Gluten Free Guide: Montpellier

France, is a surprisingly wonderful gluten free hub. 

For a country that prides itself on bread and pastries, they have their gluten free game down. It is almost as if they feel bad for people who cannot eat their delicious treats, that they need to make a version for everyone. As someone who discovered their gluten intolerance 8 years ago, the gluten free world has changed quite a bit.

Good (and healthy) gluten free products were sparse, especially in the midwest. So imagine my surprise when I move to France, expecting nothing, and finding everything. The gluten free bread, pastries, pastas, everything tasted as I remembered. I was no longer eating what tasted like processed products.

While France in general has a plethora of gluten free options, Montpellier itself is truly a gem. Filled with strictly gluten free restaurants, cafés, and patisseries, the options were endless. Also not to mention the places in Montpellier that aren't "gluten-free only", but make amazing products for those of us who suffer from the allergy anyways. Because of this, I feel obliged to share my gluten free experiences over the last 8 months in Montpellier.

1. La Coutinelle 

This restaurant is 100% gluten-free. With freshly baked gluten free baguettes, cookies, muffins, breads, and more made daily, the options are endless. It is also a gluten free burger and pizza restaurant. They make all gluten free crusts and burger buns in house. After years of gluten free pizzas, this is definitely at the top of the list. A beautifully baked thin crust, topped with fresh french ingredients, what is better? Oh, and they make vegan pizzas as well. This place is regular stop for me. Even my friends who are not gluten free enjoy the amazing food they make. It is also conveniently located in centre ville; however, they are only open Thursday, Friday and Saturday. So make sure you stock up on your bread and treats when you go.
Aside from their home-made gluten free products, they also sell gluten free flours, beers, ciders, pastas, and more. A true one-stop-shop for your meals and gluten free ingredients!

2. Le Gram

Another adorable café / patisserie in centre ville. They have a beautiful display of treats, half of which are gluten free! They also serve daily lunches, always one or two are gluten free. However, these patisseries are classic French baked goods. If you're looking to feel like a Frenchie, this is the place to go. Patisseries range from gluten free tarts to pastries to giant macaroons. My favorite gluten free bakery in France (including the ones I have been to in Paris...) 

3. Hybride

This cute and trendy café located on Jeu de Paume only makes gluten free cakes. They also have buddha bowls and salads that change daily. Everything is homemade and freshly baked that day. Their cake flavors also change constantly so you can get a different one every time. They always have 4-5 different flavors ranging from classics like chocolate peanut butter to fresh rose and almond cakes. These are truly the moistest (I hate that word, but it's true) cakes I've ever had.
Hybride is perfect for afternoon treat of coffee and cake, or a full meal. Overall a must in Montpellier.
 

4. Bonobo / Coffee Club

Bonobo and Coffee Club are both owned by the same people and on the same street. Bonobo is the larger restaurant with amazing brunch and lunch and Coffee Club is the smaller café with amazing drinks, small plates, and desserts. Owned by Australians, their food has some American, English, and Australian influences in them. They also have gluten free options available and at least one gluten free treat everyday. From chocolate cake to gluten free huevos rancheros, the Bonobo & Coffee Club combo is a great experience.

 

5. Boulangerie de l'Aiguillerie

This little French boulangerie doesn't look like it would have gluten free patisseries from the outside. It looks like an old traditional French shop that would be filled with gluten. However, when you walk in and look to your right, there are two shelves of gluten free goodies. Classics like brownies or chocolate gateaux, along with matcha chia seed cookies, you'll find whatever your cravings desire here. 

                 

6. My Wraps

Looking for a quick, yet delicious lunch? MyWraps is a perfect destination, conveniently across from La Coutinelle, MyWraps offers gluten free wraps and sides. Made from veggies and eggs, you can once again enjoy a wrap! I don't know about you, but I used to live off wraps when I was younger, so being able to have a gluten free one (that isn't a corn flour tortilla), was a nice change up. My personal favorite is the Bollywood (without the crisps). You can also build your own with different meats, cheeses, and vegetables. 

