Paris: The Gluten Free Suitcase Guide

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!

NoGlu

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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.

Where?

69 Rue de Grenelle
75007 Paris

15 Rue Basfroi
75011 Paris

Copains

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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!

Where?

60 Rue Tiquetonne
75002 Paris

Helmut Newcake

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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.

Where?

30 Avenue de Friedland
75008 Paris

Chambelland

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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.

Where?

48 Rue Ternaux
75011 Paris

Yummy & Guilt Free

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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.

Where?

3 Rue de Temple
75004 Paris

La Guinguette D’Angèle

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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.

Where?

34 Rue Coquillière
75001 Paris

Ob-La-Di

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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.

Where?

54 Rue de Saintonge
75003 Paris

Café Mareva

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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!

Where?

27 Rue de Clignancourt
75018 Paris

38 Rue du Faubourg du Temple
75011 Paris

Aujourd’hui Demain

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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.

Where?

42 Rue du Chemin Vert
75011 Paris

Little Nonna 

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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!

Where?

12 Avenue Niel
75017 Paris

Dessance

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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.

Where?

74 Rue des Archives
75003 Paris

LouLou Friendly Diner

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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!

Where?

90 Boulevard Saint-Germain
75005 Paris

Il Quadrifoglio

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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.

Where?
19 Boulevard Bourdon
75004 Paris

Camille

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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.

Where?

24 Rue des Francs Bourgeois
75003 Paris

Tasca Bio

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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.

Where?

46 Avenue de Suffren
75015 Paris

Le Relais De Venise L’Entrecote

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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.

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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!

Parisian Champagne Cruise

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.

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