From 2001 to 2007, I called Paris ‘home.’ I started as a struggling student and ended up working there for a few years. I was young, had no kids, and got to discover a whole new culture. I loved it so much, I even married a French guy!I am forever connected to the City of Light and go back annually. As a vegan, then and now, a lot has changed in French culture and cuisine, and definitely for the better.

For most, it comes as no surprise the French are very attached to their food. From their cheeses, their pastries, their meats, wines, champagnes.Everything just seems to taste better when it is ‘French.’ Much of their cuisine relies on meat, dairy, eggs, and BUTTER! It had to have been nearly impossible for veganism to be accepted by the general population. Yet, today, there is increasing interest in vegan products. The small vegan cheese and pastry companies are thriving and dealing with something perhaps unexpected…growing clientele!

In general, the French, especially the younger crowd, want tosave the planet, want to eat healthier, and want to see less animal cruelty,which is leading to increased interest in veganism and vegan products. So, thenext time you find yourself in the City of Light here is how you can satisfyyour traditional Parisian cuisine cravings with a vegan twist.

‘Paris,’ oftenconjures images of cheese and pastries (or at least in my mind). But where is avegan to go for such delicacies?

If You Want (Cheese) You Got It!

Jay and Joy Vegan Cheese Shop

One amazing place to make my vegan Parisian cheese list is Jay & Joy. They are a fully organic vegan creamery that opened in 2016 and can be found in the 11th arrondissement. The creamery has a rich history with its origins in Venezuela. The ‘vromage’ or vegan fromage (French for cheese), was initially created in 2010 by Venezuelan native Marie Jähnker and her French husband, Eric. After going vegan, the two still wanted to enjoy cheese, but due to a lack of options they decided to create their own.

Today, all of their products are made in house and can be purchased in the adjacent market to take home and enjoy. They’ve gained so much popularity, you can purchase their products in numerous health food stores throughout France. The products are easy to spot too, as all of the names start with ‘J.’

Beyond their iconic ‘Jeanne’ blue cheese, they are also known for their vegan Foie Gras (named Joie Gras). Foie Gras is a classic, animal-based French delicacy with a controversial reputation. The process for Foie Gras production requires force-feeding ducks and geese. The dish has even been banned in New York. So, to offer a vegan version is a huge deal! Never in my life did I think I would try the dish, but thanks to Jay & Joy, I was able to this year!

So, if the next time you are craving cheese in Paris or want to try a vegan delicacy check out Jay & Joy! You’ll be the talk of the party with your cheese platter spread!

Did Somebody Say Vegan Pastries?!

Cloud Cakes Vegan Coffee Place

Let’s be honest, Paris is not the place to start your diet! In addition to cheese and wine, the French are known for their pastries. Croissants, macaron, éclair au chocolat, canelé, pain au chocolat you name it, they’ve got it. Each flakey, fluffy, delicious sweet you can dream of! But these creations often rely on dairy, eggs, and of course butter. However, Cloud Cakes is changing this! Cloud Cakes is a vegan café in the popular neighborhood of Montorgueuil, about a 10-minute walk from the Louvre museum.

Also founded in 2016, Cloud Cakes offers light meals, coffee, and most importantly pastries and cakes. They are doing something right, as it is always packed! In terms of pastries, they offer all vegan, all organic products ranging from croissants to cupcakes.

Their cupcakes come in a wide variety of flavors including Tiramisu, Red Velvet, Pumpkin Spice, and Mexican Chocolate. However, if cupcakes and croissants don’t do it for you, they have banana bread, brownies, cookies, and a variety of cakes and cheesecakes.

Meet Me In The City of Light

There you have it! I love France and Paris and thanks to companies like those mentioned in this post, us vegans or vegan-curious people have options to satisfy anyone’s indulgences! Add these to your “must visit” list, and the next time you are in Paris have a pastry or two for me! Bon appétit!

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