{"id":3133,"date":"2026-07-03T22:22:07","date_gmt":"2026-07-03T22:22:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thisworldtobook.com\/blog\/?p=3133"},"modified":"2026-07-08T21:24:13","modified_gmt":"2026-07-08T21:24:13","slug":"paris-sustainable-travel-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thisworldtobook.com\/blog\/paris-sustainable-travel-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Paris in 2026: how to experience the City of Light without the crowds or the footprint"},"content":{"rendered":"

Paris does not need an introduction, but it deserves to be seen with fresh eyes.<\/strong> In the European Best Destinations 2026<\/a> ranking, based on more than 1.3 million votes from travellers in 154 countries, the City of Light finished in fifth place<\/strong>. It ranked behind Madrid, Nicosia, \u0160tajerska and Verona.<\/p>\n

However, what makes Paris in 2026<\/strong> especially interesting is not simply that the city remains beautiful. That has never been in doubt. What matters is how the experience of visiting Paris is changing: more pedestrian areas, an expanding cycling culture, extensive public transport and a growing focus on responsible food and accommodation.<\/p>\n

This sustainable Paris travel guide covers what to see in Paris in 2026<\/strong>, how to avoid unnecessary stress, where to stay and how to explore the city with a lighter environmental footprint.<\/p>\n

Why 2026 is a good year to visit Paris<\/h2>\n

Paris placed fifth among the best European destinations for 2026. The ranking highlighted the city’s combination of culture, heritage, gastronomy, design and urban innovation.<\/p>\n

Several developments also make 2026 an important year for the French capital. Notre-Dame Cathedral<\/strong> reopened to worship and visitors in December 2024 following five years of restoration. Its towers reopened in September 2025 with a redesigned visitor route and panoramic views across the city.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, work continues on the Grand Paris Express<\/a><\/strong>, a major expansion of the regional transport network. The first section of Metro Line 18, between Massy-Palaiseau and the Saclay area, is expected to begin operating later in 2026.<\/p>\n

Paris and Saint-Denis will also host the 2026 European Aquatics Championships<\/a><\/strong> from 31 July to 16 August. Open-water swimming events will take place in the Seine, around \u00cele aux Cygnes, from 4 to 8 August.<\/p>\n

If Paris has been on your travel list, 2026 offers several reasons to go. Our complete Paris travel guide<\/a> can also help you plan the wider trip.<\/p>\n

What to see in Paris in 2026<\/h2>\n

The Louvre and the cultural corridor along the Seine<\/h3>\n

The banks of the Seine<\/strong> have formed part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991. Within a relatively short stretch of the river, you can visit the Louvre Museum<\/strong>, the Mus\u00e9e d’Orsay<\/strong> and the Mus\u00e9e de l’Orangerie<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The Mona Lisa attracts much of the attention at the Louvre. However, the museum contains thousands of works across several wings and floors. Rather than trying to see everything in one visit, choose two or three collections that genuinely interest you.<\/p>\n

\n\"Glass
The Louvre forms part of the historic cultural corridor along the River Seine.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\n\ud83d\udca1 Practical tip:<\/strong> the Louvre offers free admission to all visitors on the first Friday of each month after 6pm, except during July and August. Admission is also free throughout the year for visitors under 18. Even when admission is free, reserve a timed entry through the museum’s official website.\n<\/div>\n

The Champs-\u00c9lys\u00e9es and Arc de Triomphe without the usual traffic<\/h3>\n

The Champs-\u00c9lys\u00e9es<\/strong> is normally reserved for pedestrians on the first Sunday of each month, although the schedule can change because of major events, construction work or security measures.<\/p>\n

The initiative forms part of Paris Respire<\/a><\/strong>, which temporarily restricts traffic in several neighbourhoods on Sundays and public holidays. It provides a quieter opportunity to walk towards the Arc de Triomphe<\/strong> and photograph the avenue without its normal level of traffic.<\/p>\n

\n\"Pedestrianised
The Champs-\u00c9lys\u00e9es is normally pedestrianised one Sunday each month through Paris Respire.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Notre-Dame and the \u00cele de la Cit\u00e9<\/h3>\n

Notre-Dame de Paris<\/strong> reopened in December 2024 after an extensive restoration. Visitors can once again enter the cathedral and see its restored stonework, stained glass and interior.<\/p>\n

The cathedral itself can be visited free of charge, although reserving a complimentary time slot can make access easier during busy periods. The towers require a separate paid ticket and involve climbing more than 400 steps.<\/p>\n

After visiting the cathedral, explore the rest of the \u00cele de la Cit\u00e9, including Sainte-Chapelle, the Conciergerie, Place Dauphine and the quieter paths beside the Seine.<\/p>\n

Montmartre and its quieter streets<\/h3>\n

Walking up to the Sacr\u00e9-C\u0153ur<\/strong> remains one of the classic Paris experiences. However, Montmartre becomes more rewarding when you move away from the crowded Place du Tertre.<\/p>\n

The surrounding streets contain small squares, independent caf\u00e9s, historic houses and the city’s best-known urban vineyard. Visit early in the morning or towards the end of the day for a calmer experience.<\/p>\n

A day at Disneyland Paris by train<\/h3>\n

If you are travelling with children, or simply want a nostalgic day out, Disneyland Paris<\/strong> is connected to central Paris by the RER A<\/strong>. The journey normally takes around 40 minutes and ends at Marne-la-Vall\u00e9e\u2013Chessy station.<\/p>\n

Using the train removes the need to hire a car or arrange a private transfer. Set aside a full day if you plan to visit one or both parks.<\/p>\n

\n\"Illuminated
Disneyland Paris can be reached from central Paris using the RER A.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Parks and gardens for a break from the city<\/h2>\n

Paris is often imagined as a city made entirely of stone. In reality, it contains hundreds of parks, gardens, tree-lined walks and community green spaces.<\/p>\n

The capital also has two large woodland areas. The Bois de Vincennes<\/strong> lies to the east, while the Bois de Boulogne<\/strong> is located to the west. Both can be reached by public transport and provide space for walking, cycling, rowing and picnics.<\/p>\n

In the centre, the Tuileries Garden<\/strong> connects the Louvre with Place de la Concorde. Its paths, fountains, sculptures and seating areas make it a useful place to pause between museum visits.<\/p>\n

\n\"Tuileries
The Tuileries Garden offers a convenient break along the historic axis of central Paris.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Local and sustainable food in Paris<\/h2>\n

Parisian restaurants are increasingly paying attention to seasonal ingredients, direct relationships with producers, food waste, plant-based menus and responsible sourcing.<\/p>\n

The MICHELIN Guide France 2026<\/strong> includes several Paris restaurants known for incorporating these ideas into their menus and operations. They include La Borie<\/strong> in the 15th arrondissement and Datil<\/strong> in the 3rd arrondissement.<\/p>\n

Other recognised names include Table<\/strong> by Bruno Verjus and Anona<\/strong> by Thibaut Spiwack. However, sustainable dining in Paris is not limited to fine dining. Neighbourhood bistros, bakeries and markets can also provide seasonal and locally sourced food at more accessible prices.<\/p>\n

\n\"Paris
Neighbourhood markets are among the best places to find seasonal produce in Paris.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Consider visiting some of the city’s organic and historic markets:<\/p>\n