Foods You Must Try in Paris: A Vegetarian’s Guide

 

When you're in Paris, it’s not just about the iconic landmarks and romantic walks; it’s also about indulging in some of the best food the city has to offer. As a vegetarian, you might think your options are limited in this meat-loving city, but fear not! Paris is brimming with delicious vegetarian and vegan delights. Here’s your ultimate guide to enjoying a week of fantastic food in Paris, divided by breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Day 1: Arrival in Paris

Breakfast

• Dish: Fresh Croissants and Pain au Chocolat
• Where: Du Pain et des Idées (34 Rue Yves Toudic)
• Description: Start your Parisian adventure with these buttery, flaky pastries. Grab a seat and pair them with a café au lait. Bliss!

Lunch

• Dish: Ratatouille
• Where: Le Potager du Marais (24 Rue Rambuteau)
• Description: This classic Provençal dish of stewed vegetables is a hearty and healthy choice.

Dinner

• Dish: Vegetarian Crêpes
• Where: Breizh Café (109 Rue Vieille du Temple)
• Description: Choose from a variety of savoury crêpes, filled with cheese, mushrooms, spinach, and more. Don’t forget to try the cider!

Day 2: Exploring the City

Breakfast

• Dish: Tartine
• Where: Café de Flore (172 Boulevard Saint-Germain)
• Description: A simple yet satisfying breakfast of fresh baguette with butter and jam. Pair it with a hot chocolate or coffee.

Lunch

• Dish: Falafel Sandwich
• Where: L’As du Fallafel (34 Rue des Rosiers)
• Description: The Marais district is famous for its falafel, and L’As du Fallafel serves the best. It's a busy spot, but worth the wait. Vegan option available.

Dinner

• Dish: Stuffed Bell Peppers
• Where: Le Grenier de Notre-Dame (18 Rue de la Bûcherie)
• Description: These delicious bell peppers are stuffed with rice, vegetables, and herbs. A cozy spot with a lovely view of Notre Dame.

Day 3: Art and Culture

Breakfast

• Dish: Acai Bowl
• Where: Wild & The Moon (55 Rue Charlot)
• Description: Kickstart your day with a nutritious and Instagram-worthy acai bowl. Vegan-friendly!

Lunch

• Dish: Quiche Lorraine (Vegetarian)
• Where: Le Fumoir (6 Rue de l’Amiral de Coligny)
• Description: This place offers a fantastic vegetarian version of the classic quiche. Perfect for a midday break.

Dinner

• Dish: Mushroom Risotto
• Where: Le Jardin des Pâtes (4 Rue Lacépède)
• Description: A delightful dish of creamy risotto with mushrooms, perfect for a cozy dinner after a long day of museum hopping.

Day 4: Market Day

Breakfast

• Dish: Vegan Pancakes
• Where: Hôtel Amour (8 Rue de Navarin)
• Description: Enjoy fluffy vegan pancakes topped with fresh fruit. A trendy spot to start your day.

Lunch

• Dish: Vegetarian Sushi
• Where: Rice & Fish (16 Rue Greneta)
• Description: Fresh, inventive, and delicious vegetarian sushi rolls. Great for a light and refreshing lunch.

Dinner

• Dish: Vegan Burger
• Where: Hank Burger (55 Rue des Archives)
• Description: Sink your teeth into a delicious vegan burger with all the trimmings. This place knows how to make vegan fast food exciting!

Day 5: The Classics

Breakfast

• Dish: Fresh Fruit and Yogurt Parfait
• Where: Le Pain Quotidien (Multiple Locations)
• Description: A refreshing and healthy start to your day with layers of fresh fruit, granola, and yogurt.

Lunch

• Dish: French Onion Soup (Vegetarian)
• Where: Le Potager du Marais (24 Rue Rambuteau)
• Description: This hearty soup is traditionally made with beef broth, but this restaurant offers a vegetarian version that's just as rich and satisfying.

Dinner

• Dish: Veggie Pizza
• Where: Pink Flamingo (67 Rue Bichat)
• Description: Enjoy a variety of creative and delicious vegetarian pizzas. Perfect for a relaxed evening.

Day 6: Sweet Tooth Day

Breakfast

• Dish: Vegan Pastries
• Where: VG Pâtisserie (123 Boulevard Voltaire)
• Description: Indulge in some of the best vegan pastries Paris has to offer. A must-visit for any sweet tooth.

Lunch

• Dish: Caprese Sandwich
• Where: Holybelly (5 Rue Lucien Sampaix)
• Description: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil on a crusty baguette. Simple and delicious.

Dinner

• Dish: Spinach and Ricotta Cannelloni
• Where: Il Gelato del Marchese (3 Rue des Quatre Vents)
• Description: This Italian eatery serves a fantastic vegetarian cannelloni that's perfect for dinner.

