Paris, known intimately through countless visits, has always been a place of fascination for some members of our team. From the grandeur of the Louvre Pyramid to the solemn television coverage of Notre-Dame’s fire, the city has seen its share of transformations.

Paris, the City of Light, is an endless treasure trove of attractions and experiences, especially for those exploring beyond the Olympic Games. The city offers a rich culture, history and a diverse vegan culinary scene that promises an unforgettable visit. This guide will showcase how to experience Paris—Emily’s favourite city, while you’re not engaged in Olympic excitement.

Iconic landmarks and historic sights

Lucien Charlles

Start your journey with a visit to the iconic Eiffel Tower . Take the lift to the top for breathtaking panoramic views of Paris and then enjoy a leisurely stroll through the picturesque Champ de Mars Park. Next, immerse yourself in art and history at the Louvre Museum, home to thousands of masterpieces, including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. The museum’s grand architecture and historical significance make it a must-see, even if you’re not an art enthusiast.

Explore the charming neighbourhoods of Le Marais and Montmartre for a taste of authentic Parisian life. Le Marais, with its narrow medieval streets, is perfect for shopping, dining, and people-watching. Montmartre, perched on a hill, offers stunning views from the Sacré-Cœur Basilica and retains a bohemian spirit with its many cafés and art studios, reminiscent of the days when Picasso and Van Gogh roamed its streets.

Leisurely activities

For a different perspective of the city, take a Seine River cruise. These cruises often include commentary on the city’s landmarks, providing both relaxation and insight. Alternatively, hire a bicycle and explore Paris’s extensive network of bike lanes, giving you the freedom to discover hidden gems at your own pace.

Unwind in one of Paris’s beautiful parks, such as the Luxembourg Gardens or the Tuileries Garden. These green spaces offer a peaceful retreat from the bustling city, perfect for a picnic or a leisurely stroll.

Vegan culinary delights

Fossette

Paris is renowned for its gastronomy and vegans will find a plethora of delicious options. Here are some top 3 picks for vegan dining during your stay:

Boneshaker: Start your day off with a sweet note at Boneshaker, located at 86 Rue d’Aboukir. This delightful café specialises in artisanal vegan doughnuts and brownies, which, to use the old cliché, are simply to die for. 

The story behind Boneshaker is worth telling in itself. In 2015, pastry chef and Cordon Bleu Paris alumna Amanda Bankertan—an American in Paris, purchased a small home fryer for 10 euros at a yard sale in Montmartre and soon started making scrumptious doughnuts for local coffee shops. The following summer, she and her business partner, Louis Scott, opened the doors of Paris’s first authentic vegan doughnut shop in the lovely 2nd arrondissement. Thus, Boneshaker was born.

Vegans, rejoice! Boneshaker’s menu is 100% plant-based. All doughnuts are therefore vegan and made fresh every morning with the highest-quality ingredients by trained pastry chefs. The variety is nothing short of impressive, ranging from classic apple pie to crème brûlée doughnuts. Each doughnut is made with love and care. Boneshaker is the perfect place to grab a delicious treat in the morning before heading to watch an Olympic event. The inviting atmosphere makes it a great spot to enjoy a bit of indulgence before a busy day. Our favourite flavour is the Victoria Sponge—filled with homemade buttercream and red berry compote, topped with a dusting of sugar.

Fossette: For lunch, we highly recommend you head to Fossette, a small yet charming traiteur located at 202 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Martin in the 11th arrondissement. 

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Fossette offers a wide range of healthy vegan options, making it an ideal choice for a restoring midday meal before you head off to watch the next event. When we visited, we enjoyed a delightful gazpacho—a vegan sandwich paired with a fresh salad, and strawberries and berries for dessert. The ingredients are all of high quality and treated with the highest regard, resulting in a meal that is both good for you and delicious.

Everything in Fossette is homemade by a passionate chef who takes pride in offering street food-style dishes with the finest natural ingredients. The menu is constantly changing, which makes it a perfect place to visit daily and see what new options they have on offer today. It’s also worth noting Fossette caters to events, offering a range of services from lunchboxes to full buffets. Overall, Fossette’s offerings are unfailingly nutritious and designed to provide a moment of nourishing pleasure during a busy day.

Kapunka Thai Cantine: In the evening, treat yourself to some Asian food at Kapunka on 51 Rue Saint-Sauveur. 

This friendly restaurant offers only vegan food, ensuring that there will be a wide variety of choices. We tried the vegan pad thai and the banana tapioca soup—both of which were outstanding. The pad thai was a gorgeous blend of vegetables, while the banana tapioca soup provided a sweet and healthy end to the meal. The ambience at Kapunka is both laid-back and convivial, making it an excellent choice for a relaxed dinner after a day of exploring Paris or attending Olympic events. There’s no better place in Paris for vegan Thai food.

Kapunka is conveniently located near the Louvre and the Palais Garnier, making it extremely convenient to visit. There’s also a bar if you just feel like grabbing a refreshment and a snack. We definitely recommend you discover the essence of Thai cuisine at Kapunka Cantine.

Paris is a city that caters to all tastes and its vegan scene is no exception. With the Olympics just days away, now is the perfect time to explore these fantastic vegan spots. Boneshaker Paris, Fossette and Kapunka Cantine each offer something healthy, delicious and above all, ethical. Whether you’re in the mood for a sweet treat, a healthy lunch or an Asian dinner, these restaurants will not disappoint.

Bon appétit and enjoy Paris!

If you enjoy our articles and want to read more of our content, check out the top 7 vegan restaurants in Germany for you to try this summer. Perhaps take a look at LGBTQ+ celebrities that you didn’t know were vegan. Or explore Vienna named world’s most liveable city in 2024, for the third consecutive time.