Top 10 Bakeries (Boulangeries) in Paris: Peddling Dream-worthy Bread
Even visitors who aren't terribly food-oriented could not fail to be enthralled by a first encounter with a Paris boulangerie shop window. Despite the recent emergence of Starbucks outlets and "McCafés", Parisian boulangeries have managed to withstand globalization and mass production, by continuing to produce quality breads, pastries and cakes that are eye-catching, sumptuous, and often downright decadent. With one on virtually every corner, you will never go hungry for a chunk of crusty bread, but if you're looking for that extra-special baguette, we've put together a concise list of some of the best bakeries the city has to offer. Please note: If you're looking for a list of the best Parisian patisseries (pastries), make sure to consult this guide. The reason? Bakers tend to specialize in either bread or pastries, so you won't automatically find the best eclair at the same place as a top-notch baguette, and the same is true for the inverse case. Also make sure to read our fabulous tutorial on common breads and pastries found in Parisian bakeries, to learn how to identify and select these incomparable goodies like a local.
Address: 38 rue des Abbesses
Tel.: 33 (0)1 46 06 41 81
Metro: Abbesses
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Winner of the 2010 prize for Best Baguette in Paris, this prestigious bakery located in the heart of Montmartre is run by Michel Galloyer, a member of France's "Académie Culiniaire". The decor is appealingly rustic, with the breads and cakes strikingly presented. The almond and apricot bread is sublime, and the chocolate tarts are second-to-none. Breads are reasonably priced, while the individual tarts are slightly above average (3.20 Euros for a chocolate tart), but in this instance, worth the extra cents.More »
Tel.: 33 (0)1 45 48 42 59
Metro: Saint-Sulpice
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Established by Pierre Poilane in 1932, this bakery has stood the test of time. Son Lionel continues to bake bread in the original wood-fired oven. Sourdough bread baked from stone-ground flour is a specialty here, as are exquisite butter cookies. The unique online ordering system offers potential original gifts, or the chance to keep up your bread habit if your trip to Paris is temporary.More »
Tel.: 33 1 45 51 75 01
Metro: Ecole Militaire
Located on the prosperous and ultra-chic rue Bosquet, around the corner from the Eiffel Tower, Pain d'Epis has developed a name for its top-class baguettes and loaves, including its unique baguette royale made from mixed-flour dough. An impressive line of fougasse (olive oil-laced bread loaf with fillings) is also a draw card, with varying combinations including goat's cheese and sun-dried tomatoes, or goat's cheese and paprika.
Address: 166 avenue de Suffren
Tel.: 33 1 47 83 45 55
Metro: Denfert-Rochereau
Andre Lefort, the last living representative of this family bakery, is something of a wood-fired oven guru around Paris. He still oversees the running of the bakery, where organic flour is used and wood-fired cooking takes precedence. Bread favorites include the pain de campagne and the paresseuse sourdough baguette. The pain au raisins (fluffy custard-filled pastry with raisins) is also a must for any visit. Le Moulin de la Vierge has additional outlets in Paris' 7th, 14th & 15th arrondissements.More »
Tel: 33 (0)1 44 07 17 81
Metro: Maubert Mutualité
Three generations of Kaysers have established a number of bakeries across Paris, where they sell their unique variety of bread, comprising a mix of milk, hazelnuts and honey. The pain céréales (multigrain loaf) has a notably light and fluffy texture, and the raisin baguette makes for a perfect breakfast treat. Gourmet ready-made sandwiches and salads are a lunchtime feature at this Latin Quarter bakery.More »
Tel.: 33 (0)1 46 36 92 47
Metro: Jourdain
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Situated on lively rue de Belleville in Northeast Paris, Au 140 counts a list of awards to its name. The official supplier to the presidential palace in 2001, its baguette was named the best in Paris that same year. Talented baker Pierre Demoncy also earned the bakery second prize in Paris' croissant competition. Au 140 features a large selection of organic breads to choose from, which are worth the detour.More »
Tel.: 33 (0)1 53 01 91 91
Metro: Bastille
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Le Notre's window displays are an art form in themselves, and many a tourist can be observed staring longingly at the impeccably presented opéra (a dense chocolate cake) or fraisier (sponge cake with strawberries). Unfortunately for some, prices veer on the outrageous side (you can pay up to 50 Euros for a cake of four servings), but if you're out to impress or looking for something extra special, Le Notre will deliver. Top-quality foie gras and smoked salmon are also available.More »
Address: 73 boulevard de Courcelles
Tel.: 33 (0)1 46 22 20 20
Metro: Courcelles
Visit the website
Part of the revered Alain Ducasse group, this all-in-one bakery, restaurant and shop is the brainchild of the multi award-winning chef along with master baker, Eric Kayser. Their concept is to bring a contemporary element to traditional French-style baking. Breads on offer include pain aux figues (fig bread) and pain céréales. Gourmet soups, sandwiches, and desserts are also available, with pumpkin soup and rice pudding with vanilla and orange marmalade highly recommended.More »
