In an age when living, consuming and travelling need to be combined with environmental, ethical, social and compassionate considerations, Paris has embarked on a sustainable approach in a number of domains. Principal among these is tourism, including a range of promising initiatives that define the sustainable face of what is the world’s leading tourist destination.

In 2009, the 21st-century traveller can get around town on a Velib’, eat organic food in specialist restaurants and enjoy a walk in one the city’s 400 green spaces. In doing so, they can expand the scope of their discovery as a tourist to the lesser-known districts of Paris and seek out encounters with people who live in the city. Very soon, the reality of being a ‘responsible tourist’ – in the same way as being a 'responsible citizen' - will be matched by that of professionals, major players in sustainable tourism. 

Paris is equipping itself with tools and coming up with answers to make the most of the natural, cultural and social resources it already possesses, for the long term. This includes awarding “green” accreditation to greater numbers of hotels and favouring urban transport initiatives that respect the environment. Not to mention the participatory and fair cultural tourism that it seeks to promote. In Paris, the environment is a subject that occupies minds on a daily basis.

Rendez-vous…
Key sustainable tourism events in Paris

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Accommodation and environmental awareness
Initiatives and “green” labels for hotels

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Getting around “responsibly”
Public and “gentle” means of transport in Paris

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Responsible leisure
The capital's ecologically aware citizens who want to make a real difference can now attend a number of events or visit one of several reception and advice centres

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Fair trade and organic shopping
Organic dining and ethical shopping

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Discover Paris, with the Parisians
A sustainable cultural tourism offering, and with Parisians

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It's new, it's the future
New sustainable ideas and concepts, to discover now

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Being an eco-tourist in Paris
Places to discover when it comes to sustainable development in Paris

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Professional resources for contributing to sustainable tourism
Key aids and resources for sustainable development, for tourism professionals in Paris

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