Vegan Folie’s

On the busy Rue Mouffetard, you have every quintessentially French shop that you could want, providing a perfect market experience. And then, well, there’s Vegan Folie’s. So not French, but so very welcomed. This all vegan, dairy-free, no-animal product bakery (they drive it home) produces very small quantities for a very niche population of Parisians and visitors who opt for vegan because, hey, even vegans deserve a pastry from time to time. Pastry enthusiasts may cringe at the idea, but you know what? It’s not half bad. Just don’t expect butter-free croissants and cream-less éclairs here – the bakers take an Anglo-American approach, with cupcakes, brownies, and cookies filling their tiny window.  The nutty brownie is gooey and rich. The cupcakes are equally surprising, moist and satisfying. Chocolate peanut butter, lemon, and carrot cake are among the offerings. And a buttercream without butter? The vegetal substitute wasn’t fooling anyone, but we’d go back for seconds. Somehow it all feels very guilt-free as well. A light sandwich and pastry for lunch will only set you back €6.50, best enjoyed in the nearby Arènes de Lutèce, as the tiny boutique has no seating. Just don’t wait too long if you really need your vegan cupcake fix – the shelves empty quickly and few varieties are left later on in the afternoon. While it may seem bizarre, clearly Vegan Folie’s is doing something right!