Paris is a city that thrives on the simple pleasures of life: a flaky croissant, a rich cup of coffee, and the timeless charm of its streets. During my visits, I’ve had the joy of exploring some of the city’s finest bakeries, discovering croissants that melt in your mouth and cafés that serve espresso as though it’s a work of art. Here’s my guide to the best bakeries in Paris where you can savor the quintessential pairing of croissants and coffee.
If you are taking a trip to the south of france during your stay, make sure you check out my South of France Itinerary for the best spots.
1. Du Pain et des Idées
Address: 34 Rue Yves Toudic, 75010 Paris
This charming bakery is as picturesque as its offerings. Famous for its escargot pastries (spiraled like a snail), the buttery croissants here are divine. Pair it with a café crème, and you’ll understand why locals and tourists flock to this gem and why it is known as one of the best bakeries in Paris.
Pro Tip: Arrive early—their croissants sell out fast!
2. La Maison d’Isabelle
Address: 47ter Boulevard Saint-Germain, 75005 Paris
Known for its award-winning croissant au beurre (butter croissant), this bakery is an essential stop for pastry lovers. The buttery layers are perfectly crisp, making it the ideal partner for a strong espresso.
Must-Try: The almond croissant is an elevated twist that’s worth the indulgence.
3. Blé Sucré
Address: 7 Rue Antoine Vollon, 75012 Paris
Nestled near the Square Trousseau, Blé Sucré is renowned for its sugar-glazed croissants that strike the perfect balance between sweet and savory. Grab your pastry to-go and enjoy it in the park with a cappuccino.
Perfect Pairing: Their house-brewed coffee elevates the experience.
4. Poilâne
Address: 8 Rue du Cherche-Midi, 75006 Paris
While Poilâne is more famous for its rustic breads, their croissants are equally exceptional. This bakery brings a unique twist with slightly denser pastries, making them perfect for dipping into your coffee.
Don’t Miss: Their chausson aux pommes (apple turnover) is a delight.
5. Pierre Hermé
Address: Multiple locations across Paris
Famed for his macarons, Pierre Hermé also crafts croissants that are an art form. The Ispahan Croissant, infused with rose, lychee, and raspberry, is a standout treat paired with a rich latte.
Luxury Experience: Pierre Hermé’s pastries are more expensive but worth every euro for the experience.
6. Pain Pain
Address: 5 Rue de la Pierre Levée, 75011 Paris, France (multiple locations)
Pain Pain offers buttery croissants and delicious pastries, all made with a perfect balance of French tradition and modern flair. Their signature treats, like pain au chocolat, pair wonderfully with expertly brewed coffee or rich hot chocolate.
Ambiance: The cozy, inviting decor creates the perfect setting for a leisurely morning or a quick pastry stop, making it one of the best bakeries in Paris.
Essential Tips for Your Paris Bakery Crawl
- Go Early: Parisian bakeries bake fresh every morning, and the best croissants are often gone by mid-morning.
- Pack Smart: A reusable travel coffee cup is a lifesaver when you want to sip as you stroll. Try the YETI Rambler Mug for its durability and insulation.
- Bring a Tote Bag: For carrying extra pastries, a chic tote like this Woven Bag Tote is a must.
- Take a Journal: Capture your thoughts, favorite spots, or sketch your pastry finds with this Moleskine Classic Notebook.
Travel Essentials:
- Portable Phone Charger: Stay powered throughout your bakery crawl. The Anker PowerCore 10000 is a compact, reliable charger perfect for travel.
- Stylish Travel Backpack: The Nomatic Backpack is sleek, functional, and has ample space for your essentials and bakery finds.
- Reusable Water Bottle: Hydration is key on any food crawl. The Hydro Flask Water Bottle keeps your drinks cold for hours while looking chic.
To Remind You of Paris:
- Coffee Grinder: For those who love fresh coffee at home, a Hario Skerton Plus Ceramic Coffee Grinder lets you grind beans just like the cafes in Paris.
- Pastry Brush: A Silicone Pastry Brush is perfect for glazing your croissants or making homemade pastries once you’re back from Paris.
- French Press Coffee Maker: Elevate your coffee game with this French Press.
Paris-Inspired Kitchenware:
- Le Creuset Cast Iron Dutch Oven: A must-have for French-inspired cooking at home, from braising meats to baking bread.
- French Rolling Pin: For home bakers, this French Beechwood Rolling Pin is ideal for creating perfectly rolled dough for croissants or tarts.
- Paris-Themed Apron: Get in the French baking mood with a Parisian Apron featuring charming designs of the Eiffel Tower and croissants.
Why Parisian Bakeries Are Unmatched
Paris isn’t just a city; it’s an experience. These bakeries are more than just places to grab a snack—they are cultural institutions that showcase the artistry of French baking. Whether it’s the crisp crackle of a croissant’s first bite or the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, each stop on this list promises a moment of pure Parisian bliss. And remember– while these bakeries are truly remarkable in terms of quality, you will find that wherever you are staying in Paris you can find a neighborhood boulangerie with fresh croissants and baguettes that are always delicious. You don’t need to travel far to get an authentic parisian boulangerie!
Bon appétit and happy travels!
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