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 it hard to find vegetarian food in France? ›

As I mentioned above, the abundance of wonderful fresh fruit and veg makes things a little easier. Everything is seasonal in France, so you won't find the huge choice you find in countries like the UK, US, Canada and Australia, but it's fresh and free of pesticides etc.

How vegan friendly is France? ›

Although rare, especially in rural areas, vegan cafes and restaurants do exist in France. They're becoming more popular in larger cities, and with a little help, it's not hard to sniff them out. Try these methods for starters: Happy Cow.

What is the vegan capital of the world? ›

It's no wonder, then, that Israel has more vegans per capita than any other nation. Kosher law says that animals shouldn't suffer unnecessarily during slaughter.

Which 5 countries have the most vegans? ›

Veganism by Country 2024
  • United Kingdom. Compared to all the countries in the world, the UK has the most vegans. ...
  • Australia. The country with the second-most vegans is Australia. ...
  • Israel. Nearly 5% of all Israel citizens identify as vegan and will only eat vegan food. ...
  • New Zealand. ...
  • Switzerland. ...
  • Austria and Germany. ...
  • Sweden.

What is the best city 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.

Which country has healthiest vegetarian food? ›

World's most vegetarian-friendly countries
  • Taiwan. ...
  • United Kingdom. ...
  • Germany. ...
  • Austria. ...
  • Switzerland. ...
  • Australia. ...
  • Canada. ...
  • United States. Increasing number of people in the United States have adopted plant-based diets for health, environmental, and ethical reasons.
Oct 30, 2023

Which country is #1 for vegans? ›

INDIA. Undoubtedly the vegetarian capital of the world, the urban Indian population is quickly accepting veganism as a way of life. A lot of traditional cuisines already have many vegan dishes which are eaten by everyone. Vegan food is easily available in western and south Indian restaurants too.

Are baguettes in Paris vegan? ›

Is French bread vegan? When we talk about French bread, we usually mean baguettes—long loaves with crispy outsides and soft insides. In general, these breads are vegan.

Which culture is the most vegan? ›

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.

What is the most eaten food in France? ›

Top 10 of Commonly Consumed Food
  • Bread. Read more about our Cooking Classes here. ...
  • Pastries. Read more about our Cooking Classes here. ...
  • Cheese. Read more about our Cooking Classes here. ...
  • Soup and Potage. Read more about our Cooking Classes here. ...
  • Magret de Canard. Read more about our Cooking Classes here. ...
  • Desserts. ...
  • Salads. ...
  • Seafood.

What is a typical Parisian breakfast? ›

A typical French breakfast consists of a croissant or bread with butter and jam and sometimes a sweet pastry. Fresh fruit juice and hot beverages, like coffee or tea, are also included. Here all meals for French breakfast. The tradition of eating a large meal mid-day continues at dinner time in France.

What are three authentic French foods? ›

15 French meals you have to try
  • Steak frites. Voila – this simple, yet impressive recipe is inspired by French bistro cuisine. ...
  • Chicken confit. ...
  • French onion soup. ...
  • Bouillabaisse. ...
  • Salmon en papillote. ...
  • Quiche Lorraine. ...
  • Croque monsieur. ...
  • Boeuf bourguignon.

Where is the best place in France for vegans? ›

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.

Which city has the most vegans? ›

Contributor. When it comes to veg-friendly cuisine, few cities have as much to offer as Portland, Oregon. It's the best city for vegans and vegetarians in the U.S. for the fifth year in a row, according to new research from the financial website WalletHub.

What city has the biggest vegan population? ›

The top 20 vegan cities in the US
  • Portland, Oregon.
  • Los Angeles, California.
  • Orlando, Florida.
  • San Diego, California.
  • Phoenix, Arizona.
  • San Francisco, California.
  • Seattle, Washington.
  • Miami, Florida.
Nov 13, 2023

What city has the most vegan people? ›

Portland, OR

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