Travel In France

Twins Mom · ‎04-03-2016

In case any of you are planning and have dietetic needs, in recent travel DD experienced more difficulty than expected in finding gluten-free meals. She had read that France was one of the easiest places to find foods that were gluten-free but it was somewhat of a struggle. First thing asked as we entered restaurants. NO Pastry shops that we could find (even in Paris) that had gluten-free items and that was a real disappointment. There were a few lovely restaurants that had lovely cuisine and that satisfied all of us. Note, however, to bring protein items that can help when you are hungry. Salads get tiring...

cw88 · ‎06-26-2011

That was my experience a couple of years ago as a gluten free vegetarian. I always travel with protein bars just in case and I was glad that I had them. I was not in Paris, however,

Wobin · ‎03-18-2010

I went to Paris & Normandy eating gluten free after traveling there several times without that restriction. I found some gluten free bakeries online before we went and managed well in some of our old tried and true places. Cafe Central on the rue Cler in the 7th made my favorite salmon burger without the bun. I ordered omlettes, buckwheat crepes, steak & frites, chicken as well as salads. What I missed most was grabbing a baguette sandwich to have lunch in a park. On the corner of rue Cler and the rue du Champs de Mar is a bakery with the best macarons. I bought a couple of those every afternoon to enjoy in our hotel room after dinner.

I took travel cards with me, French on one side, English on the other to explain my dietary needs. A kind man at the table next to us in Rouen helped explain to the waiter what my needs were. Take multiples, one waiter in Sweden kept my Swedish card.

Twins Mom · ‎04-03-2016

@Wobin

Admire your sense of direction. When we found good restaurant, we went back another time and enjoyed again😂.

I love baguette sandwich from a boulangerie!

Alter Ego · ‎03-12-2010

It’s possible that people say it’s easier for a gluten free person in France (and Italy) because the Europeans process wheat differently than in the US and they typically don’t have the same gluten issues we do in the states. Other than true celiacs, I’m told people simply don’t get sick as much in Europe. Of course, I don’t have those issues, so I don’t know how comfortable I would be testing the theory! But, it is something I’ve been told.

Twins Mom · ‎04-03-2016

@Alter Ego

That would not surprise me and so worth knowing. But when on vacation I am not up to experimenting 😂. Thanks for good point.

Carmie · ‎10-25-2010

I have been gluten free for 40 years. I have traveled all over Asia and some countries in Europe....not France.

I found that it wasn't too difficult to find gluten free foods, but never expected to find or even wanted breads or other foods that normally use wheat, rye or barley products.

Bakeries even in the US don't sell gluten-free products, unless they specialize in those types of products....and most gluten-free pasteries are awful and the calories are higher than wheat products.

It is easy to find cookies made without wheat that contain almond paste. They can be found in many bakeries all over the world, but are not made in a gluten-free facility so no guarantee they are safe to eat without contaminents.

I can usually find something to eat, but have attended many weddings that had nothing I could eat. I just sit there and watch everyone eat...my DH eats my food so my full plate is not wasted.

I am used to it. I go hungry a lot when going out to a function. It's not easy.

Twins Mom · ‎04-03-2016

@Carmie

I think macaroons are typically gluten free but several places in France said they had gluten. A confectionary store had macaroons without gluten and they were quite satisfying. We just kept asking 😉

LuvSoCal · ‎07-18-2010

@Carmie wrote:
I have been gluten free for 40 years. I have traveled all over Asia and some countries in Europe....not France.

I found that it wasn't too difficult to find gluten free foods, but never expected to find or even wanted breads or other foods that normally use wheat, rye or barley products.

Bakeries even in the US don't sell gluten-free products, unless they specialize in those types of products....and most gluten-free pasteries are awful and the calories are higher than wheat products.

It is easy to find cookies made without wheat that contain almond paste. They can be found in many bakeries all over the world, but are not made in a gluten-free facility so no guarantee they are safe to eat without contaminents.

I can usually find something to eat, but have attended many weddings that had nothing I could eat. I just sit there and watch everyone eat...my DH eats my food so my full plate is not wasted.

I am used to it. I go hungry a lot when going out to a function. It's not easy.

@Carmie I'm just curious because 40 yrs ago I don't think I ever heard the term "gluten free". Were you diagnosed as being intolerant because you got sick after eating certain foods?

Carmie · ‎10-25-2010

@LuvSoCal I suddenly at the age of 30 had constant diarrhea, especially after eating.

It was awful, I couldn't go anywhere for fear of having an attack. I was working as a Real Estate at the time and also working in my beauty salon.

I had a lot of accidents and it was embarrassing.

I had a biopsy done during a colonoscopy and it was discovered I have Celiac Diasese.

Great, coming from am Italian family and not able to eat pasta, pizza and bread was devastating. I had to quit wheat, rye and barley cold turkey.

There wasn't much info on this disease back then and I had to do a lot of research to find out what foods I could eat. Who knew that caramel coloring was made with wheat?

Once in a great while, I accidently eat something that contains wheat and boy do I know it in short order.

I am used to eating gluten free now and it doesn't really bother me when I am around gluten foods anymore.

I just have to be prepared to go hungry sometimes because there is nothing available that is safe for me to eat.