eco travel: 7 superstar vegan cafés in paris

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plant revolution

“everything in food works together to create health or disease,” shares biochemist + author t. colin campbell. campbell is an advocate for science-based education promoting human health via plant-based nutrition. “it’s never too late to start eating well,” he reminds us in his book whole: rethinking the science of nutrition.* research shows that eating a plant-based diet can increase energy, improve cognitive function, encourage digestive health + boost the immune system.*

in celebration of 7 years of good health {that’s seven years cancer free + seven years of vegan eats, boys + girls!}, i am sharing my newest paris vegan café guide, in which i happily provide fabulous, 100% plant-strong venues including an organic, local + vegan tapas bar, chill cocktail destinations for effervescent drinks, the most savory veg burgers in town + my numero uno vegan hot dog venue {here is my first roundup of 12 vegan cafés and a second list of 6 vegan cafés}.

today is the day for delicious + nutritious cuisine to power your body and transform your health! bon appétit!

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mopa

mopa offers some of the best vegan burgers in paris. choose the house recipe with its symphony of flavors or the popular beyond burger. the fries are cooked to tasty perfection. zesty hot dogs are also on the menu. if you’re craving fast food, try mopa’s slow version prepared with healthy, plant-based ingredients. you’ll also find fabulous desserts like moist chocolate cake and one of my personal faves, the palmier {or “elephant ears”}. this cafe with its super warm ambiance + friendly proprietors is at the top of my list of veggie restaurants. charming, wide open space with ample indoor seating for your entire tribe.

address: 17 rue du croissant // paris, france 75002


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hank pizza

has it all, my friends. they have fabulous pizzas + desserts {including my favorite sorbet}. this is a popular venue for locals, both veg heads + those simply seeking a cool, easy atmosphere. expect great service along with the most chill playlist. indoor seating includes upstairs + downstairs seating.

address: 18 rue des gravilliers // paris, france 75003


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breathe

breathe is the place for fun, experimental menu offerings. inventive wraps, burgers + sushi are available, as well as delectable desserts + weekend brunches boasting vegan croissants. breathe offers responsible eating in a former tea room. a colorful, hip destination for those wanting delicious, vegan fare in a spirited atmosphere + sophisticated milieu. top-notch service + a generous-sized bar makes this a popular cocktail destination. ample indoor seating.

address: 16 rue henry monnier // paris, france 75009


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abbatoir végétal

abbatoir végétal is a gorgeous venue with its many happy plants + bright white space accentuated with gold details. ab is one of the few vegan cafes to be found near the hilltop area of montmartre {north of paris city center}. find flavorful vegan burgers, tasty hot dogs + creamy soups. desserts include the classic carrot cake with vegan cream cheese frosting. one of my fave locales for fruit + veggie juices. i’m not sure how they have come to be so deliciously refreshing + energizing, but i will travel far + wide to get to one of their juices. lively atmosphere with ample indoor seating + outdoor seating.

address: 61 rue ramey // paris, france 75018


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jah jah by le tricycle

jah jah offers mouthwatering burgers, hot dogs + veggie bowls and they’re doing it right. protein-packed recipes with fresh, local veggies yield satisfying + filling options along with an array of freshly-squeezed juices. a chill vibe with a great mix of music including reggae beats. cheerful crowds congregate + are willing to wait for the fab plant-strong food. ample indoor seating.

address: 11 rue des petites écuries // paris, france 75010


lotus + cactus // closed

lotus + cactus has succeeded in creating an amazingly warm + infinitely charming space for homemade tapas + handmade desserts. female-owned, this petite downstairs eating area opens up to their lovely, airy upstairs eating area. a relaxed, warm atmosphere + the very best service in town. word gets around town fast, so call ahead to find out if in-demand food offerings are still available {this sometimes happens in the city of light, where we want not, waste not}. small, cozy outdoor seating area available.

address: 2 rue des taillandiers // paris, france 75011


hot vog

hot vog is a woman-owned enterprise where the love of good food, a taste for adventure, and the spirit of intrepidness brought to life my absolute favorite hot dog venue in france. i am drawn to this veggie comfort food precisely because it is browned to perfection + well-seasoned, then nestled inside a light, fluffy + gluten-free bun. the daily menu includes a drink + homemade dessert, usually a waffle or sweet cafe of the week. staff are attentive, professional + friendly as can be. bright, with super petite indoor seating area {3-4 inside} with outdoor seating available. just a stone’s throw away is the gorgeous jardin luxembourg, the perfect place to meet with friends, enjoy a little fresh air + eat your delicious, afternoon treat.

address: 10bis rue vavin // paris, france 75006

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le tops!

if you’re in paris, pop in to my absolute favorite veg café comptoir veggie weaving organic ingredients + deep flavors into their menu offerings; be sure to check out the vegan concept shop aujourd’hui demain {fab fashion boutique, satiating comfort food café + grocery store all in one!}; and do not leave without trying the wonder pastry shop offering fresh croissants, tangy tarts + heavenly confections pâtisserie vegetal.


{don’t forget the tip} “every kilogram of beef requires 100,000 liters of water to produce. by comparison, a kilogram of wheat requires just 900 liters, and a kilogram of potatoes just 500 liters.”* animal agriculture is a leading cause of tropical deforestation in the brazilian amazon rainforest, with land being cleared for livestock + crops for animals at an alarming rate.

What you eat every day is a far more powerful determinant of your health than your DNA.
— Dr. T. Colin Campbell

deforestation {the cutting and removal of trees to make land available for other uses*} causes the destruction of precious ecosystems, hence destroying biodiversity and depleting natural resources crucial to the survival of indigenous peoples living within the forests. human-driven deforestation causes carbon dioxide, the main greenhouse gas, to remain in the atmosphere and trap solar radiation which affects weather patterns, wildlife + human inhabitants. reducing meat + dairy intake reduces our carbon footprint and halves our greenhouse gas emissions. give it a try!

not sure where to start? take one step at a time! you can start with meatless mondays or try veganuary. did you know research shows a plant-based diet can lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of diabetes + heart disease? there are veggie alternatives for all of your favorite foods including eggs, cheese, yogurt + mayo. here are some recipes for pastas, pizzas, omelets + one of my faves, potato salad. eating a plant-based diet is good for the environment, good for you + good for the animals!

for further reading see the china study or click on over to the center for nutrition studies.

header image by ev // images c/o restos + cafes