Day 7: Farewell Paris

Breakfast

• Dish: Chia Seed Pudding
• Where: Season (1 Rue Dupuis)
• Description: Start your final day in Paris with a healthy and delicious chia seed pudding. Vegan-friendly.

Lunch

• Dish: Vegetarian Couscous
• Where: Chez Omar (47 Rue de Bretagne)
• Description: A flavourful and hearty dish that will fill you up before your journey home.

Dinner

• Dish: Eggplant Parmesan
• Where: East Mamma (133 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine)
• Description: End your trip on a high note with this delicious Italian classic. A delightful and satisfying way to bid adieu to Paris.

Summary Table

Day	Breakfast	Lunch	Dinner
1	Fresh Croissants and Pain au Chocolat	Ratatouille	Vegetarian Crêpes
2	Tartine	Falafel Sandwich	Stuffed Bell Peppers
3	Acai Bowl	Quiche Lorraine (Vegetarian)	Mushroom Risotto
4	Vegan Pancakes	Vegetarian Sushi	Vegan Burger
5	Fresh Fruit and Yogurt Parfait	French Onion Soup (Vegetarian)	Veggie Pizza
6	Vegan Pastries	Caprese Sandwich	Spinach and Ricotta Cannelloni
7	Chia Seed Pudding	Vegetarian Couscous	Eggplant Parmesan

And that's your guide to a full week of vegetarian culinary delights in Paris. Whether you’re a strict vegetarian or just looking to try something different, these dishes and spots are sure to make your Parisian adventure even more memorable. Bon appétit!

A Stroll Through Paris: Moments and Monuments

When I was going to Paris my friend Paul suggested me to take this walk and he impressed upon me that I must do this. This was a one-hour walk and the route passed through many of Paris' well-known historical spots. I want to tell you the story of that walk because I want to entice you into doing it yourself when you are in Paris. 

Starting Point: The Louvre

First stop, the Louvre. As I stood there, outside the iconic glass pyramid, I couldn’t help but feel like I was in the opening scene of a French rom-com. The sheer size and grandeur of the museum made me feel tiny, but in a good way. There were tourists snapping selfies left and right, and I thought, "When in Paris..." But I took my selfies quickly because I had other targets in mind. Am I the only person on Earth who has no desire to see the Mona Lisa? 

Jardin des Tuileries: Green Bliss

Leaving the Louvre behind, I meandered through the Jardin des Tuileries. This place is like a green oasis in the middle of the city. Picture this: manicured lawns, statues that look like they might come to life at any moment, and ponds that mirror the sky. Other than just be a nice place to look at, this garden was a place to come and relax in the middle of your day, the cool fountains, the shady, tree-lined walks and the benches, so many benches inviting you to sit a spell. This is where I thought "The French really know how to live." 

I made it as far as the gate on the other side then I found a bench that seemed to have my name on it. I plopped down, turned off my camera and just sat there, soaking in the moment. Near me was the Luxor Obelisk with two famous fountains flanking it, numerous museums all around and in the distance, peeking its head about the trees the Eiffel Tower. The perfect setting if you want to become a poet. For a moment, I did consider writing poetry but instead, I just took a deep breath and enjoyed the view. It was some view! 

Historical Vibes at Place de la Concorde

Next up, Place de la Concorde. This square is dripping with history and grandeur. The fountains were doing their thing, spraying water majestically, and the Luxor Obelisk was obelisking, standing tall, looking ancient and important. I took a moment to snap some photos, mostly of the fountains, because who doesn’t love a good fountain pic?  I won't bore you with it now but you must Google the Obelisk to read its history and how it got to Paris. It's quite a story. 

Champs-Élysées: Café Culture

As I passed the Place de la Concorde, I hit the Champs-Élysées. I am still proud of the fact that I know how to pronounce it. When I read its name the first time in a book, I used to pronounce it phonetically, now I laugh at it. It was in my one semester of French that I learnt how to pronounce it (shaanze-leezey) and what an important road it is. 

This avenue is like the red carpet of Paris, lined with shops, theatres, and cafes. I couldn't resist the pull of a quaint little cafe. I ordered a pastry and a coffee, and for a while, just watched the world go by. There’s something oddly satisfying about sipping coffee and nibbling on a dessert while pretending to be world-traveller. Très chic, right?

Final Climb: Arc de Triomphe

Finally, I made my way to the Arc de Triomphe. This beast of a monument was the cherry on top of my Parisian sundae. I decided to climb to the top because...well, I needed the photos if nothing else. The circular staircase was a bit much, and I saw three people give up halfway. But I kept going, motivated by the promise of an epic view. And boy, was it worth it! From the top, the Eiffel Tower looked imposing and picturesque, and the streets below formed a perfect star. It was one of those moments where you just have to stop and take it all in.

