The Best Traditional French Vegan Recipes - Veggie Vagabonds (2024)

Didn’t think you could find any French vegan recipes? Well, you’ll be pleasantly surprised!

You may know it already but traditional French food isn’t that vegan friendly. Actually, it can be pretty terrible for us herbivores. As vegans, we don’t think we should miss out on any country’s cuisine, and so we’ve compiled this list of delicious French traditional food that is completely veganised!

Pedalling our way through France has worked up a hefty appetite. It’s a good thing that all this cycling is quite the workout as we always indulge to our heart’s content whilst exploring a country. Initially, it seemed like vegans in France would really struggle but we have managed to find some accidentally vegan foods, supermarket finds and fresh produce markets, plus we’ve been whipping up some triumphs on the camp stove!

Traditional French food, however, is really not that vegan friendly. When wandering past restaurants we’ve kept our eyes peeled for potential things to try but never find things completely free from some type of animal product. Whilst staying with hosts we’ve asked them what traditional French foods we can try only to be met with puzzled faces and being told that “you cannot find ANY traditional dish without meat, cheese or egg!”.

This had to change!

One of the best ways to experience a culture is through its cuisine, so this seemed like bad news. Determined not to miss, and to share a famous cuisine with the vegan community, we’ve compiled a list of the best vegan French recipes so they can be enjoyed by all.

We’ve covered all bases from starters to mains, and sauces to desserts. Take a peep at the list and tell us which is your favourite!

Smaller Vegan Bites

The Best Traditional French Vegan Recipes - Veggie Vagabonds (1)

Crustless Mini Vegan Quiche

One of our favourite French vegan recipes, these mini French quiches are great as a starter or served as a side. They can also be eaten hot or cold and work nicely to accompany light lunches.

The Best Traditional French Vegan Recipes - Veggie Vagabonds (2)

Warm French Vegan Lentil Salad

A simple recipe that’s full of nutrients, flavour and can be rustled up quickly. The lentils are full of protein, so this is a good vegan French recipe if you’re fueling an active lifestyle!

The Best Traditional French Vegan Recipes - Veggie Vagabonds (3)

Vegan Coquilles Saint Jacques

French traditional food at its finest! This vegan take on coquilles saint Jacques is rich and creamy much like the original, which would combine nicely with one of the lighter salad options.

The Best Traditional French Vegan Recipes - Veggie Vagabonds (4)

Easy Vegan-Friendly French Potato Salad

Another easy vegan recipe that you can make quickly from scratch but is oozing with flavour!

The Best Traditional French Vegan Recipes - Veggie Vagabonds (5)

Vegan French Onion Soup

One of the iconic French recipes that has been enjoyed for centuries all over the country and the world. Give this vegan-friendly version a go, you won’t regret it!

Vegan Main Dishes

The Best Traditional French Vegan Recipes - Veggie Vagabonds (6)

Vegan Seitan Bourguignon

Another traditional French dish which is steeped in history and culture. This vegan recipe is made using seitan which adds delicious flavour and lots of nutrients too.

The Best Traditional French Vegan Recipes - Veggie Vagabonds (7)

Smokey Portobello Mushroom Vegan Cassoulet

This one is a great winter warmer and French food recipe if you’re looking for some comfort eating. Portobello mushrooms, mmmm…

The Best Traditional French Vegan Recipes - Veggie Vagabonds (8)

Smokey Tempeh Vegan Quiche with Aubergine Crust

Want to make some vegan French food that will impress? This smokey tempeh quiche stands out from the crowd with an aubergine crust instead of pastry and also makes it lighter and full of flavour. Plus, who doesn’t love smokey tempeh!?!?

The Best Traditional French Vegan Recipes - Veggie Vagabonds (9)

Vegan Choucroute Garnie

We first tried this traditional recipe from a French vegan cookbook and it’s delicious. It originated from the Alsace region near the German border and is a fusion from both cultures.

The Best Traditional French Vegan Recipes - Veggie Vagabonds (10)

Vegan Ratatouille Recipe

Ratatouille is one of the very few classic French recipes that doesn’t need to much veganising. This recipe shows this dish at its finest.

