Kim Laidlaw studied History of Art at the Ecole de Louvre and writes for Lonely Planet, Thames and Hudson and Conde Nast. Originally from London, whe now lives in Paris where she created insider city guide Unlock Paris.
GREEN STAY
LE CITIZEN HOTEL
Eco-friendly boutique hotel Le Citizen Hotel is located on the banks of the hip Canal St Martin in Paris’ 10th arrondissement, and so has a plethora of trendy boutiques, restaurants and bars at its doorstep – and in summer is in prime picnic territory. The 12 rooms – each with a canal view – are decorated in clean lines of blond wood, with pale blues and zesty yellows, and are bathed in natural light, creating an ultra-zen base for a stay in Paris. What’s more, it’s just a quick walk from Gare du Nord so is very practical if you are travelling via Eurostar.
96 Quai de Jemmapes, 75010 Paris, France
GREEN SHOP
DE BEAULIEU
Recently opened florist De Beaulieu is a great addition to the Rue Henri Monnier in fashionable South Pigalle, neighbouring independent jeweller Myrtille Beck and wine bar Buvette with a boutique filled with stylish blooms which are carefully arranged into still life–like bouquets by inspired owner Pierre.
30 Rue Henry Monnier, 75009 Paris, France
EKYOG
Ekyog makes simple womenswear made from organic materials – all infused with Parisian chic. Think subtly sexy dresses and easy to wear separates in cotton and silk in a palette of flattering, neutral colours. There are also super soft baby clothes, too.
5 Rue Voltaire, 49100 Anger, Paris, France
DIDIER LUDOT
Undisputed king of vintage Didier Ludot has an unrivalled collection of luxury pieces from all the big name couturiers – Chanel, Balenciaga, Dior – in his boutique in the romantic arcades of Palais Royale.
24 Galerie Montpensier – Jardin du Palais Royal, 75001 Paris, France
CENTRE COMMERCIAL
Trendy concept store Centre Commercial stocks womenswear, menswear, shoes, furniture, accessories and books all with a common theme – everything is made ethically, whether from organic materials, on a small-scale, independent production line, or locally-made. Oh, and everything also happens to be ultra-hip, too.
Centre Commercial, 2 rue de Marseille, 75010 Paris, France
GREEN EATS
Breakfast
ROSE BAKERY
Rose Bakery on the rue de Martyrs in the 9th arrondisement is the original destination for a healthy, yet hearty, breakfast or weekend brunch. The English-inspired organic food includes seasonal dishes such as asparagus, scrambled eggs and Parmesan, flavoursome salads, freshly squeezed juices and the deliciously frothy piggy latte.
46 rue des Martyrs, 9e, Paris, France
CAFE MARLETTE
Created by sisters Margot and Scarlette, this charming space – with a pared back, bright and breezy decor of bare-brick walls and comfy window seats strewn with cushions – provides a convivial backdrop for laidback daytime dining. On the menu are healthy, organic options at budget-friendly prices, including sandwiches, seasonal salads, soups and sweet treats fresh out of the oven. These can all be washed down with superior coffee supplied by Paris coffee masters, Coutume, or organic tea from Lov. Brunch – featuring a selection of breads and jams, granola, compote and more – is served on the weekends and Marlette bread and pastry mixes are also on sale so that you can recreate the magic in your own kitchen.
51 Rue des Martyrs, 75009 Paris, France
Lunch
CAFE PINSON
Vegetarian hotspot Pinson serves seasonal dishes in its beautifully decorated café in the hip Northern Marais. The light, bright and breezy setting creates a laidback atmosphere for lunch with friends – sample delights such as kale, lentil and tofu salad on the 100% organic and veggie menu, which changes daily. Vitamin-packed fresh juices are made to order and cafe from coffee shop Coutume is also on the menu for those needing even more of a boost.
