The most beautiful bakeries in Paris

While staying in Paris, it’s worth bearing in mind that you’re not only in the cultural capital of France but also in its gastronomic capital! And what would Paris be without its boulangeries (bakeries) on every street corner? If you want to experience the most beautiful bakeries in the capital, be sure to visit Au Petit Versailles du Marais in the 4th arrondissement, Des Gâteaux et du Pain in the 15th, Du Pain et des Idées in the 10th, and Liberté, which you can find in both the 10th and 17th arrondissements.

Au Petit Versailles du Marais: perhaps the best bakery in Paris

In the heart of the Marais, in the capital’s 4th arrondissement, is where you’ll find the Au Petit Versailles du Marais boulangerie, run by Christian Vabret, Meilleur Ouvrier de France. It’s a bakery but also a pastry shop and tearoom where you can sample various kinds of artisanal bread and pastries as well as enjoy daily specials. With its listed ceilings, plaster mouldings and wood panelling, the place is gorgeously opulent and officially part of the historical heritage of Paris. It’s long been a tourist attraction, both for the sumptuousness of its decor and the quality of its fare. Its regulars appreciate the weekend brunches of fresh petits fours, tapas, Cantal charcuteries and cheeses, fresh orange juice and Maison Richard hot drinks. Au Petit Versailles du Marais is understandably popular, so don’t forget to book!

Des Gâteaux et du Pain

Situated in the 15th arrondissement of Paris, Des Gâteaux et du Pain is run by baker David Granger and pastry chef Claire Damon. Here, you’ll delightedly discover over two dozen different types of bread, each with a unique taste, a unique aroma, textures that are dense or airy and, above all, rich in character. All are sourdough and made by hand in the purest boulangerie tradition. As to the pâtisserie, you’re sure to appreciate the dazzling array of delicious temptations on offer, each millefeuille, tarte au citron, mont blanc, religieuse and savarin seemingly more refined and irresistible than the last.

Du Pain et des Idées

This traditional bakery in the 10th arrondissement of Paris dates from 1875, but it was in 2002 that Christophe Vasseur, a self-taught baker, set up shop there. Most of the raw ingredients he uses are obtained from organic farming sources. Among the essential treats you’ll find in the shop, we’d certainly recommend the flan boulanger, chocolate-pistachio escargot, orange blossom brioche, fresh apple turnover and Christophe’s celebrated pain des amis.

Liberté

An innovation of the Liberté boulangeries is in offering customers the opportunity to see what they usually don't. The baking and pastry-making areas are open for you to gaze longingly into, making Liberté a treat for the eyes as well as the taste buds. The pastries are made with carefully selected artisanal butter, while the honey and fruits used in them are sourced from small organic producers.

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More information:

- Au Petit Versailles du Marais
- Des Gâteaux et du Pain
- Du Pain et des Idées
- Liberté

Hotel Marais Bastille, a 3-star hotel a few steps from Place de la Bastille