Vegan Sauces & Dips

The Best Traditional French Vegan Recipes - Veggie Vagabonds (11)

Vegan Hollandaise Sauce

This Hollandaise sauce is perfect to pour over your French veg recipes. Add a little to the potato salad and you’re on to a winner!

The Best Traditional French Vegan Recipes - Veggie Vagabonds (12)

Vegan Dijon Mustard Sauce with Herbs

Another French vegan food which can be found all over the world and is naturally plant-based too. This recipe is delicious to add to salads and dressings.

The Best Traditional French Vegan Recipes - Veggie Vagabonds (13)

Vegan Lentil and Walnut Dip

This dip is perfect smothered over some fresh French baguette and with some salad vegetables.

Vegan French Desserts

The Best Traditional French Vegan Recipes - Veggie Vagabonds (14)

Mint Chocolate Vegan Pots de Creme

Like a chocolate cloud in your mouth, this vegan French recipe is creamy, damn tasty and guilt free!

The Best Traditional French Vegan Recipes - Veggie Vagabonds (15)

Aquafaba Meringue Nests with Coconut Whipped Cream and Fresh Berries

Vegan meringue is probably the quickest way to our heart and this scrummy recipe, topped with an array of fruits and chocolate, is hard to beat!

The Best Traditional French Vegan Recipes - Veggie Vagabonds (16)

Vegan Cherry Clafoutis

A veganised version of the traditional French dessert that contains no eggs or butter but has the same melt in your mouth consistency.

The Best Traditional French Vegan Recipes - Veggie Vagabonds (17)

Vegan French Croissants

The most popular of all French pastries and a speciality you’ll find all over the world. This vegan croissant recipe means you can make the most of your continental breakfasts with a clear conscience.

The Best Traditional French Vegan Recipes - Veggie Vagabonds (18)

Vegan French Crepes

French crepes are something we’ve probably all enjoyed, both savoury and sweet, and this vegan crepe recipe is perfect to avoid any animal-products.

The Best Traditional French Vegan Recipes - Veggie Vagabonds (19)

Gluten-Free Mini-Eclairs

On the more intricate side of recipe-creating but worth the fuss for these delicious vegan eclairs. Damn they’re moreish!

The Best Traditional French Vegan Recipes - Veggie Vagabonds (20)

Vegan Apple Tart

Inspired by French market pastries from her childhood, Sophie created this beautiful vegan apple tart recipe.

What was your favourite recipe? Or are there others we should add to the list?

Tell us in the comments below! Want to find out about our latest articles? Sign up for our mailing list here!

The Best Traditional French Vegan Recipes - Veggie Vagabonds (21)

The Best Traditional French Vegan Recipes

Keep exploring…

The Best Hiking Trails in France

Find Accommodation in France for Outdoor Trips

Plan Your Trip Snowshoeing in Chamonix!

The Best Traditional French Vegan Recipes - Veggie Vagabonds (2024)

FAQs

What is the most vegan city in France? ›

Paris is by far the most vegan friendly city in France but other cities like Lyon and Bordeaux also boast many vegan establishments. On your way outside of major cities, pile up on local Vegan Snacks for your trip and for the first few hours at your destination until you can orient yourself.

Is France vegetarian friendly? ›

While France certainly isn't a vegetarian utopia, it seems that the country no longer lives up to its negative reputation. I'm ecstatic to witness France become more vegetarian-friendly, even if the process is gradual. Being a pescatarian is important to me, and I consider it an essential piece of my identity.

Do the French cater for vegans? ›

Eating Out at Restaurants as a vegan in France

Chefs are creatively reimagining classic dishes to cater to plant-based tastes, ensuring that your dining experience remains both authentic and satisfying. Le Potager de Charlotte in Paris is a quintessential example of this shift.

What is the vegan capital of the world? ›

Here's Why Israel Is the Vegan Capital of the World | Saving Earth | Encyclopedia Britannica.

