In a world where discovering new food and travelling go hand in hand, France stands out as a delicious food paradise. But for vegans travelling to this country of bread with butter, cheese, and the dish, finding their way around the food scene may be quite difficult. Welcome to Traveling as a Vegan in France 2024: Survival Guide, where we’ll take you on a thrilling plant-based culinary tour through the core of France. We reveal how to enjoy France’s diverse cultural landscape without sacrificing your vegan principles, from lively Parisian restaurants to charming country food establishments.
What is it really like being a vegan in France?
It can be hard and satisfying to be vegan in France. The excessive use of animal products and rich flavours in French cuisine is well-known, but there has been a recent increase in alternatives for vegans worldwide. As more people choose plant-based lifestyles, the vegan community is growing, from charming cafes in Paris to historic markets in France.
Being a vegan in France can make understanding social situations difficult, especially when eating out with friends or during family get-togethers. But these days, a lot of restaurants offer delicious plant-based meals that display a variety of French products. If you are kind when explaining your food preferences, most restaurants will be pleased to make changes.
How do you say Vegan in French?
The word “vegan” is translated as “vegetarian” in French. This term implies not only a plant-based diet but also a moral way of living that supports the environment and animal care. In recent years, veganism has become more and more popular in France as more and more people choose this lifestyle and eating style.
I don’t eat meat, or “je ne mange pas la viande,” is another helpful expression. On the other hand, “je ne mange pas les produits d’animaux,” meaning I do not eat any animal goods.
What percentage of France is Vegan?
unexpectedly it’s higher than you may think, specifically for younger people. Though generally a meat-loving nation, France is beginning to change.
A stunning 40% of 18 to 24-year-olds said in a Deliveroo survey that they would be happy to try a vegan diet.
28% of those surveyed stated they would stay away from a vegan diet since it might be unhealthy and meat is an essential component of our diet.
The good news is that the number of vegan restaurants on the meal delivery service in France is increasing rapidly.
Is it hard to be Vegan in France?
There is not as much variety as in the US, UK, Canada, or Australia because everything in France is seasonal, it is still fresh and devoid of chemicals, etc.
Being vegan is therefore not impossible, no matter if you’re visiting France for a vacation or want to remain there forever.
Eating out as a Vegan in France
There are vegan restaurants in France, you just have to look for them. The trend of veganism is growing there. If you look closely enough, you can even find certain restaurants that are vegan.
These three points may be useful.
Tip 1 Download the Happy Cow App
For anyone wishing to look into vegan and vegetarian dining options in any city, the Happy Cow App is an essential tool. Finding delicious and healthy meal options is made simple with the app’s large network of restaurants, coffee shops, and supermarkets that support plant-based diets, no matter where you are. Happy Cow provides everything you need, if you’re travelling or just searching for new places to explore in the area.
Tip 2 Download Veg O Resto
Veg O Resto’s easy-to-use design and simple access are among its most fascinating elements. Users are met with an elegant design of the app upon download, which helps the process of finding vegetarian or vegan establishments. It’s never been easier to find new restaurants that suit what you eat thanks to the user-friendly search tools and filters.
A large variety of plant-based restaurants, Veg O Resto provides full information about each establishment’s menu, costs, and reviews from clients.
Tip 3 Check out Vegan Facebook Pages and Groups
There is a Facebook page or group for almost anything, even vegans in France. There are lots of people prepared to suggest you to these kinds of groups, and they are really useful.
Tip 4 Use The Dietary Requirements Filter on Tripadvisor
Although it might seem obvious to utilize Tripadvisor’s filter feature. While it can be a little difficult to locate, it exists. Restaurants can be filtered according to their vegan and vegetarian offerings. You can also filter by that for my buddies who don’t eat wheat.
You won’t find the vast selection that you might have in London or New York, but you will still have options—I’ve looked and found them.
Best Vegan Cities in France
It should go without saying that the most vegan-friendly city in France is Paris. A visit to VG Pastry, which offers an extensive selection of vegan delicious food cakes, is strongly recommended.
Since cheese is a well-known product in France.
Bordeaux ranks high on the gastronomic list and is another city to consider for vegan options and food. Monkey Heart is a completely vegan restaurant with a great vintage vibe that I know my friends love.
The following cities have excellent vegan options: the city of Nice Marseilles, Lyon, and Strasbourg.
Vegan Restaurants in France
For those who love vegan food, Le Potager du Marais, tucked away in the centre of Paris, is an amazing discovery. This restaurant provides a great gastronomic experience with its creative plant-based menu and friendly setting. Every dish, from rich chocolate mousse desserts to creamy vegan cheese platters, is carefully prepared to delight the senses and the soul.
Hank Vegan Burger in Lyon is the place to go if you want a taste of classic French food with a vegan twist. This colourful restaurant uses only plant-based components to bring back traditional meals like boeuf bourguignon and coq au vin.
