This “Gluten free in Paris” post was updated in November 2019.
Gluten free in Paris. Those two words used to be an oxymoron. Not possible in the same sentence. Nope.
I would watch longingly as Parisians lined up for their evening baguette, tucked it under an arm and strolled home.
I strode hopefully into boulangerie after boulangerie and one patisserie after another asking my classic question, “Avez-vous quelque chose sans gluten?” “Do you have something without gluten?” A die hard sweet tooth and croissant-lover, I roamed the streets of Paris scouring the shelves for delectable treats, without gluten.
The aroma of freshly baked croissants and the tempting arrays of enticing patisseries bombarded my senses. My mouth watered in anticipation. Often a bewildered face answered my question with a brisk, “Non. Rien.” (N-O-T-H-I-N-G…)
I decided not to give up and sometimes, the salesclerk would pause and disappear to ask the baker.
My heartbeat sped up just a little. Once in a while, I hit the gluten free Paris jackpot: a sumptuous chocolate lava cake, colourful, chewy meringues, macarons that melted on the tongue or a delicate chocolate almond cookie.
It was gluten free in Paris heaven. Gluten free Paris did exist.
These heavenly successes led to a concerted, organized plan. And hence my “Gluten Free in Paris Mission” sprung into high gear, a concerted effort to find gluten free restaurants and food in Paris. When travelling solo in Paris, the gluten free mission is a bit of an obsession
Here’s the latest in the gluten free Paris ongoing search.
Gluten Free in Paris | Delicious Choices by Arrondissement
Bears and Raccoons | Paris 11
I tested out Bears and Raccoons in the summer of 2019 and would happily return. The menu is completely gluten free and the cake I sampled was delicious, along with the coffee. Next time, I am returning at lunchtime for one of their sandwiches. A gluten free in Paris success!
Address: 21 Rue Richard Lenoir (11th arrondissement)
Closed: Sundays
Métro: Charonne
Attractions Nearby: Atelier des Lumières and Père-Lachaise Cemetary
Big Love Italian Restaurants | Paris 3
Big Love, in Le Marais, is part of the Big Mamma group which has several Paris locations. Although not technically a gluten free restaurant in Paris, this location of Big Love serves pizza with a gluten free crust. Say what? Be prepared to wait in line at this popular restaurant but WOW is it worth the wait. A lively atmosphere, ingredients fresh from Italy and delicious gluten free pizza.
Address: 30, Rue Debelleyme (3rd arrondissement)
Closed: Open daily
Métro: Filles du Calvaire
Attractions Nearby: You’re in Le Marais..wander.
Chambelland | Paris 11
I return to Chambelland, my favourite gluten free bakery in Paris on every return visit. An entire bakery dedicated to gluten free delights. What more could you want? There is a wide variety of artisanal bread and a scrumptious array of treats such as lemon meringue tarts and brownies. There is no cross-contamination as Chambelland has its own mill which produces rice, buckwheat, sorghum, and millet flours. An absolute must for celiacs.
Plan on going for lunch. There are a few tables inside and on a lovely day grab a table outside. I always buy extra focaccia for a picnic by the Seine.
Address: 14, rue Ternaux (11th arrondissement)
Closed: Mondays
Métro: Parmentier, Oberkampf
Attractions Nearby:
- Atelier des Lumières, 38, rue Saint-Maur, 10- minute walk
- Picasso National Museum, 5, rue de Thorigny, 15-minute walk
Also Available: In Paris: Wednesdays, find Chambelland bread available at Gluten Corner | 28 rue de Lagny | 20th arrondissement
In Brussels: If you are heading to Belgium, Chambelland has a bakery in Brussels.
Read more | Paris is full of hidden gems. Be sure to check out these 15 unique things to do in Paris.
Gluten Free In Paris | Crêperies
There are crêperies all over Paris. Such an easy snack or meal to pick up if you are heading to lots of attractions in one day. A galette, of Breton origin, is a large crêpe made of buckwheat flour. Great news for those of us that are gluten free. BEWARE! Many crêperies in Paris offer galettes but they mix buckwheat flour with wheat flour making them inedible for those with gluten allergies or sensitivities. Make sure you ask for “galette sarrazin” (buckwheat galette) or galette de blé noir (buckwheat galette).
Breizh Café | Paris 2+3+6+17
I absolutely adore galettes (in fact I have a whole post on them here). I tried the Breizh Café location in Le Marais, sat at a tiny table outside and devoured the heavenly galette with some authentic cider from Brittany. Another gluten free restaurant in Paris to add to your list, as the galettes are made solely with buckwheat flour.
Chez Alain Miam Miam | Paris 3
At the Marché des Enfants Rouges, Chez Alain Miam Miam serves gluten-free galettes solely made with buckwheat flour. He also grills sandwiches so this is not an entirely GF operation. There will be a long line up here and the results are totally worth the wait. I tested out the galette végétarienne which was amazing. There is no place to sit so take your lunch to the nearby park and find a bench to devour the goods!