6 Rue du Drill, Paris 3rd, France
NANASHI
The menu at Nanashi features daily-changing seasonal fare, conceived by chef Kaori Endo, formerly of the Rose Bakery. Their speciality is the bento box, which comes in veggie, meat and fish varieties, featuring a protein and a grain on one side (so tofu and brown rice, or fish croquettes and quinoa) and vegetables or salad on the other side of the two-compartment container. There are also brioche pizzas, salads, fresh juices and seriously yummy cakes (the green tea and raspberry one even sounds like it might be good for you).
57 Rue Charlot, 75003 Paris, France
BOB’S KITCHEN
One of the many healthy bricks in Bob’s ever-expanding empire, serving original, healthy and freshly prepared delights. On the menu are smoothies and juices, veggie stews, interesting salads, the Brazilian superfood acai and even pancakes and chocolate muffins. The vibe is very laidback with canteen style benches and great big jugs of tea and infusions are shared between the diners (on the house). Staff are very friendly and helpful, and charismatic owner Marc Grossman gets stuck in, too.
15 Rue Lucien Sampaix, Paris, France
Dinner
NOGLU
Gluten-free fine dining in Paris is no longer the stuff of fantasy, thanks to chic, high-quality, and entirely gluten-free restaurant, Noglu, in the 2nd arrondissement. The pared-down setting with a decor of matt black paint and shiny white-tiled walls in the romantic Passage des Panoramas draws in both those who are gluten intolerant and those who are simply looking for good, varied, seasonal fare. The menu changes daily, but expect delights such as pumpkin soup, pan-fried sea bream with cauliflower purée, served with the restaurant’s homemade chick pea flour bread, and delicious pastries including apple tart made with rice and almond flour. There are also several dairy-free items on the menu (dishes containing dairy are flagged up with a star).
16 Passage des Panoramas, 75002 Paris, France
BULULU AREPERA
Charmingly ramshackle Venezuelan sandwich joint Bululu is the only Arepera in Paris. In the small space, with chipboard tables and recycled tin cans as cutlery holders, a team of pretty girls with floral headscarves in their hair explain the Venzuelan sandwiches on offer: made from freshly baked, golden, gluten-free bread, arepas are a filled with various key ingredients such as avocado, tajada (plantain), black beans, cheese and beef. Also on offer are fried plantain chips, and deliciously simple Obleas for pudding – wafer sandwiches filled with sweet Dulce de Leche – and there are a range of juices, beers and lemonades to wash it all down with. Open for lunch and supper, and brunch on weekends.
20 Rue de la Fontaine du But, 75018 Paris, France
GREEN DRINK
BOB’S COLD PRESS
Californian import to Paris Marc Grossman has created a healthy West Coast inspired empire in in the French capital, with Bob’s Juice Bar, Bob’s Kitchen, Bob’s Bake Shop and this – Bob’s Cold Press – stretching over Paris and providing superfood fixes throughout the capital. At Bob’s Cold Press, 100% organic produce is used to make vitamin-rich juices from kale, spinach, parsley and a rainbow of nutritious ingredients – and it’s stocked at the Juice Bar and Kitchen and is also available for delivery, so you can get your health shot wherever you are in Paris. A fashion week essential.
10 Passage Rochebrune, 75011 Paris, France
CANDELARIA
This speakeasy style bar is hidden behind a taqueria and not only serves lethal, fully-alcoholic cocktails, but also caters to the saintly tee-totallers with virgin-cocktails such as the Lola – grapefruit, lemon, almond syrup and verbena – as well as Fever Tree tonic water and Luscombe organic ginger beer. And then there is always naughty guacamole and chips to soak it up (well…you can’t be good all the time!)
52 Rue de Saintonge, 75003 Paris, France
GREEN WORK OUT
USINE OPERA
Fancy working up a sweat next to the fashion elite? Well, if you do, super chic gym – and celeb favourite – L’Usine is the place to go. The latest in high-tech machines, a vast variety of classes (from yoga to boxing), personal training and a spa are all part of the draw.
