Known as the culinary capital of France, Lyon is an absolute dream destination for any gluten free foodie. I spent a weekend here earlier this year and fit in as much food as I could in the space of 48 hours but would definitely love to head back for an extended stay. Top tip: grab a gluten free croissant and coffee to go from one of the city’s gluten free bakeries and soak up the local architecture – it reminded me so much of Paris. Bon appetit!
What I can only describe as THE gluten free place to be in Lyon, this beautiful 100% GF bakery has it all. Incredible sandwiches, fresh bread, pizza, croissants and stunning patisserie-style cakes. These guys even have eclairs and the wonderfully almondy, elaborate Paris-Brest pastries. Whatever you do, make sure you grab one of the chocolate and custard Brioches Suisse and have a coffee before departing with a bag full of goodies for the road.
This cute little café is not only 100% gluten free, but both lactose and refined sugar free too. Perfect for a weekend brunch, smoothie session or a sit down with a coffee and cake in between all the sightseeing. This place is famous for its vegetarian Croque Monsieur however so you might want to get your hands on one of those! Closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Another wonderful 100% gluten free spot, this small bakery is also entirely lactose-free. There’s a beautiful selection of delicate cakes on offer to enjoy with your coffee either there or to go. I opted for a chocolate and praline tart, which was like a work of art. There are also quiches and a selection of gluten free baking products. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Lo and behold – the one and only fully GF pizzeria in the city of Lyon! As well as a selection of great gluten free pizzas, y’all will be ecstatic to hear that calzone is also on the menu here. There’s also a selection of gluten free flours to buy so you can try and recreate this wonderful spot’s gluten free pizza at home. Be sure to call ahead and book a table to avoid disappointment. Closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Where? 88 Gd Rue de la Guillotière 69007 Lyon, France
If you are looking for somewhere special to have dinner during your stay in Lyon, Epona is a lovely gluten free-friendly spot, located inside the stunning InterContinental Hôtel-Dieu in the city centre. This restaurant has many gluten free options on its menu and can also cater for lactose-free and vegan diets. There’s gluten free bread on offer to start, which is heated safely and separately. The menu changes seasonally and local produce is used for most of the dishes, which was a great touch. Booking a must.
Where? Hôtel-Dieu 20 Quai Jules Courmont 69002 Lyon, France
Known for its cassoulet and confit de canard, Toulouse can be a food lover’s paradise. The city pulls in multitudes of tourists each year, especially during the summer months when the masses head to the wine region. It’s a beautiful city to walk around in, with lots of culture and a rich history. But how good is it for gluten free food you ask? Finding gluten-free friendly eateries can still be a challenge and so I’ve pulled together a mini guide to the provincial city, which will be perfect for anyone staying nearby and venturing in for the day or in Toulouse for a city-break over a weekend. Bon Appétit!
A highly popular free from spot, Lucas and Marie Sans Genes is a 100% gluten free bakery, which also specialises in vegan products too. From beautiful pastries to homemade bread, you’ll be spoilt for choice here and will not have to worry about traces. The bakery prides itself on creating food that is free of up to 14 key allergens and is entirely organic. A lovely family run business created by mother Marie and her son Lucas, this place is a must-visit for coeliacs and vegans alike who will go absolutely crazy over the pastry selection – trust me! Closed on Sundays.
If you’re craving a proper hamburger while you’re in Toulouse, this is your one-stop shop. This fast food joint is incredibly gluten free friendly, and offers most burgers on a soft and squidgy sesame seed gluten free bun! I was assured that the regular fries and sweet potato fries are also safe, so just be sure to state your dietary requirements at the beginning so the staff make sure to take extra care of you. I opted for a classic cheese burger, which is entirely gluten free when the house Yard sauce is removed and it was absolutely delicious. Yard gets brownie points in my book for also offering a gluten free beer on the menu – the perfect accompaniment to your burger!
Another organic hotspot, Invita is a great destination for lunch, dinner or weekend brunch while you’re in Toulouse. The menu, which is entirely vegetarian, has a great array of options from salads to gluten free pizzas (yes you read correctly!) to galettes. What’s great about Invita is their availability of a weekday meal deal, where you can get two courses for €16 or three for €20. As I hate missing out on dessert, I’d personally recommend you opt for three courses! If you fancy a pizza or vegetarian lasagne course, head to Invita on a Friday or Saturday when they are available. Vegan options are also aplenty!
Everytime I venture to France I crave crepes and galettes. Luckily for the gluten free community, more and more places are starting to offer a gluten free friendly alternative so that everyone can feel included. Pastel et Sarrasin is a must-visit during your time in Toulouse as they not only use the freshest of ingredients to top and fill their pancakes, but they offer a gluten free batter on the menu too. This expansive restaurant has lots of indoor seating and sets up tables outside on warmer days so you can watch the world going by while you feast. WARNING: As Pastel et Sarrasin deals with non gluten free flour in its kitchen as well, the company warns that traces in the preparation area are a possibility but they take as much care as is possible to avoid that by keeping the gluten free batter away from the rest and cleaning the pans before use.
