My experience of being plant-based in France has often left me lost in translation with a plate of suspiciously creamy pasta or an empty buttered baguette. The thought of omitting both meat *and* dairy from our daily diets is beyond comprehension for the fromage, crème et charcuterie lovers. However, in recent years as the movement has gained momentum (and many unsuspecting anchovies have been returned to the kitchen) the sacred “V” and “VG” have slowly but surely found their way onto the menus of la cuisine française. This year we put the restaurants of Moliets-Plage to the test so you can rest assured there will be more than just a side of fries and a green salad on the table after a day of surf!
5. Pizza Lolo’s
When it comes to choosing food after countless hours of exhausting all energy in the ocean, 9 times out of 10 the group decision will be PIZZA. Fear not, Pizza Lolo’s offers the Naturalia overflowing with onions, artichokes, peppers, aubergines, mushrooms and olives on a crispy tomato base. Ask to switch the mozzarella with banana (trust me on this one) and have your pizza-topping traditions altered forever.
Budget: €€
Portion size: XL
Taste factor: 4/5
4. Tiou Bowl
If you’d rather something a little lighter, Tiou Bowl have your nutrition needs covered. A beach-side selection of poké bowls and tartines make for a great bite à emporter on your way to watch the sunset from the top of the sand dunes. Le Tiou bowl is a personal favourite: a base of quinoa hidden beneath a colourful layer of sweet potato, avocado, chickpeas, carrots, edamame, red cabbage, cherry tomatoes and crispy onions drizzled with a deliciously sweet mango sauce (be sure to flash a smile and ask for extra – it’s the good stuff!).
Affordability: €€
Portion size: M
Taste factor: 3/5
3. La Cagette
If the beautiful decor doesn’t catch your eye, the food faite maison will sure enough wake your taste buds. A cozy family-run restaurant in the heart of town, La Cagette is one for special occasions. With just a handful of fresh dishes to choose from and a “no microwaves and nothing frozen” policy, you won’t be let down by the Assiette Végétarianne: a huge portion of seasonal vegetables and fragrant spices stirred into a creamy coconut sauce on a bed of rice. A small place and even smaller menu compensated by a huge appreciation for their food and customers, La Cagette is worth those extra euros. Be sure to arrive when they open at 19h as they don’t take reservations.
Affordability: €€€
Portion size: XL
Taste factor: 5/5
2. AmaZone Café
A trip to the tropics on the south-west coast of France, AmaZone Café is where you’ll visit to relax in the shade of a palm-tree. Navigating the jungle of plants for a barista-style oat-milk coffee, your eyes will undoubtedly be drawn to the window display of plant-based treats, build-your-own bagels and sweet & savoury waffles. Come here for brunch and thank us later.
Affordability: €€
Portion size: M
Taste factor: 4/5
1. Chez Les Amis du Star Surf Camps
If you can’t quite decide between the above restaurants and cafés (or if you’ve managed to visit them all) the best guarantee of a mouthwatering, hunger-satiating meal is with none other than friends of Star Surf Camps. Grab a bag of coal, chip in €5 each, light up those campsite BBQs and get chopping! With the contribution of hands from all over the world, you may find yourselves creating some noteworthy recipes.
Affordability: €
Portion size: XXXL
Taste factor: 5/5
And if there is any room left by breakfast the next day, Le Fournil d’Oliver bakery make unbeatable vegan croissants and pain au chocolat. I recommend paying them an early morning visit for that fresh-out-of-the-oven first bite. That’s the way to start your surfing day!