8, Rue de la Michodière, 75002 Paris, France
RITUEL CLUB
Work out and then recuperate at this Left Bank health club that puts achievable (and enjoyable) daily objectives at its core: pilates, five different types of yoga and barre au sol (floor work ballet) are on offer to get the body toned; reflexology, shiatsu and Thai massage provide welcome relaxation post-effort.
16 Rue de la Grande Chaumiere, 75006 Paris, France
YOGA TIGER CLUB
This refined yoga club in Paris’s chic 16th arrondissement hosts the whole eco-system of holistic health: yoga and pilates studios, a steam room, massage and an organic juice and tea bar-cum-bookshop are all to be found at Tiger. The calming atmosphere decorated in warm, neutral tones with natural materials creates a soothing cocoon in which to seek refuge from oft-frenetic city life.
19 Rue de Chaillot, 75116 Paris, France
ELEPHANT PANAME
The vast and vibrant Elephant Paname dance centre – housed in the spectacular 19th century building that was the residence of the Russian ambassador – brings exciting new disciplines like Voga to Paris (in collaboration with cool boutique Colette), as well as Fit’Ballet and Dance Like Beyonce classes, many of which are held in the spectacular domed main studio.
10, Rue Volney, 75002 Paris, France
LOLE ATELIER
Located in the hip historic Marais district, Lole Atelier sells cool yoga and activewear with bold designs, and have recently collaborated with Gwyneth Paltrow’s online lifestyle site goop to create a unique elegant collection called White by Lole. What’s more you can attend their complimentary on-site yoga and Pilates classes -they are even open on Sundays!
9 Rue des Blancs Manteaux, 75004, Paris
OUTDOOR YOGA
There are several places to enjoy outdoor yoga in the summer months in Paris – so you can take in a view of the capital while you stretch and get your chakras in line. Check out Wanderlust where you can join in with Yoga by Lolë on the vast wooden deck overlooking the Seine or the yoga classes organized by the Paris City Hall along the banks of the river lesberges.paris.fr/envies/coaching-yoga/ – and both are free, to boot!
32 Quai d’Austerlitz, 75013 Paris, France
wanderlustparis.com
WALKING AND CYCLING
Paris is small by Capital city standards and it’s often easy – and incredibly pleasant (thanks to iconic backdrops aplenty) – to walk to your destination or indeed spend the afternoon taking a stroll. Put on your best flyknits and get lost or follow the path of the old railway tracks, La Petite Ceinture – Paris’ answer to New York’s highline. Or, grab a Vélib public hire bike and channel the stripy t-shirt wearing cliché as you zip around town.
GREEN INDULGENCE
L’ECHAPPEE
This urban spa just off the busy rue Oberkampf in the 11th arrondissement, is a vast, three-level loft-like space that houses four treatment rooms, a swimming pool, a steam room, two yoga rooms and a restaurant. Facial treatments use the organic, Paris-based Absolution skincare brand; try the hour-long personalised Absolution skincare treatment, adapted to suit each client’s individual needs. Californian, hot stone and shiatsu massages are also highly recommended, as is a day spent quite simply lolling around by the indoor pool.
64 Rue de la Folie Méricourt, 75011 Paris, France
SIX SENSES
For sheer luxury, head to Six Senses on the rue de Castiglione just next to the ultra-chic Place Vendôme in the 1st arrondissement. At the entrance, a wall covered in lush green plants creates a barrier between the bustle outside and the calm inside, and the six treatment rooms, located in individual cocoon-like wooden huts, have screens onto which live images of nearby Tuileries Garden are projected. The Paris Honey Facial – a nourishing skin treatment for tired skins – usies honey harvested from beehives in the Tuileries. Pure bliss.
3 Rue de la Castiglione, 75001, Paris, France
GREEN MARKET
MARCHE BIO RASPAIL
The Raspail Market – the chicest market in Paris – hosts 50 or so stands from certified organic producers, including greengrocers, butchers, cheese and fishmongers, takes place every Sunday morning and is filled with epicurean Left Bank residents looking for the best produce with which to whip up a delicious dominical lunch.
Boulevard Raspail, 75006 Paris, France