When I visited, Alain was opening a restaurant close to the Marché at 26 rue Charlot. He was still going to keep his popular food stall but also run the restaurant.
Address: Marché des Enfants Rouges, rue de Bretagne;(3rd arrondissement)
Closed: Mondays and Tuesdays (other food stalls are open Tuesday but not Chez Alain…. firsthand experience!)
Métro: Filles du Calvaire; Arts et Metiers
Attractions Nearby:
- City Park – Square du Temple Elie- Weisel; 3-minute walk EAT HERE!
- Place des Vosges; 12-minute walk
- Picasso National Museum, 5 rue de Thorigny; 6-minute walk
Wondering how to sample the GF goods around Paris? Use the Paris metro like a pro! Read how right here.
Grom |Paris 2+3+5+6
Grom in Paris = gluten free Paris heaven. The true Italian gelateria has the gelato stored in metal canisters, is stirred up upon request and then served in a delicious gluten free cone. Everything at Grom is gluten free. It’s a win-win on all accounts.
Helmut Newcake | Paris 1+9
Helmut Newcake was the original gluten free bakery in Paris and continues with the “WOW-factor” as they are now selling gluten free croissants and pain au chocolat. I sampled the croissant with great curiosity – how can anyone recreate the ultimate croissant? Lo and behold, though small in size, the Helmut Newcake gluten free croissant is light, fluffy and flavourful. Two thumbs up!
Both gluten free restaurants have the option to eat in or take away. Both are close to many attractions. Grab a snack and wander to a “jardin” or the Seine to enjoy.
Location #1
Address: 144 rue Saint-Honoré (1st arrondissement)
Closed: Sundays and Mondays
Métro: Palais Royal-Musée du Louvre; Louvre-Rivoli
Attractions Nearby:
- Louvre Museum, rue de Rivoli, 4-minute walk
- Palais Royal; 9-minute walk
- Sainte- Chapelle, 8 Blvd du Palais, 15-minute walk
Location #2
Address: 28, rue Vignon (9th arrondissement)
Closed: Sundays and Mondays
Métro: Havre-Caumartin; Madeleine
Attractions Nearby:
- L’église de la Madeleine, Place de la Madeleine; 4-minute walk
- Place de la Concorde; 11-minute walk
- Place Vendôme, 10-minute walk
- Fauchon (French gourmet and delicatessan company); 2-minute walk
Maison Plume Pâtisserie | Paris 3
Maison Plume Pâtisserie is a delightful place to stop and have a snack in le Marais. All their pâtisseries are gluten-free and sugar-free. A real find! Tuck a package of their Coeurs Sablés in your pocket for a snack date later!
Address: 61 rue Charlot
Closed: Mondays and Tuesdays
Métro: République
Attractions Nearby:
- Place des Vosges; 15-minute walk
- Picasso National Museum, 5 rue de Thorigny; 8-minute walk
Noglu | Paris 2+7+11
I finally made it to Noglu in June 2019.
Noglu has been on my list of places to test out for several years. But you need a reservation and I always forget to make one. AND I could never remember the name until recently when the penny dropped… NOGLU = no gluten! Now I’ll remember.
My daughter and I ate in the location at Passage des Panoramas. What a disappointment. After all the rave reviews, both our meals were average at best. With all the other options popping up in Paris, I most likely won’t return.
Location #1
Address: 16, Passage des Panoramas (2nd arrondissement)
Closed: Sundays
Métro: Grands Boulevards; Bourse
Attractions Nearby:
- Galeries Lafayette Haussmann, 40, Boulevard Haussmann; 10-minute walk
- Musée du Chocolat, 28, Boulevard de Bonne Nouvelle; 9-minute walk
Location #2
Address: 69, rue de Grenelle (7th arrondissement)
Closed: Open daily
Métro: Rue du Bac
Attractions Nearby:
- Musée Rodin, 77, rue du Varenne; 10-minute walk
- Musée d’Orsay,1 rue de la Légion d’Honneur; 10-minute walk
- You are in Saint-Germain des Prés, find a park to relax and enjoy the GF treats!
Location #3
Address: 15, rue Basfroi (11th arrondissement)
Closed: Sundays
Métro: Charonne, Ledru-Rollin
Attractions Nearby:
- Aligre Market; 9-minute walk
- Place de la Bastille; 15-minute walk
Paris is full of beautiful streets and tiny cobbled laneways to explore. You’ll love discovering these 19 Stunning Paris Streets to Stroll.
Wild and the Moon | Paris 1+3+4+9+11
All right. You want vegan and gluten free in Paris? Wild and the Moon has 6 Paris locations. If you happen to be in Dubai or NYC, they have you covered there too!
