First things first…
Why I think chasing down the “best” boulangerie is a ridiculous quest:
Because there are so many!
One of my absolute pro tips for any service-type establishment is to look for relatively high reviews with relatively low ratings. For example, a bakery with 157 reviews and a 4.8 rating that's down the street from you is going to be a safe bet -- no need to trek across town to a bakery with 3,000 reviews and a 4.2 rating.
There are many contests for boulangeries (best boulangerie, best baguette, etc.) and winners will proudly display decals in their window. Even if they won a contest in 2006, or 2017, it's probably a great spot.
In short, there are myriad boulangeries out there, so while you CAN try to hunt down the best [insert favorite pastry here], you don't NEED to. Especially if you're short on time, or not overly picky, just go with your bustling neighborhood spot, like the locals do :)
Paris laws & customs:
Two main things to mention here.
1. The reason there are so many bakeries is because there is actually a law about the ratio of boulangeries to people! I'm trying to find the exact first-hand source of this, but multiple French friends have told me this!
2. It is not customary to eat in public in France while walking around. (Sitting on park benches and eating is OK; picnics in the grass are OK.) The one exception to this - because, you know, the French love their exceptions - is a fresh baguette. When you get a baguette, you are not only permitted - but essentially obligated! - to tear off the tip of it and eat it on the go. Just to test it :). You should not have a completely intact baguette by the time you arrive home.
💎 Gems 🥖
Boulangerie Polka
@hilaryinparis
This one is in regular rotation right now... everything is so good. The babka and cinnamon rolls are especially delightful.
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Tout Autour du Pain
@hilaryinparis
I used to live close by and would come here all the time. Only after I moved did I realize that people will go out of their way to come to this specific bakery - it is so good!
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Ernest & Valentin
@hilaryinparis
A great boulangerie with a pretty wide variety of options. There are two locations, one in the Haute Marais near Arts & Metier and one in central Paris near Hotel de Ville.
I was introduced to this boulangerie because our first apartment in the Marais was close, and the outside of the building is SO pretty and classic!
Then, we moved to central Paris and the second location opened up literally on our block - so safe to say, we've been there quite a lot! I was so happy to see it move in to our new neighborhood! (Fun fact: There was a Brioche Doree on our block when E&V moved in, and... the Brioche Doree didn't last long, lol).
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Boulangerie Utopie
@hilaryinparis
Always with a line out the door, you’ll understand why as soon as you step in. A truly unique assortment of goodies, including sesame eclairs and roules (“buns” is probably the closest translation), pain au chocolate with almonds and pistachio (delicious!), seasonally garnished brioche, and more. And, of course, melt-in-your-mouth croissants. Don’t forget to sample the bread by the cash register!
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➡️ Parisian Mini-Chains
The French Bastards - Oberkampf
@hilaryinparis
Five locations around Paris. Classic croissants and baked goods as well as mouthwatering pastries! Certainly feels a step above an average boulangerie, and some of their treat are super unique (like a chocolat roule aux pistaches).
Croissant Muffin: Interesting, not my fav. It has no texture of a muffin, just the shape. The croissant dough is a little thicker and tougher than a normal flaky croissant. If you want sugar crystals, I’d get the chouquettes instead.
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MAISON LANDEMAINE VOLTAIRE
@hilaryinparis
Five locations around Paris. You’ll see a line out the door on Sunday mornings!
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Bonus
Technically not a boulangerie, but this is a good spot to know about.
Stohrer
@hilaryinparis
The oldest patisserie in Paris! Definitely a touristy place because of this cool designation, but it's on a super cute street in Paris that I absolutely love, and worth stopping by if you love the sweet side of French baked goods.
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