TRAVEL TIPS
Gluten-Free Adventures: Savouring Paris, Rome, and Athens Without the Gluten Worry
Stu J. | July 9, 2025
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For gluten-free travellers (and their ever-prepared parents), heading to Europe might seem like diving headfirst into a breadbasket. But don’t let the croissants, pasta, and pita intimidate you—cities like Paris, Rome, and Athens are packed with safe, gluten-free options. Whether you’re a student ready to explore or a parent wondering if gluten-free pizza is a myth (spoiler: it’s not), this guide will help you find worry-free eats in these iconic cities. Plus, with EF Educational Tours’ dietary support, you can enjoy every bite with confidence.
Paris: Gluten-Free with a Side of Chic
Think Paris is all about baguettes? Think again. The City of Light has embraced the gluten-free movement, offering everything from airy pastries to warm, crusty bread that rivals the real thing. Whether you’re wandering through the Marais, picnicking by the Seine, or admiring the Eiffel Tower, you’ll find plenty of delicious, gluten-free options.
Top Gluten-Free Eats in Paris
🥐 NOGLU – Nestled near the Palais-Royal in the 2nd arrondissement, this 100% gluten-free spot serves buttery, flaky croissants, gourmet sandwiches, and rich, indulgent desserts.
🧇 Café Mareva – Tucked away in the hip 10th arrondissement, this cozy café is known for its crispy gluten-free waffles topped with fresh fruit and its signature sweet potato toast (a 10-minute walk from Montmartre).
🥖 Chambelland – Found in the Oberkampf district, this artisanal boulangerie is famous for its rustic, golden-crusted loaves and delicate, melt-in-your-mouth pastries (steps from the Oberkampf Metro stop).
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Exploring Paris with EF Educational Tours?
EF Tours’ itineraries like Paris: The City Explorer or Paris & the Riviera include plenty of free time to explore the city’s neighbourhoods. Whether you’re grabbing a gluten-free pain au chocolat before a museum visit or enjoying a leisurely meal between sightseeing, you’ll have time to indulge in Paris’ best gluten-free bites.
Rome: Gluten-Free Pasta Paradise
Rome may be famous for its pizza and pasta, but Italians take senza glutine seriously. Many restaurants offer dedicated gluten-free menus, and some even have separate gluten-free kitchens to prevent cross-contamination. That means you can enjoy creamy carbonara near the Colosseum, a slice of crispy Roman pizza after a Vatican tour, and of course—gelato by the Trevi Fountain.
Top Gluten-Free Eats in Rome
🍕 La Soffitta Renovatio – Just steps from the Vatican, this traditional Roman trattoria offers a full gluten-free menu, from wood-fired pizzas with crispy, bubbly crusts to rich, decadent tiramisu.
🍝 Mama Eat – Nestled in the charming Trastevere neighbourhood, this lively spot has a dedicated gluten-free kitchen, ensuring that every pizza, pasta, and dessert is 100% safe for gluten-free travellers.
🥐 Sans de Blé – Located in the Testaccio area, this bakery serves gluten-free pastries that rival their wheat-filled counterparts, with buttery, golden layers that melt in your mouth.
Exploring Rome with EF Educational Tours
EF Tours’ itineraries like London, Paris, & Rome or The Ancient Mediterranean give you time to explore Rome’s cobblestone streets and uncover hidden gluten-free gems. Plus, EF works with restaurants to communicate dietary needs, making it easier to enjoy authentic Italian cuisine—gluten-free and stress-free.
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Athens: A Gluten-Free Greek Feast
Greek cuisine naturally lends itself to gluten-free eating, with grilled meats, fresh salads, and olive oil-rich dishes that are naturally wheat-free. Whether you’re enjoying a traditional souvlaki near the Acropolis or indulging in gluten-free baklava at a hidden gem bakery, Athens makes dining worry-free.
Top Gluten-Free Eats in Athens
🍽 Nice n Easy – Located in the upscale Kolonaki neighbourhood, this farm-to-table restaurant serves organic, locally sourced dishes with plenty of gluten-free options.
🥐 Ginger Ale – Found in the trendy Koukaki district, close to the Acropolis Museum, this gluten-free bakery is a hidden treasure for flaky pastries and warm, homemade bread.
🥗 Avocado – A short walk from the historic Plaka district, this vegetarian-friendly eatery offers creamy gluten-free risottos, hearty soups, and vibrant salads.
Exploring Athens with EF Educational Tours
EF itineraries like Athens & The Islands or Grecian Odyssey provide free time to explore Athens’ ancient streets and find gluten-free-friendly restaurants. Since Greek cuisine naturally includes many gluten-free dishes, dining here is often stress-free.
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Tips for Gluten-Free Travel Success
🌍 Know the Local Phrases
Being able to ask for gluten-free food is key:
Paris (French): “Est-ce que c’est sans gluten?”
Rome (Italian): “È senza glutine?”
Athens (Greek): “Eínai chó̱ris glouténi?”
🥾 Bring Snacks
A stash of gluten-free granola bars, crackers, or dried fruit is perfect for long travel days or sightseeing. Gotta keep nourished for city-exploring!
❗Communicate Your Needs
EF Tours helps travellers with dietary restrictions by notifying restaurants in advance. While EF can’t guarantee every meal will be gluten-free, students and parents can also connect with their Group Leader to confirm safe options. When in doubt, always double-check with restaurant staff—you’re the gluten-free expert, after all!
📍 Plan Ahead
Researching gluten-free-friendly neighbourhoods and restaurants before your trip can help maximize your free time. Apps like Find Me Gluten Free or Gluten-Free World can provide
up-to-date recommendations.
Gluten-Free and Ready to Explore
Travelling to Paris, Rome, and Athens as a gluten-free adventurer is not just possible—it’s delicious. So, pack your bags (and a few snacks), brush up on your gluten-free phrases, and get ready to savour every bite.
Let the adventure (and the eating) begin!
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