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.

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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

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. 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