Food and wine
5 Unmissable Bakeries in Paris
Are you looking for the perfect baguette, croquembouche, or croissant in Paris? Here are 5 places you can enjoy classic and modern French pastries.
18 September 2024
French cuisine is the very definition of carefully crafted and refined food. Its culinary arts are world famous and gourmets flock to France to experience authentic French cuisine in its home. It is perhaps the pastries that are the most recognized, and here there is no room for error.
The pastry chef must demonstrate patience and precision to meet expectations. The layers are thin and fluffy, and are rich and seductive in flavour, whether you're enjoying a baguette or a macaron.
Where to stay in Paris: Heritage, glamour and fine dining in the heart of City of Light
What is the difference between a boulangerie and a patisserie?
In our recommendations, we talk about both boulangeries and patisseries, but what exactly is the difference between these two?
A patisserie (confectioner's) refers to both a place where French pastries are made, as well as the classification of goods sold in the shop. Therefore, you can shop for pastries such as eclairs, macaroons and chouquettes at a pastry shop. The term patisserie is used loosely in large parts of Europe, but in France and Belgium you can only call yourself a patisserie if you are an authorised pastry chef.
A boulangerie is a French bakery that bakes bread on its premises. Here, you can find French classics such as baguettes and pain de campagne. It is often also possible to buy tins containing a variety of pastries, but these are not made in the shop.
There are over 30,000 (!) bakeries and pastry shops in Paris. Here are 5 recommendations for a successful dining experience:
Patisserie Stohrer, elder in Paris
If you want to sample the oldest pastry shop in Paris, you have to visit Stohrer. It was as far back as in 1730 that Louis XV's pastry chef, Nicolas Stohrer, first opened the doors of this cosy pastry shop. Try the baba au rhum, a cake soaked in rum and other delicious goodies, served with fresh berries and whipped cream. The cake was invented by Stohrer himself and has since been updated by Jeffrey Cagnes. Their Kouign-amann is also heavenly and should be tried.
Address: 51 Rue Montorgueil, 75002 Paris
Au Levain des Pyrénées, the best baguette in Paris
The baguette is perhaps the strongest gastronomic symbol of French baked goods. Every year, for over 30 years, a jury has voted Paris' best baguette. Participants must make the baguette by hand using only water, flour, salt and yeast. The winner for 2023 is baker Taieb Sahal, who is based in the bakery Au Levain des Pyrénées. The 37-year-old is originally from Sri Lanka but came to France 10 years ago. Winners receive a cash prize and an annual contract to deliver baguettes to City Hall, as well as to - perhaps most prestigiously - President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace.
Address: 44 Rue des Pyrénées, 75020 Paris
Luxury hotels in Paris
Stay in a French palace in the city of light
- September 18, 2024
Often called the “little Versailles”, this Parisian Grande Dame sits in a legendary, century-old, heritage building renovated in 2014, infusing cutting-edge modernity in a century of elegance, glamour and French history.
La Patisserie Cyril Lignac, a TV celebrity's bakery
Cyril Lignac is a well-known name in France. The chef regularly graces the nation's TV screens, and with over three million followers on Instagram, he reaches out to a huge audience. Lignac has a variety of restaurants as well as a chocolaterie and a pastry shop.
Where to stay in Paris: Heritage, glamour and fine dining in the heart of City of Light
Together with pastry chef Benoit Coustrand, he runs La Patisserie Cyril Lignax. Here, you can find beautiful creations, which taste every bit as good as they look. Try the signature Equinoxe, with salted caramel, vanilla, and nuts. The pastry shop is also not far from the Eiffel Tower, so it's the perfect place to stop by for some delicious sweets while discovering Paris.
Address: 9 rue Bayen, 75017 Paris
Boulangerie Moderne, Emily's meeting with Paris
Boulangerie Moderne was made world famous after the bakery appeared in the first episode of the Netflix series Emily in Paris. It was here that Emily enjoyed her first pain au chocolate, and where she has since returned to explore French pastries. The bakery was given a new lease of life following its recent celebrity status, serving both sweet and savoury pastries. Walk in Emily's footsteps and sample their pain au chocolate!
Address: 16 Rue des Fossés Saint-Jacques, 75005 Paris
Boulangerie Mamiche, worth the wait
Mamiche is run by a group of young, fervent locals and consists of two bakeries. There is always a queue outside Mamiche, but don't be intimidated. It is really worth the wait for the culinary experience that awaits. Cécile Khayat and Victoria Effantin are behind the popular bakery. Choose anything from the menu; it's almost impossible to be disappointed. If you're overwhelmed by all the options, our tip is to try the roule de jambon et fromage, babka, or pain de campagne.
Address:
45 rue Condorcet, 75009 Paris
32 rue du Château d'eau, 75010 Paris
Where to stay in Paris: three hotels near the best bakeries
The best start to a day in Paris is a walk to the bakery before the city wakes up. These three hotels are within walking distance of several of the bakeries in this article.
Picolo earns a small commission if you book through our links. It costs you nothing extra.
Hôtel des Grands Boulevards
Hôtel des Grands Boulevards: near Stohrer
A charming hotel in the 2nd arrondissement with a rooftop bar and a courtyard restaurant. Rue Montorgueil and Stohrer, the oldest patisserie in Paris, are a short walk away.
Book the hotel: See available rooms at Hôtel des Grands Boulevards
Le Pigalle
Le Pigalle: near Mamiche
A hotel with record players in the rooms and a lively neighbourhood outside the door. Mamiche and the other bakeries of the 9th arrondissement are within walking distance.
Book the hotel: See available rooms at Le Pigalle
Hotel Montalembert
Hotel Montalembert: the Left Bank
An elegant hotel in Saint-Germain, with the Latin Quarter and Boulangerie Moderne from Emily in Paris a short walk away.
Book the hotel: See available rooms at Hotel Montalembert
Frequently asked questions about bakeries in Paris
What is the difference between a boulangerie and a pâtisserie?
A boulangerie is a bakery that bakes bread on the premises, such as baguettes and pain de campagne. A pâtisserie is a pastry shop selling items like éclairs and macarons. In France only certified pastry chefs may call their shop a pâtisserie.
What is the oldest pastry shop in Paris?
Pâtisserie Stohrer is the oldest pastry shop in Paris. It was opened in 1730 by Nicolas Stohrer, pastry chef to Louis XV. Try the baba au rhum, a cake soaked in rum.
How many bakeries are there in Paris?
There are more than 30,000 bakeries and pastry shops in Paris. Picolo has picked five places where you can enjoy French classics and modern pastries, from the perfect baguette to croissants and macarons.
Where should I stay in Paris to be near good bakeries?
Stay in the 2nd or 9th arrondissement for easy access to Stohrer and Mamiche, for example at Hôtel des Grands Boulevards or Le Pigalle. For the Left Bank, Hotel Montalembert in Saint-Germain is a good choice.