When travelling outside of big cities, vegan travellers visiting France should stop at La Parenthese Végétale in Bordeaux.
Vegan Food in French Supermarkets
In reply to customer requests for more plant-based options, French supermarkets are now stocking an extensive range of vegan food options. Vegans in France have no shortage of options, from dairy-free cheeses to soy- or seitan-based meat substitutes. Moreover, a lot of supermarkets now carry their range of vegan products, making it simpler than ever to locate goods that are cruelty-free when doing your grocery shopping.
Among the top ones are:
- Official Vegan Shop: They carry more than just food.
- Vegetal Square: A fantastic selection of meat substitutes as well as gluten-free options.
- Un Monde Vegan: Unfortunately, their Parisian location is closing, but their internet store will remain open.
If you prefer in-person shopping, France has several excellent bio shops with a wide selection of plant-based products. These are the two most popular choices:
- Biocoop: They are rather easy to find as they are present in most large towns.
- Naturalia: not just vegan, but also a ton of fantastic options available online.
Where to Stay as a Vegan in France
In France, vegan gites, chambres d’hôtes, and hotels are becoming more and more common.
MY TOP PICK – Under the Lime Tree – Vegan B&B and Spa
Time stands still under the lime tree. Its branches filter sunlight in a ballet of light and shadow, creating an air of calm. The soft sound of falling leaves carries stories from earlier times, calling for study and relaxation beneath its shield of leaves.
The closest is Niki at Cellefrouin in the Charente, a vegan-run B&B and spa called Under the Lime Tree. It’s the most peaceful spot, and Niki cooks everything herself. The menu is exclusively vegan.
NO 2 PICK – La Cour de Husson Vegan Gite
La Cour de Husson is a great option if you would prefer to travel in a gite and have the added benefit of a vegan breakfast. Located next to the historic village of Tucson, it is managed by Jen and Nick, who previously appeared in the British television series A New Life in the Sun.
It has everything you need, including a great swimming pool to cool down in on hot days, and is close to Cognac and vineyard vistas.
NO 3 PICK – Mostarlic Vegan and Gluten free B&B
A quality B&B in France is hard to beat. I just had friends stay at Mostarlic Vegan B&B, and they were quite positive about it.
It is managed by Samantha and Doran and is located in the stunning Champagne region of the Ardennes. The property was constructed by them, and it was a labour of love.
Vegan Food Tours & Picnics in Paris & Lyon
Believe it or not, there are some fantastic vegan foodie tours in some of the bigger cities in France. So if you’ve ever had food tour envy because none of them were vegan-friendly, I’ve got you covered right here with a couple of great tours.
Private Plant-based Picnic in Paris
Imagine the soft rustling of leaves overhead, a gentle breeze carrying the sweet scent of blooming flowers. A private plant-based picnic in Paris offers an enchanting escape into a world of natural beauty and culinary delights. As you lay out your eco-friendly bamboo picnic set on the lush green grass, surrounded by towering trees and chirping birds, you can’t help but feel a deep sense of peace and connection with nature.
Gourmet Vegan Tour in Paris
You are unlikely to discover these vegan hidden gems in Paris if you live there, but this tour will show you where to look.
With tastings and other features, it reduces the stress related to choosing a restaurant and lets you taste “before you buy.”
Lyon Vegan Food Tour
Experience the pleasures of veganized French wine. The wine shop’s owners are knowledgeable about the wines they carry and are happy to share that expertise with you. A selection of vegan-friendly wines will be served to you, along with vegan eats.
A selection of vegan-friendly wines will be served to you, along with vegan eats.
Being a Vegan when travelling to France FAQS
Is France vegan-friendly?
Yes. Plant-based solutions are being stocked by an increasing number of vegan-friendly restaurants and stores as the country adopts veganism.
What is the vegan capital of France?
Lyon is sometimes known as the vegan capital of France because of its inventive plant-based cuisine, Paris boasts the biggest number of vegan restaurants.
Is Paris vegan-friendly?
Yes, vegans find paradise in Paris! The city has a wide variety of vegan restaurants, from fast food joints to fine dining establishments, as well as supermarkets that stock a remarkable selection of vegan goods.
Are there many vegan restaurants in Paris?
Yes, there are tons of vegan restaurants in Paris that serve a huge range of delicious food.
There are always new vegan spots to try in the city thanks to its expanding vegan community.
Are there any vegan events in France?
Yes, France offers several vegan events each year, such as VeggieWorld Lyon and Paris Vegan Day. These events include vegan food and products as well as talks about environmental and animal rights.
Final Thoughts: Travelling as a Vegan in France
It’s not impossible to travel as a vegan in France, despite what many people think. There are lots of excellent bed and breakfasts, hotels, and restaurants that cater to vegans.
You can also discover anything you need fast and easily using apps like Veg O Resto and Happy Cow.