How I Explored Fascinating and Delicious Vegan Food in Paris
Paris… where do I begin?
The City of Lights has something in store for every globetrotter and eccentric foodie from it’s enchanting architecture to it’s world class cuisine.
I fell in love with Montmarte seven years ago when I came to France on a solo trip and it left a positive impression on my heart that was life changing. It was away from the heavy foot traffic of the Eiffel tower, endless souvenirs stands, large crowds, and other high attractions.
Montmarte are was hip, relaxed, diverse, and had a captivating arts scene.
During my recent visit, I stayed away from hotels and tried out my first chambre de bonne apartment in Montmarte located in the 18th arrondissement .
A fresh baguette and summer apple
The apartment was in a well-preserved, fourth-floor walk-up building on a very tranquil and narrow street. French apartment walk-ups have a very interesting architecture when it comes to these multi level attic apartments. I learned that many years ago, these apartment buildings were stores and the owners would allow the workers to stay in the small apartments that occupied the top. I would describe the interior of the apartment to that of a studio.
The view from my Parisian apartment
These accommodations are also commonly used today for students. Firstly, because of the size. Second, the affordability. Third, who else is going to constantly go up and down those stairs without an elevator?
My main reason for this trip was to attend an epic vegan food tour.
Alice is the founder and tour guide of Vegan Food Tours – France, and she is VERY knowledgeable about how to eat vegan in Paris.
Alice, founder and tour guide for Vegan Food Tours – France
During the tour, Alice, myself, and friend Collette conversed about eating vegan in Paris, the US, England, and Greece. It’s always a relief for me to be around picky eaters like myself. We just drive each other crazy with our selective preferences and it’s always fine. 😀
The first shop on our tour was ONI Coffee Shop with it’s calm ambiance and très chic decorations.
The interior of ONI Coffee Shop
For dining, I enjoyed a very tasty chai latte and an acai bowl for the first time ever. The almond milk was steamed to perfection in my latte creating the most creamy and thick top layer that I have ever enjoyed in a plant-based drink.
A chai latte with almond milk
The acai bowl was very plentiful, and I immediately understood it’s popularity. I felt my body becoming more nourished and guilt-free with every bite of the acai, coconut, kiwi, banana, and almonds. I definitely recommend checking out ONI Coffee Shop if you are not looking for vegan food near the Eiffel Tower.
An acai bowl
Along the way Alice, explained some history about the area and some recent transitions such as gentrification.
Door art
The Mariette statue
Another cool stop on the tour was visiting a local flee market at Marché des Enfants-Rouges. Being a foodie, it was so refreshing to see the fresh food ingredients all on display while observing how the Parisians shop. There were plenty of delicious plant-based, vegan, and gluten-free options to purchase as the fragrance of delicious and mouth-watering cuisine filled the air.
Vendors at the Marché des Enfants Rouges market
The next stop was at an international pizza shop called Hanks. Hanks has burger and pizza separate locations, and they cater to vegan and gluten-free food selections.
Inside of Hanks Pizza shop
Hanks Pizza did not disappoint and all of the options looked so fresh and enticing. I could easily see ANY foodie enjoying a place like this.
Hanks Pizza selections
At the next stop we ventured to Wild & The Moon, which is a small store that sells plant-based desserts, fresh-squeezed juices, and an assortment of lattes. It was a nice finish to top off all the savory eats from earlier that indulged in. I enjoyed a banana coco dessert that had lovely hints on banana, coconut, vanilla, strawberry, and minced cashews.
Banana coco dessert from Wild & The Moon
The final stop on our tour was a small vegan food shop named Mon Epicerie Paris. There were vegan meats, drinks, chips, chocolates, vegan cheese, and many more selections in-store. I’m a vegan cheese fanatic, and was not sure what to decide on due to the vast array of European brands. Alice also was very experienced here and gave her recommendations. She fancied the camembert style of cheese the most, and the non dairy version did not disappoint! One of the workers in the store was also nice enough to offer us a vegan cheese platter. In all, I walked away with 4 options, and was a very happy lady.
The many vegan cheese options at Mon Epicerie Paris
I decided to use Google Maps and go back to a specific area in Montmarte that I staid in twice. Upon getting closer to my old stomping ground, I (and my calf muscles) noticed more inclines which was definitely a indicator that I was getting closer. Basically, this part of Montmarte is made up of mostly stairs or inclined walking. I also noticed on the way, per Google Maps, that Van Goghs old house was in the area: how cool is that? Upon arrival, I was content and wide eyed at the familiar sights.
In front of the Lamarck Caulaincourt train station
Pont Neuf bridge
Some extras:
A vegan margarita pizza and antipasto from Janine Loves Sunday restaurant.
A vegan cheese platter from Le Faitout restaurant
What’s the name of your favorite vegan restaurant or dish that you have tried in The City of Lights?
