Where to find great vegan restaurants in France
Travelling to new places can present unique challenges to anyone who follows a vegan lifestyle. As well as having to navigate potential language barriers, the availability of vegan menus can vary in different parts of the world, which can make mealtimes extremely challenging.
Traditionally, French cuisine tends to have a strong focus on meat and animal products, which has made dining as a vegan here something of a challenge historically – especially in rural areas. However, as veganism grows in popularity across the country, more restaurant owners and chefs are looking for new, innovative ways to account for vegan requirements in their dishes.
That being said, some cities and regions are developing more quickly than others when it comes to establishing their presence in the vegan community. In this post, we highlight three of the best cities for vegan restaurants in the country.
Vegan food in Paris
France’s capital city is also widely considered to be the beating heart of its vegan landscape. It’s here where you’ll find the most generous selection of restaurants and cafes that cater to hungry vegan diners at any time of the day. The people here are embracing veganism perhaps more so than in any other region, meaning you’ll have plenty of choice for breakfast, lunch, dinner and every little snack in between.
Be sure to check out the plant-based bakeries and cafes where you can savour traditional cakes, treats and desserts. In the City of Light, you’ll find everything from street food vendors to exclusive restaurants serving up flavoursome vegan fare, as world-class chefs experiment with unique vegan flavours using classical cooking techniques.
Vegan food in Lyon
If a city was to compete with Paris for the title of France’s most vegan-friendly spot, Lyon would certainly be in the conversation. Home to more than 4,000 restaurants, Lyon is considered by most to be the epicentre of gastronomy in France, and there is plenty for vegans to sink their teeth into across this stunning city.
Although high-quality, exclusively vegan eateries are few and far between, chefs and restaurant owners are catering to the growing demand for vegan dishes by offering more animal-free options on standard menus. This makes life easy if you’re visiting with both vegans and non-vegans within your travelling party.
It’s worth noting that most of the vegan restaurants within the city have a relatively small seating capacity, so if you want to try out some of the best establishments, make sure to do your research and book a table in advance of your trip to avoid missing out. A little bit of added organisation and research can go a long way as a vegan traveller.
Vegan food in Nice
If you’re fortunate enough to find yourself sauntering along the French Riviera, you’ll be spoiled for choice with beautiful places to eat. Although there are plenty of wonderful towns and cities to discover, when it comes to vegan dining, Nice arguably stands out as the crème de la crème on the south coast. Here you will stumble across menus and recipes that incorporate exquisite flavours of the Med with plant-based local ingredients that bring the dishes to life.
Particularly over the last few years, locals have latched onto the growing trend of veganism and the city has gained a burgeoning reputation amongst the vegan community. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a three-course sit-down dining experience, you’ll find somewhere to go in the jewel of the Cote D’Azur.
Plan your vegan adventure
There’s no question that France is having to play catch-up with many other European nations when it comes to vegan dining. But as demand continues to grow, locals and visitors alike are being treated to more options than ever before. Keep these three major cities in mind when planning your itinerary, and you’re sure to find plenty of eateries that’ll keep the whole family happy.
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