Why go? As Wild and the Moon says,
“We go for wild, local, gluten-free, ethically sourced, seasonal and plant-based ingredients, that bring a little bit of nature in our busy lives.”
I’ve been here many times now for pressed juices and various bowls of deliciousness. It has a lovely atmosphere and is worth the healthy stop.
Location #1
Address: 55 rue Charlot (3rd arrondissement)
Open: Daily
Métro: Filles du Calvaire
Attractions Nearby:
- Right in Le Marais, enjoy a snack or meal and saunter the lovely streets of Paris 3
Other Locations: Check right here to see all the locations of Wild and the Moon
Yummy and Guiltfree | Paris 2+4+9 +Gare de Lyon
Yummy and Guiltfree is gluten free in Paris on stick. Add a little bow and your gluten free waffle is ready to sample. Yummy and Guiltfree took years to develop a recipe that has people returning to over and over. I am one of those fans who graced the first storefront which no longer exists.
Why keep returning?
The gluten free waffles, also lactose-free, can be enjoyed in both the savoury and sweet departments! Just sayin’… both are divine and I make a beeline to Yummy and Guiltfree on every visit to Paris. Recently, I hunted high and low in the Gare de Lyon to find it tucked away on the lower level. Yummy and Guiltfree, as always, dished up a wonderful taste sensation. Even my daughter was impressed.
There are three locations of scrumptious waffles:
Location #1
Address: 3, Rue du Temple (4th arrondissement)
Open: Daily
Métro: Hôtel de Ville
Attractions Nearby:
- Notre Dame Cathedral; 10-minute walk
- The Centre Pompidou; 4-minute walk
- Hôtel de Ville; 2-minute walk
Location #2
Address: 9, Blvd Montmartre (2nd arrondissement)
Open: Daily
Métro: Grands Boulevards
Attractions Nearby:
- Passage des Panoramas, 11, Blvd Montmartre; 2-minute walk
- Palais Garnier, 8, rue Scribe; 13-minute walk
- Musée Grévin, 10 Blvd Montmartre; 2-minute walk
Location #3
Address: Gare de Lyon, Hall 3, (12th arrondissement)
The next train trip out of Paris, believe you me I already know what I will be snacking on!
Open: Daily
Métro: Gare de Lyon
Attractions Nearby:
- Coulée Verte René-Dumont; 9-minute walk
- Jardin des Plantes 8, Rue Cuvier; 20-minute walk
- Aligre Market, Place d’Aligre; 8-minute walk
Grocery Stores
If you are wanting to cook in your Airbnb or have a picnic, you will find that these stores carry a selection of gluten free groceries in Paris. Pop in and see what they carry. I love comparing items they have to similar items at home and discovering brand new delicious things to eat! Keep your eyes open for: Naturalia, La Vie Claire, Bio C’ Bon and Biocoop.
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As Julia Child said,
“In France, cooking is a serious art form and a national sport.”
So naturally, the French have figured out how to create delectable gluten free food to satisfy the taste buds and be gentle on the body. My “Gluten free in Paris Mission” continues every time I return to the City of Light. Let me know what you’ve discovered.
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My daughter has coeliac disease, so we fully understand the importance of gluten free. This is a great list that we will save for our next trip to Europe, as it’s often a challenge to find gluten free options. Thanks for this.
It is wonderful that gluten-free options are becoming more available in Europe, you just have to be a bit of a sleuth! Glad you found it useful and do check back as I plan to update the information again this spring!
This is a great post, I am pinning it for later this spring when I am going to Paris 🙂
So great you can use it! If you are travelling with someone who is not Gf, they will be equally pleased!
This gluten-free guide is so practical. It seems like more and more people are sensitive to gluten and this list will ease their travels around Paris. The desserts look so tempting!
The thing is, most of the desserts are outstanding! I never miss a visit (or 2) to Chambelland!
Such a useful post for GF travellers (and residents). I’ve pinned to a couple of my boards and will post to my FB page during the week. Thanks!
Thanks! I hope it is useful and I plan to keep adding to it!
In the land of the most delicious patisserie and boulangerie, I can imagine being gluten free is some kind of torture! This guide is wonderfully informative, thank you!
It is… Every time I go to Paris, I continue the search for great GF food. More and more is available each time! Great for the taste buds!
I have been going to Paris for many, many years and I used to meet up with friends that lived there and were GF, we always had a terrible time finding someplace to eat. These days it is a whole lot easier! I love all the options and can dine with friends and still enjoy it!
Yes, Paris has come a long way in the GF department!
Hard to believe so many great gluten-free options in Paris these days. Saving this for my next visit. Thanks for doing the hard work for us.
You’re welcome! It’s a mission I am passionate about!
