eco travel: 7 superstar vegan cafés in paris

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!

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

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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

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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.

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{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

{eco eats} sustainable france: 6 new paris vegan cafes

british prime minister, writer + orator winston churchill once proclaimed that "healthy citizens are the greatest asset any country can have." staying healthy means paying attention to what we put onto our bodies + into our bodies so that we may thrive physically and emotionally. conscious eating is here at your fingertips with a sequel to my first paris vegan café guide of 12 vegan + vegetarian eateries in the city of light. hungry? meet the new plant-strong kids on the block. look no further for decadent, delicious + healthy eating options in paris:

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comptoir veggie

1. comptoir veggie {fully vegan + gluten-free}: here we have a brand new café + juice bar nestled into the bastille area. after a successful crowdfunding capaign, this little gem is now celebrating one month open. for savory eats, try their hummus or avocado toast {toast toppings vary depending on the local, seasonal produce available; perhaps you've had avocado toast before, but not like this; with a dash of pimiento pepper + the crunch of alfalfa sprouts + zesty seeds, this dish truly has kick + is a pleasure for the palette} or enjoy their rice + veggie buddha bowl served with warm chilli. to satisfy your sweet tooth, try their perfectly moist carrot cake, creamy peanut butter cheesecake or spirited passion fruit, mango + cocoa cheesecake {the best cheesecake i've had in paris so far}. they're sure to send you. sunny, open space with smooth tunes; perfect for lounging, lunching or working. open tuesday through saturday from 10am - 6pm / 75 avenue ledru rollin, paris 75012

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cloud cakes

2. cloud cakes {fully vegan}: this sunny, relaxed coffee, tea + pastry shop is celebrating their one-year anniversary. this is the place for breakfast: soft, spongy pancakes with chocolate sauce, maple syrup or fresh strawberries are on the menu. offerings also include robust salads, satisfying sandwiches + soups with layers of flavors along with myriad sweet treats, baked goods + yes, warm vegan croissants that will melt in your mouth {chocolate croissants + almond croissants are also on the menu}. try the fresh carrot cake or decadent chocolate raspberry gateau {my personal fave is the vanilla blueberry cake}. indoor + outdoor seating available. open tuesday - saturday, call for hours 01 42 33 95 45 / 6 rue mandar, paris 75002

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primeur cantine

3. primeur cantine {fully vegan}: the best meatless lasagna in paris. fresh, indulgent and the finest i've had since my plant-powered days commenced five years ago. choose from hardy staples like chilly or burgers and a handful of desserts including apple + rhubarb crumble, cheesecake + chocolate mousse {i highly recommend the crumble}. energy-boosting juices are served up including an animating apple, carrot, orange + ginger concoction that will put a little pep in your step. ample space with indoor + outdoor seating on a calm, quiet side street. open tuesday through sunday 12pm - 4pm / 4 rue lemon, paris 75020

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le faitout

4. le faitout {fully vegan}: this one's celebrating one year. a hip tapas bar + vegan café on avenue simon bolivar near parc buttes chaumont. plant-based tapas + desserts, tasty soups + salads, crispy falafels + fries, oh and a delectable cheese "vromage" plate that every boy + girl {vegan or not} should try. homemade, healthy + organic goodness is served up warm here from early morning to late night. spacious venue with indoor + outdoor seating. live jazz music is also served up on thursday nights. get it all while its hot. open tuesday - sunday 8am - 2am / check site for hours or call ahead 01 42 08 07 09 / 23 avenue simon bolivar, paris 75019

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h.o.p.e. {closed}

5. hope / home of the plant eaters {fully vegan}: this charming venue in the marais has been open for six months, and the menu includes scrumptious burgers served with fries, a rich risotto served with grilled veggies or their bowl of hope made with millet, sauteed chickpeas, sweet potatoes, avocado slices and every delicious + highly nutritious ingredient you can pack into a vessel. desserts include chia pudding + carrot cake. ample seating upstairs + small, cozy downstaris option. open wednesday - sunday, 12pm - 3pm + 7pm - 10pm / 19 rue de picardie, paris 75003

