Paris Boulangerie Must-Trys

Try the classics first!

Visiting Paris for the first time? Then you definitely have to try the classic croissant and iconic baguette!

How to order a real French baguette

You shouldn’t simply ask for a baguette. Instead, order a baguette tradition. Why? Because you’ll get the traditional baguette that Parisians eat every day, which is crustier on the outside and light and airy on the inside. A baguette tradition is made with only four ingredients: flour, yeast, water, and salt...so it has to be fresh!

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Pastries vs Viennoiseries

French people separate their pastries in two categories:

• Viennoiseries: pastries made with puff pastry, typically eaten at breakfast time.
• Pastries: cakes, tarts, choux… reserved for sweet treats and special occasions.

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Delicious Viennoiseries you will definitely love

The iconic Pain au chocolat : Almost as famous as the croissant, this pastry is made from the same buttery, flaky puff pastry dough, with two bars of rich dark chocolate hidden inside.

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The comforting Chausson aux Pommes : A puff pastry filled with apple compote. You could say it’s a French take on an apple turnover. Soft inside, yet flaky on the outside.

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The nostalgic Pain aux Raisins : A spiral-shaped pastry with custard cream (crème pâtissière) and raisins. It’s sometimes called escargot (snail in French), as its shape resembles a snail shell.

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The rich Kouign-Amann : A specialty from Brittany, on the West coast of France. It’s made with laminated dough, sugar, and butter. Caramelized and crisp on the outside, and deliciously tender inside.

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The indulgent Pain suisse or Torsade : Puff pastry filled with pastry cream and chocolate chips. The “Pain suisse” is shaped like a rectangle, whereas  the “Torsade” is twisted around itself like a braid.

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The light and airy Chouquettes : Small, airy puffs made from choux pastry, sprinkled generously with crunchy pearl sugar. They’re light and slightly sweet, and often sold by the bag. The perfect snack to share (or enjoy as a solo treat)!

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Pastries

Technically, the French don't consider pastries breakfast foods, but nobody's checking! Here are the ones you must try.

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The elegant éclair: Made with a long choux and filled with flavored pastry cream. The most classic flavors are chocolate, café, or caramel, but you can also find vanilla, strawberry or other flavors in some pâtisseries.

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The sophisticated Paris-Brest: A round choux pastry filled with praline cream. This pastry was created in 1910 to honor and promote a cycling race from Paris to the city of Brest, in the northwest of France, and back.

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The classic flan: A thick slice of creamy vanilla custard set on a buttery pastry crust, baked until golden on top. Simple, yet very precise to make, and very satisfying.

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The chic canelé: Originating from Bordeaux, a city in the South of France, these are small caramelized pastries with a custardy center, flavored with vanilla and rum.

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Local tip: Each boulangerie has their signature items — don’t be afraid to ask the shopkeeper for a recommendation!

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How to Order

Now that you know what to order, here's how you can order in a boulangerie. And don’t worry, you don’t need to speak French!

The most important thing is to start with a “Bonjour” and a smile when you walk in. It’s a small detail, but it shows respect and will always be appreciated.

After that, you can order in English and point to what you’d like. If you have any allergies or dietary restrictions, you can also ask for more information on any specific item. Most bakeries in Paris are used to travelers and will understand you just fine, nothing like Emily in Paris 😉

When you’re finished, just add a “Merci, au revoir!” as you leave. With just a handful of words, you’ll be able to order what you'd like.

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What is a “Formule” ?

In France, a formule is essentially a combo meal deal, with a fixed price. You will see it most often in restaurants, cafés, and bakeries. Instead of ordering à la carte (choosing single items), you choose a formule, where several items are bundled together at a fixed price. Don’t hesitate to ask the staff if you have any questions about what is included in the deal.

Local tip: At lunch time, a standard formule at a boulangerie might include a sandwich + drink + dessert for a set price. Perfect if you’re looking for a quick, affordable meal!

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Interested in a taking a sweet journey through France? Join Dayin on a Pastry Tour! Your guide will take you on a tasty walking tour, trying specialties from all over France, found in the heart of the Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood.

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Bon Appétit!

So now you know your way around a boulangerie! Whether it’s starting your morning with a warm croissant, sharing an éclair with a loved one in the afternoon, or grabbing a baguette for a picnic by the Seine, enjoying these treasures is one of the key ways to experience Paris and France.