A few more spots to add to my list next time I’m in Paris.
Yes- we will go and visit these and I am still collecting new names of GF places to sample and savour!
Great to see you found so many wonderful places!
Do you have Coeliac Disease? As someone who has issues with the opposite of that ( ie not absorbing enough fibre) I have similar, yet quite different challenges, in fact wheat is my best friend these days!
Wheat is not my friend! I don’t have Coeliac Disease but have had a sensitivity for years.
It sounds like a difficult mission ? – but oh so enjoyable – to wander the lovely streets of Paris in search of GF options. I love all things Paris, and even though I am not GF, I love to read everything and anything about this wonderful city.
I have been to Breizh Cafe in Le Marais and it’s great to hear there are some GF options for you. I am vegetarian, so I remember the challenge several years ago when not every restaurant, especially in Europe, would offer a vegetarian option. Sometimes it makes traveling very difficult and requires some pre-planning. This will definitely be a helpful guide to those that do have a GF diet. Merci
You are welcome Renee! It has been a really great mission and it is ongoing! I know, Paris is my favourite city so wandering her streets and discovering places that are GF is no hardship. Travelling with my daughter this past summer, we discovered quite a few vegan and vegetarian spots also!
Oh I feel your pain. I’m also gluten intolerant and come from a family of coeliacs, so who knows.. maybe I am too (never been tested). There’s nothing more disheartening than not being able to treat yourself with everyone else or even eat out at all because of lack of GF items on the menu. I’m so glad you found so many yummy GF things in Paris!
It took some investigating but honestly was so worth the time because GF treats in Paris are delicious!
Great post and with trying to find certain types of food in Paris, it can be kinda hard (I used to live and work in the city and found it was hard to find certain things,,but the internet has kinda helped everyone recently). Its good to know that gluten free food is becoming popular. For me, I have to admit, when I eat gluten free food, I dont notice any difference in taste compared to food which has gluten in it. (thats a good thing I suppose). 😀
YES, that is a good thing! Originally GF food, especially desserts were abysmal. The bakers of the world have done an awesome job combining different flours so that many people now, can’t notice the difference between gluten-free and regular food!
Who knew there were so many gluten-free options in Paris? I’ve always struggled to find vegan food in Paris, but nice to see those with gluten intolerance can find food here.
Ohhh. I am working on a list of vegan places as my daughters are vegan and we did some great sleuthing around Paris!
Gluten free used to mean “I’m sorry it tastes so bad” but no longer. Frankly, many cakes and baked goods I have tasted recently I would be hard pressed to tell you if they were gluten free or gluten loaded. 😉 For me gluten is not a problem, so I eat whatever, whenever. But it is good to know the worlds have merged into tasty availability for all. And if French chefs and bakers are all in, then that is reason enough to enjoy the goods.
Yes, it is amazing how far gluten-free goods have evolved. A huge shout out to bakers around the world who were determined to find the right mix and balance of various gluten-free flours to be able to create baked goods where the average consumer can’t tell the difference. It’s been a long time coming. Lucky you being “gluten-plus!”
I’m from Paris and I find it hard to find something light for breakfast, my stomach doesn’t like croissants every single morning. But I can’t say no to a religieuse or a Paris Brest. It’s good that options without gluten are there now!
Thanks, Delphine. On my next visit, I will see if I can find a glute-free religieuse and a Paris Brest. Usually, I am not big on the cream filling but these look DELICIOUS. Will report back!
To be honest, I did not (and still don’t) know much about gluten-free food until a dear friend of mine had to go gluten-free herself. Since then, we are much aware, if still far from being knowledgeable. I can understand that going gluten-free in Paris could be tough. The crepes of Breizh Café look so tasty! And indeed NoGlu takes a different meaning now!
Breizh Cafeé serves delicious galettes! I am on a mission to keep searching out true Breton crepes when next in Paris.
I love your dedication to finding yummy gluten free food in Paris. Such a wonderful list of places to eat at. We all have loved ones who are gluten intolerant and travelling overseas can be a bit of a problem for them, so this is so handy. I would be keen to try the pain au chocolate at Helmut Newcake, that you mentioned. My mouth is watering now!
Helmut Newcake definitely is worth a visit! I will be trying their pain au chocolat on the next visit!
Wow, I really have to admire the effort and research that has gone into this post. I can only imagine when I think of Paris how hard it must be to find gluten free food. I am going to show this to a friend who pretty much stopped travelling after he got Coeliac Disease, I can completely understand his fear but I also know that the world is really realising the need for gluten free alternatives and this just proves it. Hopefully more people can continue to travel knowing this.
Luckily, I do not have coeliac disease which definitely makes travelling difficult but not impossible. There is definitely more awareness in the world about the need to offer gluten-free items on the menu but it does take some sleuthing to find the good places.