Paris Gets First Independent Green Hotel

Good news for green travel in Paris.  The Hôtel Gavarni, located in the chic Passy neighborhood, has become the first independent hotel in Paris to earn the European “eco-label.” This label is awarded to businesses for their eco-friendly efforts, but it doesn’t come easy. There are more than 80 strict green requirements that must be met.

The 100yearold hotel now gets all its electricity from 100% from renewable energies, bath products are guaranteed 100% natural, and breakfast is, of course, organic.

Hotel Gavarni manager Xavier Moraga, is a fervent ecologist, and also encourages both guests and employees to become part of the hotel’s environmental efforts. Guests are encouraged to share taxis to the airport, and the hotel pays for public transportation employees use to get to and from work.  

This is a small, boutique hotel, with 21 rooms and four suites, all elegantly decorated, proving that green travel can mean comfort, luxury and style.  Through December 30, 2009, Hotel Gavarni is discounting accommodations, with rooms priced from 95 Euros to 390 Euros. 

Paris is magical any time of year, but my two favorite seasons to visit are Paris in the springtime, and Paris in the holiday season, when the City of Lights more than lives up to its name. 

For more information on the hotel and news on eco-tourism in Paris, check out the Hôtel Gavarni blog.