From Bourguignon to Escargot: Plant-Based Takes on French Classics

France has given the world so many of its favorite foods. Baguettes are a clear stand-out contribution, as well as croissants, hearty onion soups, crêpes, cheeses, delicate pastries and so much more. But while popular, French food doesn’t have the best reputation for being vegan-friendly.

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It makes sense: many of its signature dishes are laden with meat and dairy (think coq au vin, beef bourguignon, and escargot, for example). But actually, many traditional animal-heavy French meals can be made plant-based with a few simple swaps. Yep, even snails. Keep reading to find some of our favorite vegan French recipes.

Is French cuisine vegan-friendly?

As highlighted above, traditional French cuisine often incorporates animal products like butter, cream, cheese, and meat. But French food is evolving. In fact, the country is embracing plant-based food more than ever before. Just look at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, for example, which offered athletes a wide variety of vegan and vegetarian choices in a bid to set a “new standard” for sustainability. But it’s not just Paris that is changing. According to HappyCow, there are more than 4,300 vegan-friendly restaurants across the country.

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RELATED: How to Make Julia Child’s Iconic French Recipes Vegan: Advice from a Top Chef

However, you don’t have to travel to France to enjoy vegan French food. Instead, when you’re cooking your favorite recipes at home, just make a few adaptations. Make crêpes using plant-based milk and a flaxseed or chickpea flour mixture instead of eggs, for example, or opt for ratatouille as a side dish (the naturally vegan Provençal dish is made with zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, tomatoes, and herbs).

8 vegan French recipes

Feeling inspired? Keep reading below to learn more about how to make vegan crêpes, French cookies, eclairs, croque madame, and more.

1 Vegan French Madeleines

Madeleines are a popular light and buttery French cookie/cake, which likely originated from Commercy, a town located in the northeast of France. While they’re usually made with ingredients like melted butter and beaten eggs, you can make an equally fluffy and delicious version of the French treat with plant-based ingredients like vegan butter and aquafaba. Check out this recipe from The Vegan Baking Bible to learn more.
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Claire Power

2 3-Step Vegan French Crêpes

Crêpes are a French classic. They were likely first eaten in Brittany centuries ago, but now they’re a global favorite. And it’s unsurprising, as these thin pancakes are deliciously delicate, light, and versatile. Follow this recipe from Healthy French Wife to learn how to make zesty vegan crêpes that are perfect for brunch, dessert, or any other time of day (there are no rules!).
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Andrea Hannemann

3 Easy Vegan French Niçoise Salad

The clue is in the name, but this popular salad originates from Nice, a city on the French Riviera. Traditionally, it’s made with tuna and eggs, but this recipe from the Plant Over Processed cookbook will show you how to make an ultra-tasty, ultra-satisfying version of the dish with ingredients like chickpeas, small red potatoes, and kalamata olives.
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Vanessa K. Rees

4 Vegan Boeuf Bourguignon in Red Wine Sauce

Bourguignon is a hearty stew that originated in Burgundy, a region in central France close to Paris. It’s usually made with beef, but in this version of the dish, vegan chef Miyoko Schinner swaps out the meat for juicy, tender seitan with delectable results.
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Vanessa K. Rees

5 Vegan Chocolate Eclairs With Coconut Whipped Cream

With roots stemming back to the city of Lyon, eclairs are now a globally-loved pastry. They’re light yet indulgent and are pleasantly sweet and decadent. Again, thanks to Schinner, you can make a tasty plant-based version of the treat with ingredients like flax egg and coconut whipped cream. We’re licking our lips already.
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6 Vegan Croque Madame 

Alongside croque monsieur, croque madame is a popular French sandwich. Usually, they’re made with cheese and meat (and in madame’s case, egg), but you can make an equally comforting version of the lunchtime classic with plant-based ingredients. This recipe, for example, combines sweet potato, tofu, Dijon mustard, vegan deli slices, and vegan cheese to create an ultra-flavorful and filling sandwich you’ll want to make again and again.
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Abel & Cole

7 Wild L’Escargot Mushrooms

The French have been eating snails for centuries. And today, escargot, which are snails served with butter and herbs, is still a popular dish in many French restaurants. Thanks to Abel & Cole, you can get all the same herby flavor and soft, tender snail-like texture using mushrooms. Just make sure to swap out the butter for a vegan alternative.
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Connoisserus Veg

8 Vegan Coq au Vin

Another hearty stew from Burgundy, coq au vin translates to “rooster in wine.” To get all the comforting flavor and texture, simply swap out the meat for cremini mushrooms and seitan, just like Connoisseurus Veg does in this delicious recipe.
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