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love me cru

6. love me cru {fully vegan}: this pint-sized juice bar wears a bold coat of yellow paint on the outside and on the inside expect creative + virtuous mixtures of all the colors of nature in fresh wraps + salads and some fantastic juices + smoothies {infinite combinations are available here for all you fruit + veggie lovers: if your mind can think it, you can drink it}. my first taste of zingy goodness was an orange, carrot + pineapple mixture with turmeric + ginger. and a hint of lemon: the proprietor, david, is a devotee of the little yellow miracle fruit that helps balance your body's chemicals, fights colds + flus and halts the division of cancer cells in animals {hello limonene + falvonol glycocides}. pure magic in a glass. also on the menu: homemade chocolate cups + chia pudding handcrafted by david, who will chat you up about the healing properties of each ingredient in his original recipes - all with a sparkle in his eye and broccoli on the brain. a sliver of a space with seating for four indoors + seating for four outdoors. open monday - saturday, 11:30am - 3:30pm / 44 rue de tourtille, paris 75020

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vg patisserie

bonus: vg patisserie is an all-vegan bakery that opened in april and is growing strong. find classics like fresh croissants, fruit tarts + eclairs, oh and an unexpected twist: vanilla flan {sans gluten}. so much to choose from, this just might require a repeat visit. ample seating indoors in a bright, convivial atmosphere + ample seating available outdoors. open tuesday - sunday 9am-7pm, call ahead to confirm hours 33 9 67 80 13 42 / 123 boulevard voltaire, paris 75011

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jo + nana cakes

double bonus: now open, jo + nana cakes, a new vegan patisserie opening in the 17eme arrondissement. sweet cakes + cookies, moist cupcakes + tarts made from scratch and made with love. follow here for updates! and then be prepared to be propelled to another planet where plant-based ingredients come together in heavenly creations / 6 rue rennequin, paris 75017.

14 more vegan + veggie eateries right this way! until next time, stay green dear hearts!

{eco eats} sustainable france: 12 top paris vegan cafes

vegan cafés are little worlds unto themselves, where inventive chefs offer memorable gourmet cuisine and patrons can respect + savor each individual ingredient. and if you happen upon the right farm-to-table establishments, they're the places where inspired, nutritious menu offerings are made with organic + local produce and they're made with love + joy.

in paris there are a number of extraordinary dining options for the plant strong + the plant curious. i've experienced these inviting, indie cafes, had the chance to chat with the infinitely devoted + unflappable entrepreneurs who opened these fine, vegan venues and witnessed the spartan sense of discipline necessary to run a fruitful business.

i am pleased to present a scrumptious selection of healthy eating options in the city of light {note: there are ten fully vegan restaurants listed. days of operation are listed, however click on links or call ahead to confirm hours + holiday closings}. superfoods right this way:

1/ my kitch'n paris {fully vegan}: jennifer erics is a star in the french vegan community. jennifer is the remarkable, multi-faceted chef, author + advocate of healthy living + animal rights. she is the owner of this sassy cafe, where an explosion of 80's paraphernalia peppers the interior. step into a time warp as you enter into jennifer's pink + purple world: where michael jackson reigns + prince looks up at you from lovingly collaged + hand-lacquered tables. this is the place for good music, fresh smoothies, comfort food + perfectly seasoned soups. closed mondays + open for holidays / 82 rue lemercier, paris 75017

2/ gentle gourmet {fully vegan}: the gentle gourmet is a fine dining restaurant + bar with sleek, minimalist decor, overlooking the port de l'arsenal + the river seine. it is the brain child of deborah brown pivain who has been serving up vegan cooking for thirty years. deborah is a passionate chef, gardener + animal activist cooking up her "edible gems" {fresh, seasonal produce} to create classic french cuisine, green juices + traditional desserts including macarons. closed mondays + tuesdays / reservations recommended / 24 boulevard de la bastille, paris 75012

3/ hanks {fully vegan}: a rustic, sun-lit cafe, hanks {have a nice karma} is the perfect casual milieu for reading + relaxing. a small menu of four tasty hankburgers {get it?!} with fries draw in the crowds day + night. throngs of hungry hearts line up to satiate their cravings for the delicious plant-based recipes of proprietor + trailblazer pierre doleans. a bright, happy place to lunch or dine. seating now available upstairs. comfort food + a host of dessert options include moist carrot cake + chocolate mousse. open daily / 55 rue des archives, paris 75003 

4/ east side burgers {vegan + vegetarian}: the burgers from east side keep me up at night. and by that, i mean that they are so good, i can't stop thinking about them long after i leave. the upstairs ordering area is a sliver of a space; not to worry, there's a charming downstairs seating area to tackle one of the city's best burgers. co-owners stéphane crinon + teresa moya know how to please a crowd with comfort food sans the calories, including hot dogs, quiches + onion rings. closed on mondays + sundays / 60 boulevard voltaire, paris 75011

