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

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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.

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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!

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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.

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Easy Vegan-Friendly French Potato Salad

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

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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

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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.

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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…

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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!?!?

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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.

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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

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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!

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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.

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Vegan Lentil and Walnut Dip

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

Vegan French Desserts

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Mint Chocolate Vegan Pots de Creme

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

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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!

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The Best Traditional French Vegan Recipes

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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 vegan friendly? ›

Several supermarket chains offer a range of vegan products in France. I LOVE the fresh fruit and vegetable selection you get in Grand Frais stores but the specialised vegan ingredients are a bit limited. Carrefours, E. Leclercs and Intermarchés were probably the best for plant-based milks and cheeses.

Is E Leclerc France vegan? ›

Supermarkets such as E-leclerc have also jumped on the plant-based bandwagon with their own brand of meaty substitutes, Nat & Vie. They have a range of patties and nuggets alongside other vegan products such as milks and margarine.

What is the vegan food capital of the world? ›

Topping the list once again are London and Berlin. These cities boast approximately 2,000 listings each in HappyCow's database, within their metropolitan areas. London has previously been named the number one four years in a row. It currently has 161 fully vegan restaurants and over 350 fully vegan establishments.

What is the vegan capital of Europe? ›

Number of vegan restaurants in Berlin: 122

Berlin has an impressive number of 122 vegan restaurants. Germany's capital has a thriving vegan food scene and the city is known as the vegan capital of Europe. I'll be honest with you, it's been over 10 years that I was in Berlin.

Which country is #1 for vegans? ›

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.

Is bread in France vegan? ›

Originally Answered: Is the "typical" French baguette vegan? Yes. The standard French baguette contains just four ingredients: flour, salt, water and yeast.

Which cuisine is the most vegan? ›

When dining out, Middle Eastern restaurants offer the most consistently vegan-friendly menus. Nearly everything that isn't meat is commonly vegan, especially falafel, hummus, tahini dressing, tabbouleh salad, and lavash bread or pita.

What are the 3 most popular dishes in France? ›

Top 5 foods in France
  • Cassoulet. One particular dish that gained popularity in southern France is Cassoulet. ...
  • Oeufs en meurette. If you ever find yourself in Burgundy mid-morning then stop off for brunch and try this French version of poached eggs. ...
  • Religieuse au chocolat. ...
  • Baguette au fromage. ...
  • Bouillabaisse.

What is France's national dish? ›

The Oxford Companion to Food calls pot-au-feu "a dish symbolic of French cuisine and a meal in itself"; the chef Raymond Blanc has called it "the quintessence of French family cuisine ... the most celebrated dish in France, [which] honours the tables of the rich and poor alike"; and the American National Geographic ...

What are the 11 French classical menu? ›

Twelve courses of French Classical Menu Seventeen courses of French Classical Menu Hors-d'-oeuvres (Appetizer) Hors-d'-oeuvre (Appetizer) Potage (Soup) Potage (Soup) Poisson (Fish) Oeufs (egg) Entrée (First Course Of Meat Item) Farineaux (Rice & Pasta) Releve' (Big Meat Item) Poisson (Fish) Sorbet (Rest Course) Entrée ...

Where is the most vegan-friendly place in France? ›

Montpellier is a beautiful city in the south of France. It has wonderful weather and lots of green spaces. It's also a great place for vegans because it's one of the most vegan-friendly cities in France. You'll find many restaurants in Montpellier that offer vegan dishes and vegetarian options.

Is there vegan cheese in France? ›

1 Les Nouvelles Affineurs

As we touched on previously, Les Nouvelles Affineurs, which is located in Paris, has a strict and well-researched vegan cheesemaking process. And that's why all of its products both look and taste, well, délicieux.

What percent of France is vegan? ›

France. Around 5% of the French are vegetarian and another 1% vegan, and the meat-free trend is growing among the young – 11% of 18-19-year-olds in France say they are vegan, compared to just 3% in both Germany and Italy.

What city has the most vegans? ›

Portland, OR

Where is the best place in France for vegetarians? ›

Montpellier is a beautiful city in the south of France. It has wonderful weather and lots of green spaces. It's also a great place for vegans because it's one of the most vegan-friendly cities in France. You'll find many restaurants in Montpellier that offer vegan dishes and vegetarian options.

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!

How big is veganism in France? ›

France. Around 5% of the French are vegetarian and another 1% vegan, and the meat-free trend is growing among the young – 11% of 18-19-year-olds in France say they are vegan, compared to just 3% in both Germany and Italy.

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