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!

Travelling in Paris on a Budget: A Comprehensive Guide

 

Paris, the City of Lights, often evokes images of luxurious dining and high-end shopping. However, exploring this enchanting city doesn't have to break the bank. With a little planning and some insider tips, you can experience the best of Paris on a budget. Here’s how to enjoy Paris without draining your wallet.

1. Accommodation: Where to Stay

Finding affordable accommodation in Paris is possible if you know where to look. Consider staying in budget-friendly areas such as the Latin Quarter, Montmartre, or Belleville.

Hostels and Budget Hotels

• Le Village Montmartre by Hiphophostels: Located in the artistic district of Montmartre, this hostel offers cozy dorms and private rooms with a view of the Sacré-Cœur.
• Generator Paris: Situated in the trendy 10th arrondissement, Generator Paris provides stylish, budget-friendly accommodations with a rooftop terrace offering stunning city views.

Airbnb and Couchsurfing

• Airbnb offers a range of affordable apartments and rooms. Look for options slightly outside the city center to save money while still being well-connected by the metro.
• Couchsurfing is another excellent option for budget travelers, allowing you to stay with locals for free and gain a more authentic experience of Parisian life.

2. Getting Around: Transportation Tips

Paris has an efficient public transportation system that makes getting around easy and affordable.

Public Transport

• Metro and Buses: A single metro ticket costs €1.90, but purchasing a carnet of 10 tickets for €16.90 saves money. Consider the Navigo Weekly Pass for unlimited travel within central Paris.
• Biking: Use the city’s bike-sharing system, Vélib' Métropole, which offers the first 30 minutes of each ride free with a €1.70 day pass.

Walking

Paris is a very walkable city. Exploring on foot not only saves money but also allows you to stumble upon charming streets, hidden parks, and delightful cafes.

3. Eating Out: Savour Parisian Cuisine on a Budget

Paris is renowned for its culinary delights, and you can enjoy its gastronomic offerings without overspending.

Budget-Friendly Eateries

• Boulangeries: Grab a delicious and affordable meal at a local bakery. A freshly baked baguette sandwich or a slice of quiche will cost around €5.
• Street Food: Enjoy crepes, falafel, or a croque-monsieur from street vendors or small shops in areas like the Marais and Latin Quarter.

Markets and Picnics

• Local Markets: Visit markets like Marché d’Aligre or Marché des Enfants Rouges for fresh produce, cheese, and charcuterie. Assemble your picnic and enjoy it at one of the many parks, such as the Luxembourg Gardens or the Champ de Mars.
• Supermarkets: Monoprix and Franprix offer reasonably priced ready-made meals, snacks, and beverages.

4. Sightseeing: Must-See Attractions for Free or Cheap

Many of Paris’s iconic sights can be enjoyed at little to no cost.

Free Attractions

• Notre-Dame Cathedral: While the interior is currently closed for renovations, the exterior and the nearby park are worth a visit.
• Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe: Stroll along the famous avenue and admire the Arc de Triomphe from the ground.
• Parks and Gardens: Spend time in beautiful green spaces like Jardin des Tuileries and Parc des Buttes-Chaumont.

Museums and Galleries

• First Sunday of the Month: Many museums, including the Louvre and Musée d'Orsay, offer free entry on the first Sunday of the month.
• Musée Carnavalet: Learn about the history of Paris for free at this often-overlooked museum.
• Paris Museum Pass: If you plan to visit multiple museums, the pass offers significant savings and skip-the-line access.

5. Additional Tips for Budget Travelers

• Free Walking Tours: Join a free walking tour to get a comprehensive overview of Paris. These tours are tip-based, so you can pay what you feel is appropriate.
• Tap Water: Save money on drinks by asking for tap water (une carafe d'eau) at restaurants instead of bottled water.
• Happy Hours: Many bars offer discounted drinks during happy hours, typically from 5 PM to 8 PM.

Paris is a city that can be enjoyed on any budget. By taking advantage of affordable accommodation, efficient public transport, budget-friendly dining options, and free attractions, you can have an unforgettable Parisian adventure without breaking the bank.

Traveling in Paris on a budget requires a bit of planning, but it is certainly achievable. Embrace the local culture, savor the affordable culinary delights, and explore the city's many free and inexpensive attractions. Your Parisian dream can come true without a hefty price tag. Bon voyage!