Which country eats the most vegan food? ›

India. Three of India's major religions — Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism — teach the practice of ahimsa, or non-violence towards all beings. Because of this religious tradition, India has the highest percentage of vegetarians out of all the countries in the world.

Which country has healthiest vegetarian food? ›

The best countries for vegetarians
  1. The Seychelles. The Seychelles was officially named the new go-to destination for vegetarians. ...
  2. Thailand. Thailand was named the world's second most vegetarian-friendly country, with a Global Vegetarian Index score of 326, only two points shy of first place. ...
  3. Peru. ...
  4. Cambodia.

What do vegans in France eat? ›

Here are a few french staples that are accidentally vegan, and some that can be made vegan with a few small tweaks.
  • The humble baguette. Yep, this French food staple is vegan. ...
  • Croissants. ...
  • Sorbet. ...
  • Ratatouille. ...
  • Pizza. ...
  • Salad.
Feb 15, 2024

How to survive as a vegetarian in France? ›

Vegetarian eating out at “traditional” French bistros

It's also relatively easy find a vegetarian pasta dish. *Being a pescetarian in France is much easier, almost every restaurant will have a fish or sea food menu and those normally do not include much of other protein.

What are the 3 most popular dishes in France? ›

Most common French dishes in a nutshell:
  • Moules frites. This dish consists of mussels and French fries. ...
  • Cassoulet. Cassoulet is a dish that originates from Southwestern France. ...
  • Steak-frites. Steak-frites consists of a piece of steak served with French fries. ...
  • Boeuf Bourguignon. ...
  • Raclette. ...
  • Coq au Vin. ...
  • Pot au feu. ...
  • Salade Niçoise.

What is France's national dish? ›

The national dish of France is Pot-au-Feu and is a classic comfort dish prepared using stewed meats and vegetables.

What does Gordon Ramsay say about vegans? ›

He said: "It's a secret that's so big, I'm almost afraid to say it on national television." "After all these years, I can finally admit that I actually love vegan food," he added before saying that it has taken "20 years to get to this point." In recent years, Ramsay showed some understanding of plant-based food.

Who is the famous French vegan chef? ›

Alexis Gauthier - The Michelin-Starred French Chef turned Vegan Pioneer.

Is there vegan cheese in France? ›

As outlined above, Jay & Joy is a well-established and respected vegan creamery in France. It's particularly famous for its matured versions of plant-based cheeses, like melty Jeanne, which mimics blue cheese in taste and texture, and Josephine, which has a beautiful velvety rind.

What city has the most vegans? ›

Portland, OR

How popular is veganism in France? ›

Summary table
CountryVegetarians (% of population)Vegans (% of population)
Finland12%2%
France5.2%1.1%
Germany10%2%
Greece4%2%
41 more rows

Is Paris OK for vegans? ›

It's no surprise that Paris is often called a vegan-friendly destination. So if you're looking for something a little bit different, be sure to do your research before you go. With a little bit of effort, you're sure to find the perfect meal – bon appétit!

What European country is best for vegans? ›

11 of the best cities for vegans in Europe
  1. London, England. unsplash @lucamicheli. ...
  2. Amsterdam, The Netherlands. via Facebook @veganjunkfood. ...
  3. Warsaw, Poland. iStock Marcus Lindstrom. ...
  4. Paris, France. iStock Orbon Alija. ...
  5. Berlin, Germany. via Facebook @brammibalsdonuts. ...
  6. Budapest, Hungary. ...
  7. Prague, Czech Republic. ...
  8. Gothenburg, Sweden.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Rev. Porsche Oberbrunner

Last Updated:

Views: 6647

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (53 voted)

Reviews: 84% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Rev. Porsche Oberbrunner

Birthday: 1994-06-25

Address: Suite 153 582 Lubowitz Walks, Port Alfredoborough, IN 72879-2838

Phone: +128413562823324

Job: IT Strategist

Hobby: Video gaming, Basketball, Web surfing, Book restoration, Jogging, Shooting, Fishing

Introduction: My name is Rev. Porsche Oberbrunner, I am a zany, graceful, talented, witty, determined, shiny, enchanting person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.