Are you both gluten and lactose free? Then Silex & Fourchette must be your first stop in the city. This is the first “paleo” restaurant I have seen in continental Europe, so imagine my excitement, especially as paleo food is all naturally gluten free! Silex & Fourchette serves lunch five days a week and has a monthly Sunday brunch for only €18, which includes a lot of food, so check the company website to see if brunch falls on your weekend! The most photographed and ordered item here is undoubtedly the paleo burger, which comes with sweet potato fries and is definitely worth a try! Closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
While not an obvious gluten free spot, Aux Douces Heures is the perfect place to stop for a coffee and a rest while you are whizzing around Toulouse. The regular menu at this French tea room is not gluten free, but the team at Aux Douces Heures make sure to always have at least two freshly baked gluten free sweet treats to accompany your coffee or tea for a pick-me-up. The cakes are kept separately from the rest of the restaurant’s offerings and are usually displayed in the window next to a welcoming gluten free sign. The chocolate tart makes a regular appearance and is deliciously rich. Closed on Mondays.
Where?
9bis Rue des Lois
31000 Toulouse
Shopping
Supermarkets in France have come a long way in the past few years, and that includes smaller city branches. The two biggest supermarket chains in Toulouse are Carrefour and Monoprix, both of which have several stores across the city, so you are never too far from gluten free snacks or necessities. I was able to find gluten free bread, pasta and cookies in all shops I went into so check the company website for your nearest store and stock up!
A croissant lover’s paradise, Paris at first glance can seem like a nightmare for anyone gluten free. I have come to learn that the opposite is in fact true. Within the past couple years, an array of gluten free dedicated patisseries, cafes and lunch spots have popped up around the French capital leaving us spoilt for choice. I have been lucky enough to venture to Paris on multiple occasions in the past few years and have finally brought together a selection of my favourites in what I hope will be a handy guide for any non-gluten-eaters heading to the most romantic (and pastry-heavy) city in the world!
Paris’ original, 100% gluten free bakery and patisserie has two locations across the city. An array of breads, cakes, sandwiches and mouth watering tarts will leave you panicking over just how much choice you have! Here you can enjoy breakfast, brunch, lunch and a selection of beautiful pastries and cakes. This famous spot also has a sister restaurant in New York City.
This brand new addition to the Parisian gluten free scene is stuffed to the brim with fresh pastries, cakes, tarts, breads and even sandwiches at lunchtime. I couldn’t believe the selection, especially when it came to the pastries as you can take your pick from the classics or try something more adventurous (ahem, check out this picture!). So grab an array of treats and a coffee to go, and enjoy them on the bench outside the shop because let’s face it, they won’t last the journey!
This absolute Parisian staple went away for a while during the pandemic but is now thankfully back (even if it’s open only on Saturdays). Arguably offering the best eclairs in the city, Helmut Newcake’s top flavours include chocolate, coffee and salted caramel and more, as well as a chocolate and hazelnut flavour for the lactose free among us. This beautiful patisserie also has a selection of melt-in-the-mouth patisserie cakes and bread to take away or enjoy in store with a coffee. Open on Saturdays only.
Home to the freshest gluten free bread in Paris, Chambelland boasts savoury and sweet option alike. Chocolate bread is a specialty here, as is the house choux pastry. The bakery offers daily quiche and pizzas, as well as two sandwich flavours on delicious flat bread – a meat option and a vegetarian option but the meat option sells out quickly so grab yours early in the day and head to a nearby park for a wonderfully picturesque lunch. A small number of tables are tucked away in the corner for anyone wishing to pause for a minute during their busy Parisian day.
This 100% gluten free waffle shop has an impressive menu of both sweet and savoury options, including my all-time favourite Croque Monsieur flavour. Do save room for a sweet waffle for afters and pair with a coffee – you may even want to try several while you’re here as the choices make it next to impossible to just settle on one. Another lovely place to not have to worry in the slightest about cross contamination.
This 100% gluten free concept with a healthy twist is perfect for lunches and snacks to go. Established by the wonderful and organic-inspired Angèle A Baigné, you will find an array of gluten free options prepared with the finest, freshest ingredients. The 11th Arrondissement tea room has a lovely breakfast and lunch menu to enjoy in or out and for those with a sweet tooth – the tarte au citron here is unbeatable and a must-try. Closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
Arguably one of the most Instagrammed cafe in Paris, Ob-La-Di is so small you may not even be able to get in, especially if you come armed with shopping bags. However, I suggest you grab a coffee and whatever the gluten free cake of the day is and take it outside to one of the small benches directly outside the shop entrance. This is not a gluten free dedicated eatery by any means, but some cakes are suitable for the GF crowd and really are something quite special, as well as the gluten free granola on offer most days too.
