Avoiding garlic in France - possible or folly?

I hate garlic, although no intolerence, just a revulsion. It was not possible for me with my less than poor French to get around this so I just would switch plates with the husband. That said, France was probably easier to deal with than most other Med border countries I have been to. I found garlic in almost anything I bought in market stalls in southern France. Maybe it was garlic season :). Learn how to order better than me! Good luck and good breath!

Oh for crying out loud. Yes most of the World likes garlic but it's hardly in everything (although in Gilroy Ca you can get garlic ice-cream...not personally recommended lol). On a serious note my bother-in-law truly is allergic to all members of the Allium family, I mean seriously allergic. We've never had a problem anywhere in Europe ordering food "onion, garlic etc. free". Most menus are kinda obvious. He has a card in French/German/Spanish/Italian saying "allergy to onions and garlic - they will make me visit the hospital." You're going to have a wonderful time. There is nothing like that "first time in Europe" experience. April will be lovely if perhaps a bit rainy. You are going to have so much fun. I envy you that first experience of Europe.

Thank you! I'll have to practice that often!

I've noticed so far in my travels that the USA uses far more garlic than other countries in every "seasoned" dish. But never having been to France I just wasn't sure.

You may say (or write) "je suis allergique à l'ail, ce plat en contient-il ?" Remove the t of plat before listening with Google translate to get the right sound. Bon appétit!

Write or print it on a card. Unless you are fluent in French, that will avoid mis-interpretation or mis-understandings. The waiters should be helpful in recommending dishes sans garlic or warning you of a bad choice.