Vegetarian Paris – A Plant-Based Visitor’s Guide
This article originally appeared on Vegetarian Times
Paris wasn't always seen as hospitable to vegetarian diners. In fact, the City of Love used to have a reputation as kind of a nightmare for plant-based eaters. Every menu seemed to be filled with cheese courses, buttery croissants, escargot, steak frites, and croque monsieurs. There was little more than side salads, green beans, and fries to sustain a vegetarian or vegan while exploring the city.
Happily, Paris has recently done a culinary 180, and it's now one of the most vegetarian-friendly cities in Europe. The international metropolis boasts great vegan and vegetarian restaurants and is currently positioned as one of the leaders in plant-based and eco-friendly fare, from vegan croissants to biodynamic wine.
We've rounded up some of our absolute favorite vegetarian spots in Paris to sip wine and indulge in morning pastries and lazy lunch hours. Here are some of the best haunts to add to your must-visit list.
Vegetarian Paris Guide: Where to Stay
Eden Lodge Paris
Eden Lodge Paris prides itself on being "green and glamorous" and the sophisticated eco-lodge really does live up to its reputation. Built in 2015, Eden Lodge is completely carbon neutral thanks to the combination of renewable, solar, and wood pellet energy. The structure is crafted entirely from wood for better insulation and runs on LED lighting to increase energy efficiency and also installed Japanese sinks and toilets in each guestroom to preserve and reuse water while increasing guest comfort. edenlodgeparis.net
Vegetarian Paris Guide: Eat & Drink
La Cave Du Paul Bert
Natural wine lovers should not miss a trip to La Cave Du Paul Bert. The smaller restaurant next door to award-winning Paul Bert is a bit more vegetarian-friendly than its neighbor, but it's really the abundance of natural and biodynamic wine that you won't want to miss. The casual watering hole takes wine seriously, offering up hundreds of rare and special bottles from all across France and Europe. instagram.com/lacavepaulbert
Le Daily Syrien Veggie
Le Daily Syrien Veggie is the plant-based sister to the original Le Daily Syrien; serving up vegetarian and vegan takes on classic Syrian dishes, including aubergine caviar, falafel, tabouleh, and more. The colorful restaurant is almost always packed -- especially at lunch time -- but the indoor/outdoor dining space makes this health-conscious spot one of the best locations for people watching. instagram.com/ledailysyrien
Jo and Nana Cakes
Nobody wants to visit Paris without indulging in French pastries and desserts. Thankfully, more bakeries that omit things like eggs, traditional butter, and cheese have opened in recent years. Plant-based eaters will especially find solace in Jo and Nana Cakes, a totally vegan cafe and bakery that specializes in classic French desserts with a plant-based twist. The allergy-friendly restaurant also offers a line of gluten-free pastries that don't sacrifice flavor. joandnanacakes.com
Le Petit Bouillon Pharamond
Le Petit Bouillon Pharamond is going to be your best bet if you're hoping to experience the classic bouillon -- a type of traditional French restaurant popularized in the 19th century and currently experiencing a bit of a revival -- without having to navigate a meat-filled menu. This Art Nouveau-style space includes a ton of affordable and delicious plant-focused dishes with French flair: think roasted squash with lentils, green peas with mint and hazelnut, and a whole lot of French cheeses and local wine for less than two euros per glass. petitbouillonpharamond.com
Le Cafe Marly
Le Cafe Marly is arguably one of the most well-located indoor/outdoor restaurants in the city. The charming lunchtime spot is situated directly to the left of the Musee du Louvre with unobstructed views of the museum and its glass-and-metal pyramids. Note that the price point is quite high due to the ideal location but makes for an excellent stopping point to refresh with a latte or glass of ice cold Champagne while museum hopping cafe-marly.com
Vegetarian Paris Guide: Things to Do
Jardin du Luxembourg
The Jardin du Luxembourg in the sixth arrondissement is one of the best places in the city to spend a lazy day in the sun (or to get your steps in without traipsing through the Parisian streets). The 58-acre garden has something for everyone, whether you're looking for a shady tree-lined spot to stop and dive into a good book, practice your hand at tennis on one of the idyllic turf tennis courts, or just want an aesthetically-pleasing break to stop and smell the roses or people watch. senat.fr
Les Puces de Saint-Ouen/b>
Paris is known for its abundance of outdoor markets and second-hand shops and Les Puces de Saint-Ouen is one of the most expansive options in the city. The famed flea market has been serving Parisian locals and visitors since 1870 and covers more than 17 acres of space across the eighteenth arrondissement every Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. Expect to find everything from retro knick-knacks and accessories to antique designer furniture and home decor.
pucesdeparissaintouen.com
Musee du Louvre
The Musee du Louvre is one of the most well-known tourist hubs in Europe. But things become touristy for a reason -- and in the case of the Louvre, the popularity is merited. This gigantic museum is packed with over 15 acres of fine art and history that date back over 9,000 years. In fact -- if you walked the entire span of the museum non-stop it would take you nearly three hours. Go ahead and make a beeline to the Mona Lisa if you've never seen it in person; once you've checked that off the list, veer off to the lesser-visited Richelieu wing for a more relaxed art experience. louvre.fr
RELATED: See All Our VT City Guides for Plant-Based Travelers
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