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 vegetarian friendly? ›

While France certainly isn't a vegetarian utopia, it seems that the country no longer lives up to its negative reputation. I'm ecstatic to witness France become more vegetarian-friendly, even if the process is gradual. Being a pescatarian is important to me, and I consider it an essential piece of my identity.

What is vegan called in French? ›

(dietary) végétalien(ne) m/f. (ethical) végane mf. to be a vegan être végétalien(ne) ⧫ être végane. I'm a vegan. Je suis végétalien.

What is the vegan capital of the world? ›

London and Berlin are the most vegan cities

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.

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 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

What do vegans in France eat? ›

Here are a few french staples that are accidentally vegan, and some that can be made vegan with a few small tweaks.
  • The humble baguette. Yep, this French food staple is vegan. ...
  • Croissants. ...
  • Sorbet. ...
  • Ratatouille. ...
  • Pizza. ...
  • Salad.
Feb 15, 2024

Where is the best place to go for vegans 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.

What is extreme veganism called? ›

Fruitarian Diet. The fruitarian diet is considered to be one of the most extreme diets out there. It is a diet that involves consuming only fruits, nuts, and seeds. This means that all other foods, including vegetables, grains, and animal products, are completely excluded from the diet.

What is the feminine of vegetarian in French? ›

French: I am a vegetarian (for men): Je suis vegétarien. I am a vegetarian (female): Je suis végetarienne.

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 ...

Where is the best place to be vegan 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.

What city has the most vegans? ›

Portland, OR

What city has the highest percentage of 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.

Is vegan popular in France? ›

During a survey carried out between January and December 2023, approximately 7 percent of French people aged between 18 and 19 said they were following a vegan diet. The share of vegans among respondents aged between 40 and 49 was at three percent.

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