The Ultimate Guide to Parisian Boulangeries
Best Baguettes, Croissants, and Parisian patisserie to try in Paris
Paris, the land of dreams and the city of light, maybe the town of delish Baguettes and Croissants too? Nonetheless, Paris has always made a great backdrop to a morning pain au chocolat or a lovely treat from artisanal bakers. Not only are the treats authentic but also embrace some quite creative techniques and cross-cultural flavors. It’d be a crime to miss out on the exceptional Parisian patisseries and if you’re looking to commit to the delicacies, we’ve got you covered in this article. Dive in and find out your crime station!
Utopie
Xavier Netry, the head boulanger at Utopie, took home the prestigious Paris Baguette Competition award last April, a testament to his skill and artistry. It's no wonder there are always long lines outside this small bakery, where his sourdough-based creations, made with a natural starter, have earned a loyal following. From the golden, perfectly baked baguette de tradition to the fragrant green tea loaves adorned with crispy puffed rice, his breads never disappoint.
Utopie is also known for its exceptional pâtisserie, offering bold and innovative flavors that excite even the most adventurous taste buds. A standout dessert is the sesame-lime creation: a smooth black sesame mousse resting on a buttery sable base, complemented by the zesty freshness of lime confit. It's a treat you won't want to miss!
20 Rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud, 75011 Paris, France
Brigat'
Chic yet minimalist, the Marais storefront embodies the global vision of two brothers of Italian descent, Lucio and Thomas Colombo. Every creation here is a perfect blend of elegance and technique, from the fragrant buckwheat-polenta bread to the jewel-like gâteaux made with meringue, strawberries, and chamomile. However, the true stars of the show are their inventive takes on levain brioche. The citrus-hued, buttery clouds with a delicate vanilla glaze are a must-try, as is the irresistible brioche feuilleté framboise, which boasts a crunchy, swirled top hiding a rich raspberry filling.
6 Rue du Pas de la Mule, 75003 Paris, France
Petite Île
Chih-ya Wang and Po-hsuan Chuang, a married couple from Taiwan, 2022 opened perhaps in the most stylish nook of Marais: Petite Île. This chic nook sells milky bread, rye bread, and assorted cross-cultural goodies. Try out the sourdough einkorn and rye loaves, along with some honeyed pain de mie milk bread no heavier than an air kiss along with the Japanese melon pan. Delve into the luxury of brioche with a crackly cookie crumb crust, and the pain au chocolat aux sésames, which is a ruggedly beautiful thing that delivers a vigorous crunch and a dense chocolate filling topped with black sesame. Another favorite is the puffy viennoiserie danoise, a riff on an almond croissant, oozing with caramelized praline and studded with various seeds on top, easily becoming the best food to eat in Paris.
8 Rue des Filles du Calvaire, 75003 Paris, France
Atelier P1
Atelier P1 offers a welcoming, neighborhood vibe where luxury takes a backseat to warmth and charm. The friendly staff greets you with a smile, eager to serve. It’s hard to choose just one option from their delightful selection—whether it’s the signature einkorn bread, fluffy levain focaccia, or the indulgent pain au praliné filled with rich gianduja hazelnut cream. Why settle for just one treat when you can enjoy everything from delicious vegan tomato tartlets on whole wheat to savory olive oil pastries?
157 Rue Marcadet, 75018 Paris, France
Les Copains du Faubourg
Step inside Les Copains du Faubourg, where the captivating sound of a working mill fills the air as it grinds rare wheat varieties, all meticulously crafted by baker-owner Gérald Auvrez. One of his crowning achievements is the feuilleté au seigle beurré, a rye-and-wheat puff pastry that combines the toasty richness of rye with the flaky buttery texture of a croissant—two years in the making. Be sure to arrive early to grab one! Also, don’t miss the baguette de tradition, subtly nutty and earthy thanks to the addition of barley, or the chausson aux pommes, a turnover filled with whole roasted apples and baked on a bed of brown sugar.
237 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine, 75012 Paris, France
Ten Belles
Since its inception in 2012, Ten Belles has been a beloved coffee spot in Paris. What started as a single location has now expanded to three, with its own baking facility producing signature high-hydration sourdough loaves. The ambiance, with its cool, design-forward atmosphere reminiscent of London or Brooklyn, makes the large, airy space in the 11th arrondissement a wonderful place to relax. Here, you can enjoy watching the bakers at work while savoring tiny, delectable quiches and perfectly crafted ham sandwiches made with focaccia, homemade mayo, and pickles. For coffee lovers, Ten Belles offers a fascinating selection sourced from small, independent growers, perfectly paired with their delicious roulé cannelle.
Ritz Paris’s Le Comptoir
Le Comptoir, located within the prestigious Ritz Paris, showcases the culinary creativity of pastry chef François Perret. Step into a refined space where you can unwind on a leather banquette, surrounded by stunning Bohemian crystal chandeliers. The bakery offers an exceptional selection of pastries, including seven varieties of glazed madeleines, reinvented croissants, and indulgent "cake shakes." A visit here is a must for anyone seeking a taste of Parisian pastry artistry at its finest.
38 Rue Cambon, 75001 Paris, France
Delmontel
Delmontel is celebrated for its artisanal breads, exquisite cakes, tarts, and pastries that combine traditional techniques with a modern flair. Guests are treated to a tempting selection of freshly baked millefeuilles, velvety éclairs, indulgent Paris-Brest, rich fraisiers, and vibrant framboise. Don't miss the Chocolate Macaron, which was honored as the Meilleur Macaron 2023 d'Île-de-France, making it a standout treat at this pastry destination.
Ladurée
Established in 1862, this iconic Parisian institution, known for its signature pastel green ambiance, has earned fame for its exceptional macarons and sophisticated tea rooms. The renowned Ladurée macaron, a delicate meringue shell filled with luxurious ganache, was created in the 20th century and has become a symbol of the brand. A visit wouldn’t be complete without sampling the macarons in delightful flavors like pistachio, rose, and salted caramel, along with their elegantly crafted millefeuille and éclairs.
Du Pain et des Idées
Last but not least eaten in Paris is the Du Pain et des Idées, undoubtedly one of the city's finest bakeries. Renowned for its commitment to traditional baking, this bakery uses natural fermentation and stone-ground flour to create its mouthwatering treats. Be sure to try the Pain des Amis, a robust and crusty loaf, the pistachio and chocolate-filled escargots, and the signature croissants, each bite more irresistible than the last.
34 Rue Yves Toudic, 75010 Paris, France