Christophe Artisan Chocolatier

Welcome to my completely unorganized but oh-so-helpful map of Charleston! An absolute smorgasbord of my own travels and research, suggestions from friends and strangers, and many treasures found along the way, this is where I compile all things Holy City for my future trips and yours. Things I particularly love that you’ll find a lot of: ☕️ Coffee shops & bakeries 🌮 Local cuisine 🏛️ Museums of all kinds 🌳 Gardens & parks 🛏️ Boutique hotels 🍕 Small regional chains with good reputations All my guides in this category are $5 per 100 places included, but since I add to these constantly, you can lock down the lowest price today and gain a lifetime access!

Where should I go for good French pastries in Charleston? As a Charlestonian who used to call Paris home, I get asked this question a lot. And while nothing hits like the first croissant fresh off a plane in Paris, there are some really great local, authentic options when it comes to French cafes and bakeries in Charleston. This is probably a combined result of Charleston and France’s shared history and the fact the Holy City is now a top foodie destination. Charleston’s French influence dates back to the late 1600s and early 1700s when a large group of French Huguenots fled France and settled in this area. This French influence is still apparent in the city of Charleston’s historic architecture, and there is still a beautifully preserved French Quarter downtown (featured in my hidden alley walking tour), which is where the majority of the best French cafes are located in Charleston. This is my curated list of the 5 best spots to enjoy authentic French pastries and soak up some authentic French ambiance while visiting downtown Charleston, South Carolina.