)
House of Yoga (HOY) Paris is a plant-forward hotel that tackles every aspect of wellbeing to optimise the biological self. The rooms are free from electronics, to save energy and create a healthy environment for guests. The bed and bath linen is completely safe and ecological (certified Oekotex 100), and even the toilet brush is made from biosourced and recycled materials, manufactured by BIOM Paris.
Rather than a Bluetooth speaker, the hotel provides a handmade, ceramic amplifier in each room. The artisan, Albarello Ceramica, has also made plates, vases, incense holders and more for the hotel. The restaurant offers 100% vegan dining paired with natural wines, while Japanese binchotan charcoal is used to capture organic and chemical residues and purify water offered in carafes. These are just a few highlights, and the full details can be found here.