5/ sol semilla {fully vegan}: founder jean françois hämmerle created a joyful alternative to conventional food choices + modern-day modes of consumption via his warm, tranquil milieu with communal seating + comfy wooden barrels masquerading as stools. the bright teal exterior mirrors the vivid hues of the dishes they're serving up. menu offerings include exquisite salads with seasoned veggies full of color + flavor as well as zesty soups which are also available dry-packaged for purchase. closed mondays / 23 rue des vinaigriers, paris 75010

6/ cafe ginger {fully vegan}: this quaint, little cafe is located near the place de bastille. its bright sea green facade makes it easy to spot from the outside. inside you'll find a serene setting with traditional table seating as well as family-style bench seating for a convivial, shared food experience. there's a distinct homespun vibe with original artwork adorning the walls. menu offerings include rice plates + fresh produce in full-bodied salads. closed monday with limited weekday hours / 9 rue jacques coeur, paris 75004

7/ 42 degrees {fully vegan}: together, emilia lombardo + head chef fabien borgel opened this sophisticated, raw food restaurant in paris. food in its raw state retains all of its the nutrients, vitamins + enzymes that can be reduced with cooking. if you're wondering whether food can be truly appetizing + filling when in its raw form, the answer is unequivocally yes. uncooked meals are a flavorful + a stimulating culinary experience. menu changes daily. zucchini pasta, soups + sweet parfaits for desserts. open daily / 109 rue du faouborg possonniere, paris 75009

8/ le potager du marais {vegan + vegetarian}: squeeze in! this is a matchbox-sized venue in the heart of the marais district. you'll be enveloped by the full french cafe experience in this pint-sized, yet ever so charming establishment. classic french cuisine including myriad cheese options + crème brûlée too. closed mondays + tuesdays / reservations recommended / 24 rue rambuteau, paris 75013

9/ cafe pinson {vegetarian + vegan / gluten-free}: this is a hip, atmospheric venue, with exposed stone walls + creative design details including hardwood floors blended with beautiful ceramic tile floors + recycled palet crates-turned-tables. owner agathe audouze, a naturopathy, concocts his menu offerings with "high vitality" super foods including kale, spirulina + sprouts. hardy salads + full-flavored soups. open daily / 6 rue de forez, paris 75003

10/ le grenier de notre dame {vegetarian + vegan}: located in the latin quarter, this was the first vegetarian + macrobiotic restaurant in paris. the two-story, boho-chic cafe + bar came to be in 1978 {that's a lot of veggies being served up over the years!}. the plant-adorned cafe has had the same chef, monsieur abib, since its inception. there's something to be said about consistency. hardy + savory vegan options made with local produce include falafel patties. limited dessert menu. open daily / 18 rue de la bûcherie, paris 75005

11/ le comptoir general {vegetarian offerings can be prepared as vegan options}: along the banks of the canal saint martin + beyond a humble entrance unfurls a labyrinth of rooms in a refurbished 600 sq-meter barn, each more captivating than the last. spirits lounge, cafe + espresso bar {organic, fair trade beans served up} intersect in a sun-drenched, lofted ballroom decked out in colonial decor + disco balls. on site is a plant shop + thrift shop as well. meetings for amnesty international + greenpeace are hosted here. a bright, airy + jovial atmosphere. menu offerings include cuisine from india, vietnam + west africa. open daily / 80 quai de jemmapes, paris 75010

12/ vegan follies {fully vegan}: this patisserie is the place for rich, decadent cheesecake, cupcakes, cookies + chocolate confections. the proprietress has a sense of humor and names each pastry + sweet treat with a fun, quirky name like "james brownie" + "red astaire" + "john lemon". clever indeed. menu offerings have expanded to include a small selection of soups + sandwiches. open daily / 53 rue mouffetard, paris 75015

*bonus/ le recyclerie {vegan options//vegetarian offerings can be prepared as vegan options}: from the folks that brought us comptoir general: former railway station turns cafe, bar + vegetable garden. ornano train station is now a shiny, happy space, full of sunshine + freshly farmed ingredients. this loft-like venue can fit you, your friends + a small village inside. upcycled furniture including velvet couches upstairs + retro tables aplenty downstairs; outdoor seating available during the warm-weather months + yes, vegan/gluten-free options on the menu. try the soup of the day + the vegan pizza with the works. open monday - sunday / 83 boulevard ornano, paris 75018

as our friends at cafe pinson remind us, "oui, il est possible de manger des plats bio, bons, beaux et healthy." {yes, it's possible to eat organic food; good, beautiful + healthy food.} get ready for a tasty, culinary adventure in paris!