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Oh the French!…their croissants, their coffee, baguettes and any other French stereotype you can think of. They sure do have a knack for cuisine. However, if you’re a primary plant eater who thrives on green juice, you may be preparing yourself to drastically change your lifestyle as you relish in the French capital. Good news:  you don’t have to!

While the French are still not quite ready to give up their butter and sausage, there seems to be a growing market of healthy eating restaurants popping up around the city.

You can enjoy delicious plant-based menus throughout the city. On my most recent trip, I made it a point to look for vegan restaurants. I googled, googled some more, and then did some wandering. At last I was able to find some great options! I had a few misses and some great hits, so I compiled a few below and the rest on the “SHOP” page (dedicated to gathering all the fab, healthy restaurant options around the world).

 

 

 

First, if you do not already know, Paris is laid out in “arrondissements” or subdivisions. Arranged like a snail’s shell, arrondissements make it easy for you to navigate through the city and understand where things are located. Quite brilliant, if you ask me. You can take the insanely-easy-to-use Metro, walk (always a nice option when new to the city) or take a friendly taxi.

 

 

 

 

Side Note: There is a cliché about Parisians being rude. From my experience, that couldn’t be further from the truth. I found everyone to be very accommodating and generally friendly. In fact, one cab driver felt the need to strike up conversation with me. We covered politics, sports and his daughter, all within a 6-minute ride! Shout out to Arnuad. As long as you use the most international form of politeness – the smile  🙂 –  you will be treated royally.

Back to eating in Paris:  This French capital sure knows how to cook and how to eat. In fact, most Frenchies may gasp at the notion of trying to eat vegan in their beloved Food Capital of the World. One reason food is so amazingly good in Paris is because of the freshness of their ingredients. Their standards for food are much higher and much more natural than in the US. Since their culture demands real butter over processed, unhealthy fake butter, it is actually a better item than one you would find at home. So… if you are a passionate clean eater, it’s okay to cheat just a bit since you know that the ‘tarte au pomme’ you selected is going to be a far superior dessert than the tart au pomme at home!

The great part of your French vacay is that you get to cheat and still keep your diet in between meals. Here are some pretty cool, healthy, and fun places to try.

MAJOR INSIDER TIP: Call before going. The “take-it-easy” French business mentality can have quite an affect on opening hours. Not all places that say they are open online are actually open. Factor in the numerous government holidays, occasional mental days off, and the late starts when planning a restaurant visit.

Bob’s Kitchen Paris– 3^rd Arrondissement

Bob’s Kitchen is probably one of the more popular healthy eating establishments in Paris. Their website indicates their Juice Bar location and Kitchen. This cozy eatery has tons of options. They have cold pressed  juices, freshly blended smoothies, vegan deserts, and plenty of raw and cooked options. I love its quaint, off-the-beaten path location.

 

 

Claus Breakfast in Paris– 1^st Arrondissement

Saying that Paris has incredible food is a massive understatement. Breakfast, on the other hand, is a not an easy find. If you love your traditional breakfast such as granola, oatmeal, fresh juice and/or tea, Claus is your place. Claus is right in the heart of it all. Conveniently located near the Louvre and all major Parisian attractions, Claus offers a full breakfast menu with plenty of organic options. The ambiance is chic and elegant. Reserve in advance if you can.

 

 

Au P’tit Chouan– 15^th Arrondissement

Crazy for Couscous? This is your place. Au P’tit Chouan is a cozy, modest restaurant that has all the classic couscous made with lamb along with a vegetarian couscous!  I realize this may get any French person in an uproar because couscous surely is not a vegetarian dish, But, I can assure you, it exists at Au P’tit Chouan and it is tasty.

 

 

 

 

 

Le Pain Quotidien– 18th Arrondissement

Say hello to one of the best lunch spots in Paris! if you happen to be in the area on a Sunday for brunch, it is a lovely place. Its exquisite menu has tons of healthy dishes and french favorites. Not only is this restaurant located in the super cool and fun Monmatre district, but the communal concept is a great way to snuggle up with the locals. They have an array of organic choices on their menu. The wait on a Sunday is long, so be prepared to hang out a bit before being seated. Once seated, you will most likely be accommodated next to complete strangers as they want to establish a feeling of sharing and community. Great concept, great food and plenty of vegetarian options.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gentle Gourmet Cafe– 12th Arrondissement

Gentle Gourmet is a meat-less restaurant serving gluten-free, raw, and soy-free options. Their mission is clear upon visiting: to offer farm-to-table healthy organic meals. Enjoy a nourishing break from all the walking you’ll be doing across the city.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Le Grenier de Notre Dame– 4th Arrondissement

Their claim to fame is that they are the first vegetarian restaurant in Paris with the same chef since its opening. I do not find their menu to be extensive in comparison to some of the newer healthy establishments popping up throughout the city. However, they have an incredibly central location and will offer a meat-less option while sight-seeing in the area.

If you know of any interesting and delicious healthy restaurants to add to the list, message me as I am always looking for  businesses focusing on providing sustainable food choices. Happy Travels!

 

 

 

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