                                 

7. Amazone 

France is very much on the "cute coffee shops with brunch" trend at the moment. Almost every one of these coffee shops will include avocado toast and smoothie bowls, and I am not complaining about it. Amazone is one of the places that has both of these options, and both are gluten free. Avocado toast can be requested on delicious gluten free bread. Also, you have the choice of salmon avocado toast, regular avocado toast, egg avocado toast, and more. A perfect gluten free breakfast in centre ville. 

                                    

8. Coldrip

Coldrip is very similar to Amazone, a bit more expensive, but more options. Unlike Amazone they have a full menu, most of which can be modified to gluten free. Their portions are also bigger, so if you're looking for a large meal, Coldrip is probably where you want to go. Coldrip also has daily gluten free pastries! So you can make a full meal out of it. You may have to try and go to Coldrip a few times though because they are constantly busy (due to their amazing food). Try and go at random times or a less busy day, it's worth it! 

                                      

9. Green Lab

If you like falafel this is where you want to go. Green Lab Montpellier makes all their falafel gluten free and they have multiple options on how you can eat it. While you can't put it in a pita, they have a few different "assiette" versions (aka salads, but salads on steroids). Topped with amazing beetroot hummus, delicious sauce, quinoa, eggplant, and other veggies, you'll be in heaven at this gluten free restaurant. 

                         

10. Des Reves et Du Pain

Des Reves et Du Pain is a famous boulangerie / patisserie in Montpellier, who just happens to make gluten free cakes and pastries. They have different cakes every day, granola, pastries, and more. They also have "pain d'epeature" which contains less than 5% gluten, and I have actually never had a problem with. They informed me that due to the way it is processed and the natural ingredients, most people with gluten intolerances and celiac can eat it with no problem. I took a risk, tried it, and it was amazing. A great place to get a little treat in Montpellier (great prices too!).

 

11. Bubble Waffle by DIM

A new addition to the Montpellier is Bubble Waffle by DIM. They have the trendy bubble waffles/puffles and freak shakes; both of which are gluten free! Yes the waffles are gluten free! And I recommend 100%. They have so many possible toppings, the options for a delicious treat (inspired by US food) are endless.

 

12. Yoga Joy Healthy Food

Not only is this restaurant gluten free, but it is also all vegan! I am not vegan by any means, but sometimes it is nice to change up the ingredients I am eating. Trust me, before I went here, I didn't know gluten free or vegan could taste so good! So many different salads, plates, and other foods to choose from, along with gluten free desserts. This was one of my first stops in Montpellier, and I was pleasantly surprised. 

                                        

13. Les Demoiselles 

Guess what...another place with gluten free patisseries. Everything here from cakes to pastries is celiac approved and lactose free as well. They have a variety of fruity tarts to chocolate cakes, and no matter what you get you won't be disappointed. 

                    

14. Creperies 

When you think of crepes I'm guessing that you think of the sugary nutella, strawberry, and whipped cream thin pancakes. However, while those are crepes, they are not the only crepes that France is famous for. Galettes de Sarrasin/Blé Noir are the savory crepes filled with cheese and meat and veggies that many French people (especially in the Bretagne region) eat for lunch or dinner. And guess what, Sarrasin/Blé Noir is buckwheat, which is in fact gluten free. Almost any creperie is fair game for those allergic to gluten. My favorites in Montpellier are Creperie Brezih and Froment & Sarrasin.

                                       

15. Supermarchés 

The French grocery stores are loaded with gluten free products. Carrefour, Spar, Casino, Monoprix, and more all have gluten free/organic sections that are filled with gluten free breads, crackers, cookies, flours, and more. Everything you'd ever need to live a gluten free live is stocked on these shelves. In terms of bread I definitely recommend WISO, tastes just like the real thing. 

France also has tons of bio/organic/natural grocery stores. While these are definitely a bit more expensive, you will find everything you need. They'll have aisles of food that hasn't been anywhere near gluten. The prices are definitely worth it. 

                            
 
               

As you can see, Montpellier has a fair amount of gluten free places. I definitely have not gone hungry since i've been here. I have experienced some of the best food (gluten free or not) here. Having my friends and family say these gluten free foods taste just like the real thing are testament enough! 

Have you been to Montpellier and been to any of these places? Do you know more gluten free places in Montpellier? Let me know!