Plant-Based French Cooking

A culinary revolution toward betters health and a happier planet

Be it for animal welfare, the environment, better health or all of these combined, more and more people are converting to a vegan lifestyle or plant-based diet. Especially during the past decade, plant-based cuisine has become more sophisticated than ever with new products hitting the shelves every day and exclusively plant-based eateries opening their doors in all major cities across France.

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The future is plant-based
According to the UN, roughly one-third of all human-caused greenhouse gas emissions is linked to the way we eat. Our food choices not only affect our health, but also that of the planet. Pair that with concerns about the cruelty of intensive animal agriculture and it’s easy to see why eliminating or reducing the consumption of animal products is a sensible choice. In France, for example, approximately 5% of the population is vegetarian and roughly 1% is vegan or plant-based (vegans exclude all animal products from their diet as well as their lifestyle). While those numbers may seem small, plant-based eating is gaining momentum – and people are realizing that they can start to change the world (not to mention their health) by changing the way they eat. The proof is that in recent years, the market for plant-based products has expanded exponentially. The Smart Protein report (financed by the European Union) notes that the plant-based food sector increased by 49% between 2018 and 2020. 

A culinary renaissance
It’s good to see plant-based cooking has lost its ‘hippy’ image and instead is garnering attention for the way vegetables, fruits, grains and legumes are transformed into culinary masterpieces that grace our plates with both finesse and flavor.

More than a dietary preference, plant-based eating is a testament to the ever-evolving marriage of sustainability, health consciousness and culinary artistry, drawing inspiration from global cuisines and local traditions. Chefs and home cooks alike (me included!) have embarked on an exciting journey, pushing the boundaries of plant-based ingredients and crafting dishes that dazzle the senses.

I recently published the first series of my mini-cookbook, Plant-Based Eating With Joie de Vivre, which explains why I eliminated animal products from my diet and includes 12 delicious plant-based recipes inspired by French and Italian cuisine. I am currently working on the second part of the book, and if you’d like a sneak peek, make sure you follow me on Instagram where I am posting videos of the dishes that will be included.

PS: You can get the mini-cookbook FREE if you take advantage of the autumn special offering 20% off an annual subscription! This special is only available until 1 November.

Plant-based French cuisine?
Absolutely! In the heartland of gastronomy, where butter, cream and cheese reign supreme, France has been embracing plant-based eating with open arms, leading to a transformation in its food landscape that would make even the most devoted carnivore pause and take note. Long gone are the days when veggie burgers or a plain salad were the only options on the menu. Today, not only are gourmet creations available at restaurants across the country, showcasing the limitless potential of plant-based ingredients, but exclusively plant-based restaurants are attracting even the most die-hard meat-eaters – and even earning Michelin stars (like ONA, the first vegan restaurant in the world to obtain the much-coveted star). There are even delicatessens, bakeries and ‘cheese’ shops catering exclusively to plant-based eaters. 

While the French reverence for cheese is indeed legendary, even this dairy-dominated domain is experiencing a plant-based revolution. A new generation of artisanal vegan cheesemakers has emerged, crafting delectable dairy-free creations that rival their traditional counterparts and are gracing the cheeseboards of connoisseurs.

French patisseries, known for their buttery, flaky pastries, have also gone plant-based. Land & Monkeys, VG Patisserie and Cloud Cakes are just some examples of bakeries dedicated to crafting exquisite plant-based pastries and desserts. Here, croissants, éclairs, and macarons are created using innovative plant-based techniques, proving that the French art of baking can be both plant-based and divine. Even vineyards are turning vegan-friendly with winemakers eschewing the traditional use of animal-derived fining agents. 

Plant-based cooking attests to the evolving landscape of French cuisine. The proliferation of plant-based options has not replaced the classics, but has instead expanded the horizons of French cooking, showcasing the versatility of plant-based ingredients. I’m happy to see that eating plant-based is no longer regarded as a fleeting trend; it’s a delicious and enduring reality.

Here are just a few of some of my favorite addresses in France where you can indulge in plant-based food and the reasons why they stand out:

Le Potager du Marais (Paris)
Le Potager du Marais is a beloved vegan restaurant in the heart of the Marais district. Its warm and rustic ambiance provides the perfect setting for enjoying a vegan twist on classic French dishes. From seitan bourguignon to petit salé aux lentilles, the menu is a testament to the versatility of plant-based ingredients, capturing the essence of traditional French flavors with a modern, cruelty-free twist.

Boulangerie Jacquin (Nancy)
Located in the city center, this delightful bakery offers a selection of delectable plant-based croissants, apple turnovers, pain au chocolat and more. When I visited in July, it was hard to choose!

Arbuste (Caen)
A place in France where they understand the art of the cappuccino – and they make it plant-based, too! We enjoyed many morning coffees here as well as a delightful affogato (espresso with vanilla ice cream).

Greedy Guts (Caen)
Colorful and cute little resto where you can indulge in a healthy plant-based lunch as well as gorgeous cakes. Just look at this amazing ‘Cha cha cha cake with red berries and matcha’ I enjoyed last June!

Le Triple V (Caen)
Beautiful homemade cakes, tartes, soups, stews and more made with local and organic ingredients. 

Molybagert (Trouville-sur-Mer)
Delicatessen and eatery where you can also purchase all kinds of plant-based delights, including ‘cheeses’ from my favorite producer TyK Affinage (more on them soon).

These plant-based food addresses have earned their reputation for their dedication to crafting delicious, cruelty-free dishes that appeal to a wide range of tastes. Exploring these establishments will reveal the exciting and diverse world of France’s plant-based cuisine. Bon appétit!