Being Vegetarian in France

Eating vegetarian is becoming easier and easier. New restaurants are opening, and existing resturants are offering vegetarian options.  Various guides index the whole of France.

You can say "I am vegetarian" to the traditional restaurant waiter without seeing his face go red, his mouth open and his eyes glaze! Thinking has changed, vegetarianism is now well known and accepted. Most restaurants will offer more of a choice these days the salad, especially in the larger cities.  Note:  In a lot of France it is normal to have salad at certain times of the year and for Lunch.  This means that you should not expect more than this at lunch time.

Eating vegetarian, a short guide:

Downtown 'cafétarias' are very numerous in France and offer a wide choice at very reasonable prices. You can find a variety of hot vegetable dishes or salads. The cafétaria is also very practical for vegans.

In most 'Café - Brasserie' you 'll find 'Salade composée'. That's a mixture of tomatoes, sweet corn, cucumber, lettuce etc. But pay attention to the ingredients, some 'Salades' on offer can contain tuna, bacon or poultry. If there is not another suitable 'salade' ask for the 'salade' without the ingredient you don't want. They will often put in more of the remaining ingredients. For vegans a 'salade' can be without eggs or cheese, but do check. Ingredients are written under the 'salade' name on the menu.

·The best and surest solution: vegetarian or veggie-friendly restaurants. There are more than 180 in France at the present time. If you 're vegan in form the waiter before he takes your order., and they will advise on suggestions.