Paris, France
Buttery, flaky and soft: the 7 best croissants in Paris
The guide to the 7 best croissants in Paris
Paris, the heart of culinary artistry and architectural splendour, invites you on a flaky, golden journey to discover its finest croissants. Walzing through the cobbled lanes of Montmartre to the posh streets of the 8th arrondissement, centuries-old baking secrets are unraveled. What truly defines the ideal croissant, you ask? It’s the perfect marriage of a crisp exterior, an airily soft core and the evocative aroma of fresh French butter infused mornings. So, for aficionados of exquisite design and gourmet experiences, join us on this Parisian pastry pilgrimage.
01
Stohrer
Sauntering through the bustling rue Montorgueil in the 2nd arrondissement? You’d be remiss to pass by Stohrer without a pause. Holding the title of Paris’s oldest patisserie, Stohrer’s been making mouths water since 1730, thanks to Louis XV’s own pastry chef, Nicolas Stohrer. While this spot is a legend for inventing the baba au rhum, what you’ll want to gossip about is their croissant: golden as a Parisian sunrise, with a crunch that echoes through the arrondissement and an inside as soft as a cloud. If you’re chasing authenticity paired with unbeatable French patisserie skills, Delicious is an understatement!
Stohrer
51 Rue Montorgueil
Paris
France
Photography courtesy of Stohrer
02
Du Pain et Des Idées
If you’re strolling through the artsy 10th arrondissement and have a hankering for a proper Parisian treat, look no further than Du Pain et Des Idées. With its retro-charm, this bakery feels like a loving nod to 19th-century Paris. Under the deft hands of baker Christophe Vasseur, croissants transform into a masterpiece: crispy on the outside, pure fluffiness within. It’s no wonder they’re often hailed as the city’s best. But don’t stop at the croissants; give their Pain des Amis a go. And while the pastries are divine, the neighbourhood vibe, bustling with artists and dreamers, truly makes the experience.
Du Pain et Des Idées
34 Rue Yves Toudic
Paris
France
Photography courtesy of Du Pain et Des Idées
03
Sain Boulangerie
Swing by Sain Boulangerie near the Canal Saint-Martin, where Paris’s croissant game just got a serious upgrade. Helmed by Anthony Courteille, a baker turned Michelin-star chef, this bakery screams authenticity with a dash of flair. Not only does he whip up the most divine croissants with that addictive crunchy crust and honey-toast aroma, but his repertoire also includes treats like lemon-dill meringue brioche. Popping in post a visit to Prieure Saint Martin des Champs? Brilliant. Dive into a hearty galette or a season-inspired sandwich and let’s not even start on the coffee! You’re in for not just a bite, but a whole Parisian experience.
Sain Boulangerie
15 Rue Marie et Louise
Paris
France
Photography courtesy of Sain Boulangerie
04
Brigat’
Located in Paris’s 4th arrondissement near Place des Vosges, Brigat’ is a beacon for croissant enthusiasts. Run by Italian brothers Lucio and Thomas Colombo, every bite transports you to a world where Italian zest meets Parisian flair. Lucio, with his diverse culinary background, crafts croissants that are delicate yet flavourful, with hints of hibiscus and kaffir lime. Meanwhile, Thomas serves unforgettable sourdough breads with Italian twists. Their small but cosy space, adorned with a few tables and a window bar, is the perfect corner to relish that buttery croissant magic, perhaps paired with a Nicolas Berger hot chocolate.
Brigat’
6 rue du Pas de la Mule
Paris
France
Photography courtesy of Brigat’
05
Boulom
Right in Paris’ bustling 18th arrondissement, Boulom bakery takes you on a trip to a traditional village bakehouse. With every bite, taste the legacy of ancient organic wheat, meticulously grown in Saint-Lon-les-Mines and ground by the only windmill in Landes. Their croissants? Absolute game-changers! This isn’t your usual patisserie – thanks to Matthieu Dalmais, desserts have a cheeky, gourmet restaurant spin. Think brunch but next level: freshly baked, innovative dishes in a lively (yes, sometimes noisy) setting. Dive into the eclectic brunch spread, and you’ll be echoing the sentiments of many: Boulom’s brunch is a Parisian revelation.
Boulom
181 Rue Ordener
Paris
France
Photography courtesy of Boulom
06
La Maison d’Isabelle
Smack in the middle of Paris’s 5th arrondisement, La Maison d’Isabelle isn’t just another bakery; it’s a crowning jewel with award-winning croissants that tantalise the senses. Think of a croissant so divine in its flakiness, chewiness and melt-in-the-mouth softness that it’s nothing short of a masterpiece. Isabelle’s croissants are crafted with artisanal flair. And it’s not just any butter that goes into these gems, but only the finest Charentes-Poitou AOC labelled butter. Earning such accolades in the bakery world? It’s like being knighted. Fancy a bite in the heart of Paris?
La Maison d’Isabelle
47ter Bd Saint-Germain
Paris
France
Photography courtesy of La Maison d’Isabelle
07
Gontran Cherrier
Stepping into Gontran Cherrier’s bakery, especially in the hip Montmartre district or the bustling 17th arrondissement, is like diving into a blend of Parisian tradition with a modern twist. The decor? Classic ceramics and wood with that modern flair we all crave. But it’s the croissants, golden and perfected from four generations of baking lineage, that steal the show. Gontran, a 4th generation baker and Ferrandi culinary school prodigy, infuses every pastry with his legacy and top-tier chef experiences. Whether you’re on a sun-drenched terrace in Saint-Germain-en-Laye or amidst the hustle of Gare Montparnasse, his creations guarantee a bite of Parisian perfection.
Gontran Cherrier
Gare Montparnasse
Paris
France
Photography courtesy of Gontran Cherrier
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