Vegan in France: a Survival Guide

Visiting France as a vegan? Don’t worry, this little guide to surviving French cuisine as a vegan is here to help!
France: the land of cheese, buttery croissants, and rich boeuf bourguignon. For vegans, the thought of navigating this culinary landscape can seem as daunting as scaling the Eiffel Tower in stilettos.
French cuisine is famously rooted in meat, cheese, and cream, but as a French-American who grew up in the States and moved to France a few years ago, I can confidently say that being vegan here isn’t just possible—it’s becoming easier and more rewarding every day.
I’ve been vegan for seven years, driven by a combination of health, environmental, and ethical reasons. As a passionate foodie, I love discovering new flavors, and when people ask me, “Isn’t being vegan in France hard?” my response is always, “Not really!” Sure, there are challenges—like explaining to a curious French person in my slightly wobbly French why I’d ever give up cheese—but if I can make it work, so can you.
Thanks to global initiatives like Veganuary, which encourages people to try veganism for the month of January, more French people are opening up to plant-based eating. The landscape is changing, with vegan cheese brands making waves, restaurants offering plant-based menus, and even traditional boulangeries experimenting with dairy-free pastries. Whether you’re a tourist eager to try a vegan croissant in Paris, an exchange student learning how to grocery shop, or a local looking to try something new, this guide will help you navigate vegan life in France with confidence and joy.
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Key phrases to know
Even if you don’t speak much French, learning a few key phrases can make a world of difference—and the French will definitely appreciate your effort!
When dining as a vegan, here are some essential phrases to know:
- “Je suis végan(e).” – I’m vegan.
- “Avez-vous des options vegan/végétaliennes ?” – Do you have any vegan options?
- “Je ne mange pas de viande, de beurre, d’œufs, de lait ou de fromage.”
- (I don’t eat meat, butter, eggs, milk, or cheese.)
- “Est-ce que c’est végan ?” – Is it vegan?
- “Est-ce possible de le faire sans beurre/fromage/viande ?” – Can this be made without butter/cheese/meat?
- “Avez-vous du lait végétal ?” – Do you have plant-based milk?
Since veganism is still unfamiliar to some in France, speaking politely and expressing gratitude—“Merci beaucoup pour votre aide” (Thank you very much for your help)—can help create a positive interaction.
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Resources for vegans in France
Finding vegan food in France takes some effort, but with the right tools, you won’t have to settle for just fries and wine—unless you want to! The HappyCow app is a must-have for discovering vegan-friendly spots across France, offering reviews, photos, and tips from fellow travelers. In Paris, the Vegan Tourist Paris map is another handy resource, listing fully vegan restaurants by category with photos and details—available at vegan eateries or online. Joining Facebook groups or attending events like VeggieWorld can also connect you with the local vegan community and insider tips. With a bit of planning, enjoying plant-based meals in France is easier than you think.
How to navigate a French grocery store
Grocery shopping as a vegan in France is easier than you might think. Most supermarkets carry essentials like plant-based milks and meat alternatives, though they’re often in separate sections from their animal-based counterparts. For specialty items like nutritional yeast, tempeh, or vegan ice cream, natural food stores like Biocoop and Naturalia – mostly present in cities – are excellent, though they’re better for occasional treats than a full grocery shop. In the countryside, look out for La Vie Claire supermarkets.
Fresh produce is abundant, but for the freshest and most local options, visit your neighborhood marché (produce market), which usually takes place once or twice a week. Locals can tell you when and where to find them, and it’s a great way to stock up on seasonal fruits and vegetables while supporting local farmers.
In Paris, explore fully vegan spots like Mon Épicerie Paris in the Marais, Naturalia Vegan, and Aujourd’hui Demain, a vegan eatery and boutique. Some of my favorite French-owned vegan brands include La Vie’s bacon bits and Jay & Joy’s creamy bleu cheese, offering plant-based alternatives to classic French flavors.
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Best Vegan Restaurants in Paris
Paris is a top destination for plant-based foodies, ranked #16 among the most vegan-friendly cities globally by HappyCow. Even after two years in the city, I still have an extensive list of places to explore, and that’s one of my favorite things about living here. Below are some must-visit spots to add to your itinerary on your next trip:
- Land & Monkeys: A fully plant-based French bakery with multiple locations, perfect for grabbing classic treats like pain au chocolat aux amandes, quiches, and sandwiches for a picnic along the Seine.
- Le Potager du Marais: Located in the lively Le Marais district, this spot serves vegan versions of traditional French dishes—don’t miss the French onion soup.
- HOY Mesa: A plant-based restaurant inside an eco-friendly hotel, which also features a yoga studio and flower shop—perfect for a wellness-focused stay.
