Picture yourself in the heart of France, surrounded by the intoxicating aroma of fresh croissants wafting through the air. For those daydreaming about French pastries and to-die-for desserts, “24 Hours of Only French Bakeries: What to Order and Where” is your indispensable guide.
From legendary establishments dripping with history to modern taste havens pushing culinary boundaries, this guide will direct you to irresistible flavors that truly awaken your senses.
10 Bakeries to Eat at While Traveling in France
Did you know that learning French makes it easier to enjoy exotic foods while traveling? Immerse yourself in French language learning before you ever step foot into these bakeries.
1. Ritz Paris Le Comptoir
Auguste Escoffier established the Ritz Paris over 120 years ago, and it still stands today thanks to the incredible pastry chefs who work there. Its gorgeous orange walls and white countertops make the space feel just as rich as the pastries François Perret will serve when you arrive.
The signature at the Ritz Paris is the madeleines, but they sell out really quickly. If you don’t make it in time, try one of the cake shakes of the cake marbré; just not all at once!
2. Pâtisserie Gilles Marchal
Named after pastry chef Gilles Marchal, this independent pastry shop is warm, inviting, and compact. You have to be an incredible chef to survive on name recognition alone, and Marchal is one of those artists. His pastries are particularly loved and desired by Asian travelers.
Marchal is known for his madeleines (in grand cru dark chocolate and lemon zest flavors), cookies, sablé, and galette des rois, the latter of which is only available in January!
3. Stohrer
The Stohrer boutique is a cute little bakery that’s possibly one of the oldest in Paris. The founder, Nicolas Stohrer, was good enough to supply King Louis XV with delectable pastries. This bakery sits on rue Montorgueil, so you’ll be able to do a lot of shopping while there.
Stohrer isn’t known for any one thing, but they make plenty of delights for a decent price. We recommend you try the lemon tarts, baba au rhum, black forest cake, and chocolate éclairs.
4. La Pâtisserie Cyril Lignac
La Pâtisserie Cyril Lignac is technically multiple shops, but this shop is where you’ll find the cakes and breads. This sleek, modern, and compact bakery includes a lot of well-priced morsels, especially when you consider the high quality of each pastry and baguette.
You can find all of Cyril Lignac’s signature creations here, but we recommend the focaccia stuffed with sundried tomatoes, brioche, chocolate marble cake, and the famous Equinoxe.
5. Du Pain et des Idées
Du Pain et des Idées is known as one of the best bakeries in France, and has held that moniker since the late 19th century. If you look above your head while inside, you’ll see a beautifully painted glass ceiling. The breads and pastries are just as gorgeous as the shop’s interior.
The pain des amis, mini-pavés, and escargot pastries (doesn’t include real snails!) are to die for. Be sure to choose your selections quickly, as the line is long at Du Pain et des Idées!
6. Boulangerie Chambelland Oberkampf
If you have a gluten allergy or celiac disease, then don’t hesitate to stop at Boulangerie Chambelland Oberkampf. Inside Chamberland, you’ll find an earthy decor and vintage furniture from the 50s and 60s. This bakery is proof that gluten-free is just as good as its counterpart.
Once there, go for iconic favorites like tartlets, cookies, cakes, and choux pastries. We want to warn you that gluten-free doesn’t come cheap in Paris, so be prepared to break out that wallet!
7. Bontemps La Pâtisserie
Bontemps La Pâtisserie is just as cute inside as it is outside. Known as the ‘Dollhouse of Pastry Shops,’ this establishment led by Fiona Leluc has everything a tea and pastry enthusiast could hope for. While ideal for takeaway, you can eat some of her treats at a nearby park or bench.
There’s so much good here that it’s hard to pick, but we recommend the mini shortbread and heart-shaped sandwiches, those large sharable tarts, and the incredibly rich hot chocolate.
8. Maison Aleph
Created by pastry chef Myriam Sabet, Maison Aleph is a Parisian favorite. Maison Aleph specializes in Levantine pastries as a nod to Sabet’s Syrian heritage. She effortlessly combines techniques from France and Syria to create incredible eats that are truly something special.
Try her signatures Nids, 1001 Feuilles, Iranian pistachios, or sesame halvah. You could also try her freshly made ice creams, sweet spreads, chocolate bars, and Damask rosewater syrup.
9. Des Gâteaux et du Pain
Take a walk inside Des Gâteaux et du Pain, and you’ll instantly notice how close the interior resembles a boutique. Every pastry is lined up behind glass like it’s a piece of jewelry. As Claire Damon’s flagship bakery, you’re guaranteed to bite into the most flavorful treats and breads.
One of the shop’s best sellers is the green absinthe tart, but if you get there early enough, you need to try the chausson aux pommes. We recommend indulging in the breakfast pastries.
10. Pâtisserie Yann Couvreur
Yann Couvreur, a former pastry chef at the Prince de Galles Hotel, is now world-famous thanks to his incredible talent. In his signature shop, only 50 pastries are made daily. But his treats are more than worth the long wait. Plus, you get to marvel at the pâtisserie’s interior while you do.
His menu changes daily, but if you’re lucky enough during your stay, you’ll be able to try his ready-made roulés, stunning éclairs, and his signature deconstructed millefeuille.
In Conclusion…
To all bakery lovers seeking the quintessential French culinary experience, there’s no excuse not to embark on this 24-hour French bakery tour. It’s time to journey into the heart of France through an array of pastries and bread like never before. So dust off those passports!