French vegan cuisine: another successful revolution!

France, the land of fine wine and haute cuisine, is experiencing an intriguing and surprising culinary revolution. With the rise of vegan cuisine, it is proving that sophistication and awareness can go hand in hand, even perfectly. Whether you are curious, a foodie or a taste seeker, join us on a culinary journey where creativity meets awareness.

And not just in Parisian restaurants – even in the heart of French villages, vegan accommodations are gradually emerging that offer beautiful and authentic experiences, where you can enjoy a combination of modern comfort and meticulous ecological planning, alongside original vegan cuisine and local produce. Rural accommodations with added value that convinces many tourists, French and others. Even if you are avid omnivores, it is worth discovering why French vegans enjoy it more…

A kitchen on the way to a new era

Veganism is conquering many French people, following the growing understanding of animal welfare, the environmental impact of the animal food industry and the health benefits of a plant-based diet. Beyond its ethical, health and environmental benefits, vegan cuisine offers an innovative alternative full of flavors, which attracts all knowledgeable culinary enthusiasts…

A culinary revolution sweeping chefs

Vegan cuisine, rich in legumes, grains, fruits and vegetables, is now being reinvented by creative and talented chefs. Claire Vallée, with her ONA restaurant near Arcachon, made history when she received a Michelin star for a completely vegan restaurant.

Alain Ducasse surprised everyone by removing meat from the menu at Plaza Etna, focusing instead on grains and vegetables. “Vegetables, grains and legumes are the future of gastronomy,” claims the chef, who has transformed his Parisian establishment into a temple of refined plant-based cooking. His disciple Christophe Moreau continues this philosophy at Shangri-La with “100% green” dinners that include watermelon dishes and tofu ravioli.

Pierre Armat, the “Picasso of pastry,” has changed the rules with his book on vegan patisserie. He reinvents the best of sweets with macarons without eggs or butter. “It’s a new and endless field of possibilities,” admits the sugar artist.

Alexis Gauthier, the chef behind Gauthier Soho in London, is considered one of the pioneers of modern French vegan cuisine, having turned his restaurant into a fully vegan restaurant and opened five other successful chef restaurants. The genius chef even reinvented caviar and foie gras!

Chef Simon Bourget, who heads 42 Degrés in Paris, also specializes in gourmet vegan dishes based on molecular gastronomy. A definitely interesting and delicious experience!

Jean Montagniard will be remembered as the first great chef to be completely vegan in France. As early as 1978, his restaurant “The Gourmet Artisan” offered a 100% plant-based cuisine that was praised in the Gommio guide. “I wanted to prove that it is possible to combine excellence and respect for life,” declared this visionary.

France, outside Paris

If Paris Packed with leading vegan restaurants, other areas also offer exceptional vegan culinary experiences, and today almost every city has a place for a reputable vegan restaurant.

● Lyon Host the The Bad Herbs, voted the best vegan restaurant in the world in 2020. Bistronomic, vegan and creative cuisine, with a changing menu based on fresh produce from local and organic suppliers. In the evening – a selection of à la carte dishes for a varied taste experience. An extensive wine list with a local organic, biodynamic and natural selection also awaits you.

● Souquo in Bordeaux, the three-star Ecotable restaurant, offers a unique culinary experience based on local and seasonal produce, combining renewed tradition with modern inspirations. Their specialty: dishes made from forgotten vegetables, upgraded with innovative cooking techniques!

● ONA Restaurant Near Arcachon, as mentioned, a Michelin star winner – all that is added is subtracted: go and you will fall in love.

● For a vegan culinary journey in Nantes, Terra Vega offers global cuisine inspired by Asia, Latin America and Europe. Each dish is a celebration of colors and flavors, in a relaxed and sociable atmosphere with an ethical spirit!

● Marseille boastsThe Faon!, a vegan pastry shop that was chosen as one of the ten best in the world. I can testify to the fulfillment of a fantasy out of a deep longing for all the patisseries of my childhood… an unforgettable celebration of flavors.

Vegan wine and champagne – cheers!