- Bloom Sushi: A 100% vegan sushi spot offering creative plant-based rolls inspired by traditional Japanese recipes. Great for a group dinner.
- Faubourg Diamant: A chic vegan restaurant with inventive dishes and a stylish ambiance—ideal for a special night out.
- Buddy Buddy: A cozy café specializing in artisanal nut butters, serving vegan treats and drinks along the Canal St. Martin.
- VG Pâtisserie: A beloved vegan bakery offering classic French pastries, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
- L’Embuscade: An afro-vegan bar and restaurant known for its flavorful dishes, cocktails, and lively vibe.
- L’As du Fallafel: This iconic spot serves a famous vegan falafel wrap that’s delicious, affordable, and a must-try.
There are so many more of my favorite spots that I’d need an entire separate blog post to cover them all! For now, this is just a glimpse. Paris truly has an abundance of options for plant-based travelers and locals to explore and enjoy!
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Exploring beyond the Capital
France has so much more to offer than just Paris, with plant-based food becoming increasingly accessible across major cities. In Lyon, the country’s gastronomic capital, chefs are getting creative with vegan adaptations of traditional dishes, offering innovative plant-based versions of classic Lyonnaise fare. Marseille, influenced by its Mediterranean roots, boasts socca, a naturally vegan dish made from chickpea flour, water, and olive oil. This savory, crispy pancake is a beloved local specialty, often served as a snack or appetizer, and is packed with flavor. In Bordeaux, known for its rich wine culture, vegan-friendly bistros and cafés are on the rise, offering plant-based meals paired with the region’s famous wines, allowing vegans to enjoy the full gastronomic experience.
Vegan in Rural France
Exploring rural France as a vegan might take a little flexibility, but it’s far from impossible. Scenic spots like Étretat, known for its stunning cliffs, may have fewer dedicated vegan options, but a classic French picnic is always a great alternative. Supermarkets like Monoprix offer convenient vegan-friendly staples such as hummus, salads, and tabouleh, while most boulangeries sell freshly baked baguettes that are naturally vegan. When dining out, Lebanese, Asian, and other international cuisines often have plant-based options like falafel wraps, stir-fries, and vegetable curries—even in smaller towns. With a bit of planning and an open mind, enjoying the charm of the French countryside while sticking to a vegan lifestyle is entirely possible.
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Dealing with social situations
Dealing with social situations is often the biggest challenge of being vegan in France—after all, cheese isn’t just food here; it’s a whole course on its own. Meals are a deeply ingrained part of French culture, and declining certain dishes can sometimes feel like you’re rejecting tradition itself. Whether it’s a family gathering or a dinner with friends, it helps to approach these situations with a mix of confidence and diplomacy. Letting your host know in advance about your dietary preferences can make things smoother, and offering to bring a dish to share is a great way to introduce others to plant-based options. Most importantly, keeping a positive attitude and showing appreciation for any effort made can help foster understanding and even spark curiosity about veganism.
Veganizing French Cuisine
French cuisine, famous for its butter and cream, can easily be adapted to vegan tastes without losing its essence. Take ratatouille, a naturally vegan dish of slow-cooked eggplant, zucchini, peppers, and tomatoes, full of Provençal flavor. Mushroom bourguignon swaps beef for earthy mushrooms, simmered in a rich red wine sauce with onions, carrots, and herbs. For dessert, mousse au chocolat becomes decadently creamy with whipped chickpea water (trust me on this one!) replacing egg whites, folded into dark chocolate. The options are truly endless, making these dishes perfect for your next dinner party with a plant-based twist on classic French comfort food.
Conclusion
Being vegan in France is an adventure, blending the challenges of a culture deeply rooted in traditional, animal-based cuisine with the joys of witnessing a growing openness to plant-based lifestyles. While France may lag behind some European neighbors in embracing veganism, this is largely tied to its pride in culinary traditions and its reputation for being a bit stubborn. Yet, French people are also curious and open-minded. Offer them a taste of your chickpea-water mousse au chocolat, and they’ll likely try it—though you can expect their brutally honest opinion!
The truth is, France is making strides toward sustainability, from eco-friendly laws like bans on single-use plastics to strong food waste reduction initiatives. Many French people care deeply about the environment but haven’t fully connected plant-based eating with ecological benefits. By sharing knowledge and leading with kindness, you can help build that bridge. Change takes time, but with its rich culinary history and creativity, France has the potential to become a leader in plant-based innovation. For now, every vegan choice you make here contributes to a brighter, more sustainable future—one delicious meal at a time. Bon appétit!
For more vegan recommendations in Paris and elsewhere, follow Coralee’s adventures on Instagram: @coraleeats
Lead photo credit : © Shutterstock
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