Best Bakeries and Patisseries in Paris

Du Pain et des Idées, at 34 Rue Yves Toudic, is highly regarded for its traditional breads and distinctive pastries like the pistachio-chocolate escargot. It opens Monday to Friday from 6:45 AM to 8 PM, and it’s worth arriving early to avoid long lines.

This bakery is particularly known for its ‘pain des amis,’ a loaf with a chewy crust and moist crumb that pairs well with cheese or charcuterie. The scent of freshly baked bread hits you as soon as you step inside. The pistachio-chocolate escargot, a spiral pastry glazed with sugar, combines a crunchy exterior and soft, nutty filling. The bakery’s interior has a vintage charm with tiled walls and wooden counters, making the wait more pleasant.

Du Pain et des Idées is located in the 10th arrondissement, about a 15-minute walk from Gare de l’Est station. After your visit, you can walk to Canal Saint-Martin for a stroll along the water.

Poilâne, at 8 Rue du Cherche-Midi, has operated since 1932, specializing in sourdough loaves and apple tarts. It opens daily from 7:15 AM to 8 PM and includes a small café area.

The bakery’s thick-crusted sourdough bread uses traditional methods and wood-fired ovens. Its nutty aroma and dense crumb suit sandwiches or butter. The walnut bread, loaded with toasted nuts, features another flavor. Their apple tart features thinly sliced caramelized apples on a buttery crust, crisp and scented with cinnamon and vanilla. The soft murmur of locals fills the café as patrons enjoy pastries with café au lait.

Poilâne sits in the 6th arrondissement, about 700 meters from Saint-Sulpice metro station. This area provides easy access for walking around Saint-Germain-des-Prés.

For more on traditional breads, see our guide to baguettes in Paris.

Boulangerie Utopie at 20 Rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud is open Tuesday to Sunday from 7 AM to 8 PM and is known for creative breads like squid ink baguettes and matcha croissants, with consistently high-quality textures.

This bakery takes a modern approach to baking. The squid ink baguette has a striking black crust with a subtle briny flavor, while the matcha croissant has a delicate green tint and a lightly bitter, sweet taste. The crusts are crisp, and the interiors soft and airy. Pastries here often feature seasonal ingredients or unexpected flavor combinations that challenge traditional notions of French baking.

Located in the 11th arrondissement near the Oberkampf metro, Boulangerie Utopie is a short walk from the lively Place de la République.

Ladurée at 75 Avenue des Champs-Élysées is open daily from 7:30 AM to 11 PM and is famous for its macarons and classic pastries like the Saint-Honoré, though prices are higher than average.

Walking into Ladurée feels like stepping into a lavish tea salon. The air carries a blend of almond from the macarons and rich butter from the pastries. Their macarons come in flavors such as vanilla, rose, pistachio, and salted caramel, each shell crisp and melting in your mouth. The Saint-Honoré pastry layers puff pastry with cream and caramelized sugar, offering a sweet and creamy balance.

Macarons cost around €2.20 to €2.80 each, while pastries like the Saint-Honoré range from €7 to €9. This location is ideal for a sit-down treat after seeing nearby landmarks like the Eiffel Tower or walking along the Champs-Élysées.

Maison Landemaine, with several locations including one at 26 Rue des Martyrs, is praised for its buttery croissants and wide selection of pastries, including vegan options. Opening at 6:45 AM, it’s a reliable stop for breakfast.

The croissants here are flaky with a golden crust and a soft, airy interior that melts on the tongue. Vegan choices such as almond croissants made with plant-based butter are available, catering to diverse diets. Their éclairs, filled with chocolate or coffee cream, have a smooth glaze and silky filling that complements the light choux pastry.

Maison Landemaine locations are scattered across central Paris, making it easy to fit into your walking route. One shop near the Sacré-Cœur is convenient if you are visiting Montmartre.

Blé Sucré, at 7 Rue Antoine Vollon, opens from 7 AM to 7 PM and is known for its madeleines and croissants, plus a quiet outdoor seating area great for morning coffee.

Entering Blé Sucré, you’ll notice the warm smell of caramelizing sugar and butter. The madeleines are golden with a slight crisp on the edges and a tender crumb inside, lightly glazed for sweetness. Their croissants have multiple flaky layers that peel away easily, revealing a soft interior. The bakery’s cozy atmosphere with a few tables outside provides a calm spot away from busy streets.

Blé Sucré is in the 12th arrondissement, a 10-minute walk from the Bastille metro station.

Le Grenier à Pain, located at 38 Rue des Abbesses, is open daily 7 AM to 8 PM and has won awards for its baguettes, which have a crisp crust and soft crumb, plus excellent tarts like lemon meringue.

This Montmartre bakery’s baguettes have a golden, crackling crust that shatters slightly when bitten, revealing a light, airy interior with a faintly nutty aroma. Their lemon meringue tart balances tart lemon curd with a fluffy, lightly toasted meringue topping. Friendly staff make for a welcoming visit, and it’s an ideal place to pick up lunch before walking to the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, about 350 meters away.

For more about baguettes, check our detailed baguette guide.

Pierre Hermé at 72 Rue Bonaparte, open from 10 AM to 7 PM, is known for artistic pastry creations like the Ispahan, combining rose, raspberry, and lychee. Prices are premium but reflect high craftsmanship.

The Ispahan looks almost like a floral sculpture with pale pink hues. Its tartness from raspberries and floral notes from rose water create a delicate and layered flavor. The shop feels modern yet inviting, with glass displays showcasing colorful pastries. Hermé’s attention to detail extends from the appearance to the texture; each bite is smooth and balanced.

Pierre Hermé’s shop is close to the Saint-Germain-des-Prés area, making it easy to combine with a walk along the Seine.

Pain de Sucre, at 14 Rue Rambuteau, is open Wednesday to Sunday from 9 AM to 8 PM. It serves a selection of tarts and éclairs, including caramel éclairs praised for their rich, buttery flavor and smooth texture.

The caramel éclairs have a shiny glaze and a custard filling that is both creamy and slightly salty, complementing the delicate choux pastry. The bakery’s atmosphere is relaxed, with soft music and the faint scent of vanilla filling the air. It’s a good option for afternoon sweets after visiting nearby attractions like the Centre Pompidou.

Pain de Sucre is a 5-minute walk from Rambuteau metro station.

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