Two days ago, I had taken photos of the Arc de Triomphe from the top of the Eiffel Tower, now the Arc returned the favour. I clicked a lot of photos, there. A lot. 

Your mission should you choose to accept it...

My walk from the Louvre to the Arc de Triomphe was more than just a stroll; it was an adventure through the heart of Paris. If you ever find yourself in this magical city, take this walk. It might take you an hour, or three if you dawdle like I did. But trust me, it's worth every second. Try it, and let the magic of Paris sweep you off your feet.

Racing Against Time to Capture the Sunrise at the Eiffel Tower

Paris, the city of lights, love, and in my case, last-minute dashes to save my travel plans. As someone who prides themselves on being an early riser, I had meticulously planned to photograph the Eiffel Tower at sunrise. But even the best-laid plans can go awry, especially when jet lag, a cozy bed, and an alarm clock conspire against you.

The Morning Mishap

It was my first morning in Paris, and the excitement of being in such a magnificent city had kept me awake far too late the previous night. I had set multiple alarms, each meticulously planned to ensure I would be up before dawn, ready to capture the Eiffel Tower bathed in the soft morning light from Place du Trocadéro.

But alas, the siren call of sleep proved too strong. I awoke with a start, the sun already threatening to rise. Panic set in as I glanced at my watch—there was no time for a leisurely Metro ride. I scrambled out of bed, barely taking a moment to splash water on my face, and called a taxi from the app on my phone while I pulled on my pants and shoved my feet into my shoes. The plan was in jeopardy, but I was determined not to let my slumber sabotage my perfect sunrise photo.

The Race Begins

My initial plan had included a calm, contemplative stroll to the Metro station, appreciating the quiet streets of Paris. Instead, I found myself flagging down a taxi like a frantic New Yorker. My limited French managed to convey the urgency of my request to the driver: "Trocadéro, s'il vous plaît! Vite, vite!"

As we sped through the nearly empty streets of Paris, I couldn't help but feel a mix of anxiety and excitement. The driver, bless his heart, seemed to understand my predicament and drove with the urgency of a man on a mission. Every red light felt like an eternity, and every minute seemed to slip through my fingers like sand.

Place du Trocadéro: A Photographic Haven

Place du Trocadéro is arguably one of the best spots to photograph the Eiffel Tower. Located across the Seine River, it offers a panoramic view of the iconic landmark, unobstructed and breathtakingly beautiful. As the taxi pulled up, I tossed some euros at the driver, thanked him profusely, and sprinted towards the esplanade.

I reached Place du Trocadéro just as the first rays of sunlight began to illuminate the Eiffel Tower. The scene was everything I had hoped for—soft golden light washing over the iron lattice structure, the sky painted in hues of pink and orange. However, it wasn't just me and the sunrise. Place du Trocadéro was teeming with people, including a couple in wedding attire who had gotten up even earlier and set up their cameras to capture the same sunrise shot that I was after. I had to find a little spot to set up my camera on a tripod amidst the crowd. Out of breath but exhilarated, I quickly set up my camera and began shooting.

Capturing the Magic

There is a magical quality to the Eiffel Tower at sunrise. The early morning light casts a warm glow, and the usually crowded area is serene and peaceful. As I clicked away, I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of satisfaction. Despite the rocky start, I had made it in time to capture the perfect moment.

The shots turned out even better than I had imagined. The gentle light highlighted the tower's intricate design, and the nearly empty surroundings added a sense of tranquillity to the images. Each photograph told a story of perseverance, the race against time, and the beauty of Paris in the early hours.

Reflecting on the Experience

As I stood there, soaking in the scene and reviewing the shots on my camera, I realized that this little mishap had added a layer of adventure to my trip. It was a reminder that travel, like life, doesn't always go according to plan. Sometimes, it's the unexpected detours and the mad dashes that create the most memorable experiences.

In the end, my oversleeping had turned into a story worth telling—a story of a frantic race against time, the kindness of a Parisian taxi driver, and the breathtaking beauty of the Eiffel Tower at sunrise. It was a tale I would recount with a smile, a testament to the unpredictable nature of travel and the joy of capturing fleeting moments.

Tips for Future Travelers

For those planning to photograph the Eiffel Tower at sunrise, here are a few tips to avoid my mishap:

1. Set Multiple Alarms: And place them across the room to ensure you get up.
2. Prepare the Night Before: Have your gear ready and plan your route.
3. Consider a Taxi: Especially if you're short on time. It might be more expensive but can save precious minutes.
4. Embrace the Unexpected: Sometimes, mishaps make for the best stories.

Paris, with its charm and allure, always has a way of turning even the most frantic mornings into beautiful memories. And for that, I am eternally grateful.

[True story but I took ChatGPT's help to recount it.  Did it sound weird? Did you suspect it might be written by AI when you were reading it?