Raw Diet in Paris?

[JumpinJax]

I just found out that my company is sending me to Paris next month for a seminar. I am beyond thrilled! I've never been to Europe before, and I am so excited. I am worried about my raw diet while I am in Paris. I imagine a lot of wine, bread, and cheese.
Does anyone know if it's possible to continue the raw food diet in a city like Paris?

Thanks!

[calee]

How exciting that you're going to paris! Do you know where you will be staying? There are some wonderful markets in paris that will help you get the food you need. Salads are not always great in Paris and beware of the mayo that they mix into things. I think your best bet is going to be getting fresh food and eating before you go out. Over by the old Opera house you'll find Galeria Lafayette that has an incredible food court with the a market that is sooo gourmet you'll find fantastic fruits and veggies. If you're in the 5th Ar. you'll find Bon Marche department store also has a good food court, but nothing like the Galeria.

As a suggestion, you might want to make some coconut cookies, flax crax etc and pack nuts and dried fruits. I've been to Paris 4 times in the last 6 years and have to confess to not liking the food much. I was there last Thanksgiving when i was just starting to really dabble in Raw eating. I ate most of my meals in the Marais district because they have the best Falafels anywhere in the world. If you find yourself in cooked food for any reason, the Marais is the best place to go. At least you can stay vegan with healthy options.

Have fun!

[VeganVixen]

Wow, have fun!!!!!!
Yes I agree with calee , but if you go to an outdoor market -let the farmer or market person pick the produce for you,otherwise it can be insulting (also say which day its intended for -like today ,tomorow ect... - so she knows the peak of ripeness ) and if you veer off a little bit -dont sweat it -just enjoy yourself and experience france (and dont make food a BIG experience ,so many other things are more fun -like the Louvre!)

have fun have fun have fun have fun have fun have fun :D

[monkeyboy]

Hi Everyone,

Yes Calee is correct. Take her advice.

If you must, please take tours of a few vineyards.

Drink and enjoy.Drink a little more.

We can exchange notes.


Peace,

M.B.

[RawTruth]

<Oh, MonkeyBoy, here I thought you'd gone on the wagon in your absence from our little forum here. But ... no!>

JumpinJax --

I agree with the others, and Calee, especially, took the words right out of my mouth. You definitely can find fresh produce in Paris; after all, those proud chefs insist on beginning the with finest ingredients (it's just what they do with them from then on out that's criminal). And ... you're going at the peak of summer, so there will be a wonderful variety of fruits and vegetables.

I definitely second the notion of making and taking plenty of crackers, cookies, etc. I'd also take a jar or two of raw almond butter and a good knife and small cutting board, so you do easy preparations in your hotel room. Also, take a sheaf of zip lock baggies of various sizes ... for take-along snacks and for cut-up produce.

I love Paris, myself. I've only been twice but thoroughly immersed myself there both times. I was "only" vegetarian at the time, not raw, so I can't give you actual first-hand advice.

Maybe Alissa ... and some others who have traveled to Europe while raw ... can help you even more.

Also, here's a link to a forum for raw teenagers. If you scroll down (or do a Find in This Page search for the name sunshine9), you'll see a post from an 18-yr. old American who is living in Paris. Perhaps she can give you some very specific advice and referrals --

http://www.rawfoodsupport.com/read.php?f=13&i=17&t=17

Here is a guide to eating raw in Paris which is from late 2003, but you could always contact the writer for updates:

http://www.fresh-network.com/travel/raw_guides/paris.htm

At the bottom of this page is a listing of seven stores (one has dozens of locations) where you can buy organic produce and other items:

http://www.happycow.net/europe/france/paris/

And, finally, a place to read others' comments about veg dining in Paris and to post your own comments:

http://www.happycow.net/europe/france/paris/comments.htm

Okay. That's it for me. I just took a breath and realized you didn't really ask for all this. So, if I was presumptuous, just ignore me, okay?