Plant-based feasting in France

What is it about French cuisine? So sophisticated, yet so simple. What lies at the heart of this apparent paradox? As the ‘Pope’ of French cuisine, Paul Bocuse, who died in 2018, knew, the three main ingredients for French chefs are butter, butter, butter ;-). Then there is the partiality to cream, crème fraîche and cheese, which give dishes that certain “je ne sais quoi”. So, once you have good alternatives to these dairy products, you have a wide range of recipes for typical French buttery-creamy sauces, gratins, desserts and side dishes from A for aligot (mashed potato and cheese) to V for vinaigrette.

Despite this certain lavish decadence, French cooks use far fewer spices than Indian ones, for example. In many cases, the list of ingredients is rather short. The quality is very important. French cuisine can be described as ‘posh’. However, you will find this word interpreted very differently in the individual regions of France. The rural regions have quite hearty offerings, where many an animal is served that would make even meat eaters in this country turn up their noses. Fresh fish and seafood is found on the coastline. Then there are delicious crêpes & galettes. In the cities, you are spoilt for choice with the exquisite variations of all manner of dishes.

The French culinary ABC would not be complete without W for wine. Go on a fantastic journey of discovery to the wine regions in Beaujolais, from the Pays de Loire to Alsace, as well as in Languedoc and even on the island of Corsica. Fortunately, true grape connoisseurs will also find good vegan wines.

If you think of the exquisite patisseries, with all the delicate pastries…all waiting to be veganised — you could write a travel guide just on that.

So, let’s set off on our journey. A trip to France can mean different things. The cultural sights and sounds are as varied as the 22 regions, which, they say, cover all types of terrain — except the jungle and desert. From the skiers‘ El Dorado in the high mountains to fine sandy beaches under the Mediterranean sun, from wild rivers and volcanic landscapes to sun-drenched vineyards and the spectacular rocky coasts of Brittany. The scenery is as diverse as can be. And there is something for every traveller’s taste. There are vast areas of undulating picture-book landscapes, just like the ones out of Asterix which we know so well, all dotted with lovely villages and picturesque castles.

At every turn, travellers to France come across time-honoured sites that date back to the megalithic culture, for example in the caves and giant stones of the Dordogne. The Romans also left their mark which you can admire in Nîmes, Arles and Avignon, among other places. Medieval, mystical cathedrals rise up in the middle of the green landscape. The most impressive are probably Chârtres and Reims (in the heart of the Champagne region, which gave its name to champagne) and of course Nôtre-Dame in Paris. But perhaps you would prefer a Baroque castle? The fairy-tale buildings on the Loire or Versailles near Paris are an absolute magnet for tourists.

France is synonymous with its joie de vivre. And this does not just apply to its capital. Every region of France boasts its cultural heritage, its way of life, its soils and wines, its vegetation as well as its unique specialities

Galette and crêpes can be found in Brittany, Calvados and cider in Normandy. In Picardy, close to Belgium, lots of potatoes, beetroot and cabbages are often served up in hearty stews. The Périgord is a paradise for food aficionados, tickling the taste buds with walnuts, figs, chestnuts, mushrooms and truffles (the truffle markets in winter are popular with gourmets). Who says you need foie gras?

France is proud of its Michelin stars. Vegan French cuisine has been awarded a star right here on the Atlantic: in the Bay of Arcachon in Arès, a small coastal town near Bordeaux, the ONA of the young chef Claire Vallée shines. ONA means “Origine Non-Animale” (animal-free origin) Claire Vallée’s starting point was whether we can eat well ecologically and ethically without sacrificing the taste. The self-taught chef has impressively demonstrated this at her restaurant. Gaining a star to boot. In 2021, the Michelin Guide awarded her the coveted distinction (similarly encouraging as the first star for a vegan restaurant ever, Ricky Saward’s Seven Swans, which we tell you about here. So vegan creativity is flourishing in France too!

Instead of going to a restaurant, there is always the option of picking up a cooking spoon yourself. The gigantic French supermarkets offer everything your heart and plant-loving stomach could desire. Here you might discover vegan products you didn’t know you had at home, such as a pistachio drink. So look out for Carrefour and Cora. Or go to the organic food shops. Like Biocoop or Naturalia, for example. And also the small African, Asian delicatessens in the cities offer a lot of interesting and exotic flavours for vegan taste buds.

In the same way that France isn’t just about the Eiffel Tower, French cuisine cannot be reduced to coq au vin, as we have seen. Travelling vegan across France can be an absolute pleasure if you know where to find the right food. In the big cities, plant-based dining is usually pretty straightforward. In the rural regions, frankly, you are going to need a lot more imagination. But no matter where you go in France, you can buy fresh food that appeals to all your senses. In addition to appetising food, there’s also plenty of culture, magnificent landscapes and French charm … so that your mind and soul are also satisfied. 🙂

And if you’re in the mood for French cuisine and want a bit more luxury when eating à la vegan at home, we recommend our recipe ideas. Here you will find traditional vegan dishes as well as creative adaptations of famous French classics that will make your mouth water. Bon appétit!