Another 100% gluten free staple when in Paris, Café Mareva has a gorgeous and entirely waffle-themed menu as well as a case of beautiful cakes and patisserie items to enjoy instore or to take away. The house sweet potato waffles are world famous and perfect for breakfast or brunch with eggs, bacon and other toppings. You can also opt for a fried chicken waffle sandwich but warning this may make you emotional it’s so good!
Spend an afternoon in this unique vegan concept store where you can not only enjoy delicious coffee and cakes but browse the aisles for gluten free treats in the adjoining shop. This little cafe is covered from head to toe in luscious plants and work by local artists which I could quite happily stare at all day long. If you’re in the mood for something more substantial to eat, the fully vegan menu offers up burgers, sandwiches and depending on the day, the house mac’ and cheese can aso be made gluten free. Just be sure to check with the staff on duty what the gluten free options of the day are.
A 100% gluten free pizzeria, Little Nonna is one my favourite spots to visit whenever I’m in Paris. Another place you can rest assured that you are being served only safely prepped gluten free food, everything here is delicious from the pizzas to the pastas to the dessert. While I’ve enjoyed the gnocchi here several times, the menu is subject to change and features a number of seasonal specials when it comes to pasta, but the tiramisu seems to stick around so order that if it’s the last thing you do!
If you’re looking for somewhere beautiful to eat while in Paris or have a special occasion to celebrate, book yourself a table at Dessance where the entire tasting menu can be adapted to be gluten free and coeliac safe. We tried an array of incredible dishes here, which we matched with the wine pairing and it was spectacular. Closed on Sundays and Mondays.
One of my absolute favourites in Paris – LouLou is a modern bistro with an Australian twist and a menu loaded with gluten free options to boot. Gluten free diners can enjoy a number of novelties including a loaded club sandwich or indulgent fish and chips. LouLou Friendly Diner also serves up brunch and breakfast where you can enjoy buddha bowls and a selection of gluten free muffins, banana bread and more. Don’t forget – happy hour drinks are served Monday to Friday from 4-7:30pm!
All of your pizza dreams can come true in Paris – and they will be presented to you in the shape of a heart! This classic Italian restaurant goes above and beyond for gluten free customers who can choose between their signature pizzas or a number of pasta dishes. You’ll even be served your own bread basket upon arrival. It’s hard to save room for dessert here but do know that you have options! Closed on Sundays and Mondays.
When in search of steak frites in Paris, Camille should be your number one destination. The chips are fried separately (music to any coeliac’s ears) and the staff have a good understanding of allergies and cross contamination. I can’t vouch for anything else on the menu as I literally only was there for steak frites, so take my recommendation and try them with a nice glass of red for the perfect Parisian lunch or dinner. Booking ahead essential but some walk-ins seated if you’re lucky.
A 100% gluten free and organic Italian restaurant, Tasca Bio is any coeliac’s dream with fresh pizzas to die for as well as a huge pasta menu. Do check out their starters (the focaccia is unreal) and leave room for dessert because it’s all incredible. Great selection of gluten free beers on offer too. If you don’t fancy dining in, grab a pizza to go and sit by the river and watch the world go by.
The original location of what has now become a global chain, branching off into other major global cities including London and New York, still remains the best around. A paradise for meat eaters, this eatery has no menu and offers the tenderest steak, frites and secret recipe sauce to all hungry patrons. While the restaurant has no gluten free bread on offer, the main attraction is entirely gluten free, including the sauce. Be warned that the plate you are first given will not be your last, and once you have finished the wait staff will top up your plate with more food. The mouthwatering experience makes the waiting time worth it, so do not give up!
Where?
271 Boulevard Pereire 75017 Paris
Shopping
Parisian supermarkets are fantastic for gluten free. Those of you in search of packaged bread, biscuits, pasta and other items will be able to source them from stores including Bio c’ Bon, Monoprix and Carrefour, all of which have multiple locations across the city. Check their websites for your nearest branch.
An amazing selection of dry and frozen gluten free goods can also be purchased at La Maison du Sans Gluten in the 10th Arrondissement of Paris. This petite treasure trove of gluten free treats is closed on Sundays.
Where? 12 Rue d’Hauteville 75010 Paris
Gluten Free Food Tour of Paris
For those of you wanting to be led around some of the city’s top gluten free spots in style, Chiara of Baci Di Dama is your first port of call! Chiara is one of the gluten free world’s most established bloggers and organises day tours around Paris with multiple stop offs at some of the most beautiful and gluten free friendly cafes and restaurants. Chiara also organises cooking classes on demand should you have the energy after your tour so contact her for more information via her website!
Anyone with a bit more time in Paris can also take gluten free cooking classes with wonderful chef Celine. Again, venture to her webpage for more details and what she has in store for you!
Anyone keen to see the sights of Paris by river and with a side of champagne should book onto the Ô Chateau boat cruise which sets sail from the foot of the Eiffel Tower. The cruise lasts around an hour, during which you can sample fantastic local champagnes and learn all about the architectural history of Paris. We opted for a night tour so we could see the city lit up and it did not disappoint. Booking ahead essential to secure the date you want.
The Gluten Free Suitcase 