Vegan wine and champagne are gaining momentum in France, the land of wine excellence. Contrary to popular belief, many traditional wines use animal-based fining agents such as casein (milk protein), gelatin or isinglass. Vegan wines, on the other hand, use plant-based alternatives such as pea protein, bentonite or vegetable charcoal.

Among the pioneers, Champagne Legret & Fils offers a certified vegan wine, while Château La Baronne in Languedoc has been producing vegan and organic wines for several years. In the Rhône Valley, Domaine de la Mordorée produces vegan wines that are appreciated by experts. In Burgundy, Domaine Sylvain Pataille offers natural wines without additives from living sources.

Labels such as EVE VEGAN or V-Label now certify these wines, responding to the growing demand of consumers concerned about ethical and environmentally friendly wine production. For the French traveler, tasting vegan wine has become an integral part of the modern and conscious culinary experience.

Stay on a farm that doesn't send animals to slaughterhouses

Good news for animal lovers: There are rescue farms that offer ecological and volunteer accommodation in the heart of nature! Veganism doesn't end with the plate – it also leads to the creation of unique accommodation places for vacations with values. Among them are farms where the animals are not exploited but valued for their beauty and companionship. And you can even volunteer and vacation there.

Here is an invitation to vacations that are both a culinary, sporting or health experience, and also a contribution to animals and the environment:

● Eco-lodge of the La Garie refuge (Occitanie), where animals live free and happy. They even adopted donkeys from Israel as part of the refuge's bold operation to start over in Sharon. We were there two years ago and didn't want to leave, so this year we're going back there For a rare vacation of peace and good life in the vicinity of happy animals And wild nature!

● The Other Farm, a magical farm offering amazing vegan guest rooms in Charente-Maritime. The “other farm” will also host donkeys from Israel this year, and there are no words to describe this beautiful place and its owner, Anne-Laurent, a fascinating woman and a wonderful host.

● Under The Lime Tree, a unique spa and bed and breakfast in the Southwest France, with 25 acres of private woodland, a wild meadow, a stream and a spectacular view of the valley.

● Vegan Surf Camp, a surf and wellness camp, yoga and organic vegan food in the south of France…

Quiche Laurent in a vegan version: Oh la la!

Vegan cuisine in France has many faces, just like other restaurants: from a workers' buffet to a chef's table, it comes from all corners of the map: Asian, Italian, Oriental, and even grill, and of course, French cuisine. Far from just lettuce and tofu!

Many traditional dishes are reinterpreted: vegan casserole with white beans and legume-based sausage, vegan “beef” bourguignon with seitan and mushrooms cooked in organic red wine, ethical “foie gras” with mushrooms and nuts, egg-free quiche Lorraine, creamy thanks to a base of cashews and smoked tofu, and all true to the traditional flavors. As someone who knew and loved it, I confirm that there is no loss in terms of flavor, it is simply wonderful!

I loved discovering childhood dishes and also forbidden dishes (as a girl raised in a traditional home), like jambon, which the La Vie company, known for its witty and funny marketing, made kosher for not only vegetarians, but also French Jews who celebrate this instead of paying a fortune to an importer of Tibol in a kosher supermarket, which isn't exactly safe these days anyway.

Fortunately, a huge book dedicated to traditional recipes in their vegan versions was published several years ago, Vegan France, according to all the regions of France. As a literature lover, this was my first (and last) recipe book, and the one that pushed me into the kitchen, just for the fun of surprising my guests, here in the Galilee mountains, in front of the Sea of ​​Galilee, with dishes they will never be able to pronounce: Broyé du Poitou, Suprême à l'oseille, Gratinée des Halles (have you tried it?). If you're in Amirim, come say bonjour to me and have an aperitif with a tartine of rillettes d'Anjou.

A revolutionary vegan culinary journey à la française, contributing to the environment and animals.

Exploring vegan gastronomy in France means discovering a délicieux lifestyle that honors the country's rich culinary tradition. Between starred restaurants, original bistros and enchanting accommodations, vegan cuisine in France has never been so tempting, surprising and authentic.

The French have proven once again how good they are at revolutions, and this one they excelled at! So, are you ready to embark on a culinary journey where taste and consciousness meet?