So yeah, so far it’s been, ummm, challenging to eat gluten-free in the Paris. Part of it is I want to be like, “Come on people, just give me a steak without the au poivre, can you?” And then go find that magical gluten-free buckwheat crepe people have been talking about it.
My expectations were perhaps, a bit high.
But don’t feel sorry for moi! I just had gelato and coffee from a French press in my rented apartment in Montmartre. See?
Which brings me to vacation rule #1 for the gluten-free: If ice cream is what you want, ice cream is what you get. While technically what I wanted was a buckwheat crepe, or another amazingly delicious jambon et fromage omelette — but this time without the gluten — I settled for gelato stracciatella.
And here is vacation rule #2 which comes from my husband’s Aunt Mimi: If all else fails, enjoy a museum and a salad. Turns out, that’s exactly what I did yesterday and it was pretty danged amazing.
If you are ever in Paris you must hit the Musee D’Orsay. Without sounding like an art snoot, it truly has countless numbers of some of the most important paintings you will ever see. Also, it’s gorgeous up in there. I remembered it from my last trip to Paris, which was like, forever ago, and had to go back to get my Renoir on. Check out this one place I could actually take a picture at the Musee.
Very Hugo-esque, no?
Luckily, they also have delicious options for the gluten-free in the cafe. I had a filling, yet very fresh, salmon tartare salad with lentils. Mmm to the mmm-mmm. So far, best time EVER. Of course today, I’m going on a BOAT. So we’ll see how if that doesn’t knock my gluten-free socks right off.
Au revoir!
Gluten is my Bitch 
I totally abide by your #1 rule – I eat whatever I can get my hands on regardless of the time of day or what I’m “supposed” to be eating. I fully endorse your ice cream for breakfast!
OK…forget my comment on another post about how difficult it might be to be gluten free in Pareeee. I see you’re doing fine. Ahhhh Paris! Ahhhh! Musee D’orsay!!! Wish I had a salmon tartare salad right about now…
You are so lucky to be in Paris! Next time I go, I’m definitely heading on over to Helmut Newcake, a newish gluten-free bakery. If you haven’t heard about them, here’s a link to David Lebovitz’s article: http://www.davidlebovitz.com/2012/02/helmut-newcake-gluten-free-bakery-in-paris/. Oh, everything looks so good, and they sell some GF groceries as well! Have a wonderful time!
Helmut Newcake is closed for vacation!!! Believe me, I’m thinking it’s worth it to come back in September to check that out.
Oh no! So sad…
Your gelato looks delicious! Enjoy Paris 🙂
It’s always the right time for gelato!
Paris sounds wonderful, and living on good coffee, ice cream and fancy museum salad isn’t bad, but I’m going to try to track down the alleged GF croissants a friend of a friend raved about… It’s just not right to have zero pastry in Paris.
-Dana
Alas, the GF croissant was only a rumor, however my friend rec’d the closed Helmut Newcake and this crepe place (info below) hopefully it’s open!! -Dana
West Country Girl, a great place for GF crepes at 6 Passage St Ambroise, 75011 Paris
God bless you. Heading there NOW.
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