Advice for a year abroad in Italy and France as a coeliac?

Question

As part of my university course I'll be spending a year in Italy and France, and I'm concerned as to how my diet will be affected. I'm also vegetarian, which is another consideration. I don't know where I'll be staying as of yet, but if I stay with a family, I'm worried they may take offence if I can't really eat any of their cooking.

I'd just like general advice of what I can eat, what to ask for, if there are any wheat free places in either country, whether any shops sell specialised products, etc.

Thanks very much!

Answer 1

In Italy this condition is quite common, you can find gluten-free foods in most supermarkets. Even gluten-free pasta, pizza and gelato.

Answer 2

What an opportunity!!!  I have a few ideas that I hope will help.  First of all, get yourself a translated card that describes celiac and what you can't eat.  There are some available commercially and you will have to add the part about being a vegetarian.  You need to let the family you are staying with know ahead of time so they can opt out if your diet will be to much for them.  Next, take some gluten free comfort food with you to help the first week or so while you get oriented.  Also, get some websites that will ship to Italy and France that you can order things from.  

The food is good and I would hope that you can get through the languages to enjoy what you can of it.

Good luck!!!