Vegan in France

In case you haven't figured this out yet, I am super pumped to be going to Europe! However, I am a bit concerned about being a vegan in France (the land of cheese). So, after many hours of research, I have accumulated some information that should hopefully make it easier. 

French Vegan Alternatives (that can be found in most Carrefours):

• Milk

• Bjorg Soya Douceur

• any Sojasun milks

• vegan milks are pretty easy to find in most grocery stores in France

• Yogurt

• any Sojasun yogurts

• soy yogurt is very easy to find in most grocery stores in France

• Butter

• St. Hubert Bio

• Chocolate

• Lindt Chocolate Noir Extra Fondant

• Selection Carrefour Chocolat Noir à Menthe

• Lindt Excellence Chocolat Doux 70% Cacao

• Selection Carrefour Chocolat Noir Pépites de Poire

• Jardin Bio Chocolat Noir Amandes

• Ethiquable Chocolat Noir Fèves de Cacao

• Jardin Bio Chocolat Noir Orange

• Selection Carrefour Noir Écorces d'Orange Confites

• Cookies

• Gerblé Biscuits Cacaotés sans Gluten

• Gerblé Biscuits Saveur Coco sans Sucre

• Gerblé Biscuits aux Raisins

• Miscellaneous

• Speculoos

• Bjorg Terrine Provençale

- most sorbet in France is vegan (even the chocolate ones) but it doesn't hurt to double check
- vegan cheese is especially difficult to find but the best bet is to go to a vegan/organic grocery store (see below) or make some cashew cheese yourself
- vegan ice cream is also a bit challenging to find but you can check out vegan/organic grocery stores or search for vegan-friendy ice cream shops (these chances are better in bigger cities like Paris)



Vegan-Friendly Restaurants

• Saveurs Végét’halles – 41 rue des Bourdonnais, Paris ($$)

• Gentle Gourmet – 24 boulevard de la Bastille, Paris ($$$)

• Hank Burger – 55 rue des Archives, Paris ($$)

• Le Paradis du Fruit – 47 avenue George V, Paris ($$)

• Le Grenier de Notre-Dame – 18 rue de la Bucherie, Paris ($$)

• La Pause – 14 place du Chatelet, Orléans ($$) 

Vegan-Friendly Grocery Stores

• Holy Planet – 34 rue Serpente, 7006 Paris ($$)

• La Vie Claire ($$)

• Carrefour ($)

• biocoop ($$)

• Naturalia ($$)

• Izrael – 30 rue Francois-Miron, Paris ($)

• Dia ($)

• Simply Market ($)

• Franprix ($)

• Bio c’bon ($$)

• Un Monde Vegan ($$)

• 64 rue Notre Dame de Nazareth, Paris

• 15 rue Aimé Collomb, Lyon

• many Asian markets

Tips

• Shop at farmers markets and at specialized markets (e.g., boulangeries).

• Make your own food and go on picnics.

• Look up menus of restaurants beforehand.

• If necessary, order a dish as is and make adjustments to it after the plate arrives.

• Make sure you know words and phrases related to veganism.

• Utilize HappyCow.

• Prepare/cook vegan versions of typical French foods to still immerse yourself in French culture but without any animal products.

• Be prepared to answer questions about veganism.

French Foods that Tend to Naturally Be Vegan

• baguettes

• olive oil

• tapenade (check that it's made without anchovies or anchois)

• ratatouille

• vegetable-based stews/soups

• jam

• potatoes (including French fries)

• stir fries

• pizza without cheese

• pasta with tomato or oil-based sauces

• tartines (toast)

• cereals

Useful Phrases

• I am a vegan. - Je suis végetalien(ne).

• Does it contain cheese? - Est-ce que cela contient du fromage ? or Est-ce qu'il y a du fromage dedans ?

• I would like that, without cheese please. - Je voudrais ça, sans fromage s'il vous plaît.

• I do not eat animal products. - Je ne mange pas de produits d'origine animale.

• I do not believe humans have the right to animals or their products. - Je ne mcrois pas que les humains ont le droit d'exploiter les animaux ou leurs produits.

Typical French Meals (Veganized)

• Breakfast (le petit déjeuner)
• bread & jam with fruit and tea/coffee
• cereal & soy milk with orange juice and tea/coffee
• vegan croissants/pastries with vegan butter/jam and tea/coffee
• vegan yogurt with fruit and tea/coffee

• Lunch (le déjeuner) or Dinner (le dîner)
• roasted potatoes with steamed veggies and a vegan sausage
• soup and salad
• rice and veggies
• pasta with red sauce and veggies
• sandwich (e.g., mustard, pickles, lettuce, vegan cheese)

• Snack (le goûter)
• slice of bread with jam
• fruit
• applesauce
• tea and a few cookies
• handful of nuts