Tel.: 33 (0)1 42 27 45 26
Metro: Ternes
Holding the title of best baguette in Paris for 2006, Jean Pierre Cohier is a legend in Parisian bakery circles. With his first bakery established in 1969, he has been bringing his breads to the city's residents since 1969. Aside from his famous baguette tradition, several other breads are on offer, along with a selection of decadent pastries.More »
 in Paris: Peddling Dream-worthy Bread: Le Grenier à Pain){kind=link}
1. Le Grenier à Pain
Address: 38 rue des Abbesses
Tel.: 33 (0)1 46 06 41 81
Metro: Abbesses
Visit the website
Winner of the 2010 prize for Best Baguette in Paris, this prestigious bakery located in the heart of Montmartre is run by Michel Galloyer, a member of France's "Académie Culiniaire". The decor is appealingly rustic, with the breads and cakes strikingly presented. The almond and apricot bread is sublime, and the chocolate tarts are second-to-none. Breads are reasonably priced, while the individual tarts are slightly above average (3.20 Euros for a chocolate tart), but in this instance, worth the extra cents.More »
2. Poilâne
Address: 8 rue du Cherche-MidiTel.: 33 (0)1 45 48 42 59
Metro: Saint-Sulpice
Visit the website
Established by Pierre Poilane in 1932, this bakery has stood the test of time. Son Lionel continues to bake bread in the original wood-fired oven. Sourdough bread baked from stone-ground flour is a specialty here, as are exquisite butter cookies. The unique online ordering system offers potential original gifts, or the chance to keep up your bread habit if your trip to Paris is temporary.More »
3. Pain d'Epis
Address: 63 avenue BosquetTel.: 33 1 45 51 75 01
Metro: Ecole Militaire
Located on the prosperous and ultra-chic rue Bosquet, around the corner from the Eiffel Tower, Pain d'Epis has developed a name for its top-class baguettes and loaves, including its unique baguette royale made from mixed-flour dough. An impressive line of fougasse (olive oil-laced bread loaf with fillings) is also a draw card, with varying combinations including goat's cheese and sun-dried tomatoes, or goat's cheese and paprika.
4. Le Moulin de la Vierge
Address: 166 avenue de Suffren
Tel.: 33 1 47 83 45 55
Metro: Denfert-Rochereau
Andre Lefort, the last living representative of this family bakery, is something of a wood-fired oven guru around Paris. He still oversees the running of the bakery, where organic flour is used and wood-fired cooking takes precedence. Bread favorites include the pain de campagne and the paresseuse sourdough baguette. The pain au raisins (fluffy custard-filled pastry with raisins) is also a must for any visit. Le Moulin de la Vierge has additional outlets in Paris' 7th, 14th & 15th arrondissements.More »
5. Maison Kayser
Address: 14 rue MongeTel: 33 (0)1 44 07 17 81
Metro: Maubert Mutualité
Three generations of Kaysers have established a number of bakeries across Paris, where they sell their unique variety of bread, comprising a mix of milk, hazelnuts and honey. The pain céréales (multigrain loaf) has a notably light and fluffy texture, and the raisin baguette makes for a perfect breakfast treat. Gourmet ready-made sandwiches and salads are a lunchtime feature at this Latin Quarter bakery.More »
6. Au 140
Address: 140 rue de BellevilleTel.: 33 (0)1 46 36 92 47
Metro: Jourdain
Visit the website
Situated on lively rue de Belleville in Northeast Paris, Au 140 counts a list of awards to its name. The official supplier to the presidential palace in 2001, its baguette was named the best in Paris that same year. Talented baker Pierre Demoncy also earned the bakery second prize in Paris' croissant competition. Au 140 features a large selection of organic breads to choose from, which are worth the detour.More »
7. Le Nôtre
Address: 10 rue Saint AntoineTel.: 33 (0)1 53 01 91 91
Metro: Bastille
Visit the website
Le Notre's window displays are an art form in themselves, and many a tourist can be observed staring longingly at the impeccably presented opéra (a dense chocolate cake) or fraisier (sponge cake with strawberries). Unfortunately for some, prices veer on the outrageous side (you can pay up to 50 Euros for a cake of four servings), but if you're out to impress or looking for something extra special, Le Notre will deliver. Top-quality foie gras and smoked salmon are also available.More »
8. Boulangepicier
Address: 73 boulevard de Courcelles
Tel.: 33 (0)1 46 22 20 20
Metro: Courcelles
Visit the website
Part of the revered Alain Ducasse group, this all-in-one bakery, restaurant and shop is the brainchild of the multi award-winning chef along with master baker, Eric Kayser. Their concept is to bring a contemporary element to traditional French-style baking. Breads on offer include pain aux figues (fig bread) and pain céréales. Gourmet soups, sandwiches, and desserts are also available, with pumpkin soup and rice pudding with vanilla and orange marmalade highly recommended.More »
9. Jean Pierre Cohier
Address: 270 rue Faubourg St-HonoréTel.: 33 (0)1 42 27 45 26
Metro: Ternes
Holding the title of best baguette in Paris for 2006, Jean Pierre Cohier is a legend in Parisian bakery circles. With his first bakery established in 1969, he has been bringing his breads to the city's residents since 1969. Aside from his famous baguette tradition, several other breads are on offer, along with a selection of decadent pastries.More »
 in Paris: Peddling Dream-worthy Bread: Like This? Check Out These Related Features){kind=link}
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