For years, I have been hunting for the best croissant in Paris, initially starting in a blog post titled “The Paris Agenda.” It took a lot of research, and I tried many more croissants than I imagined I ever would. This is my opinion, so your favorite croissant may not have made my list, but feel free to comment below and share.
While working on my “research” of taste-testing croissants, I wanted to develop specific criteria. I prefer my croissant buttery, flakey, and not too dry. Flakes should land on your lap or table when you are enjoying the perfect croissant in Paris. You can order your croissant at a boulangerie like your baguette, either bien cuite (well cooked) or pas trop cuite (not too cooked).
I asked a few of my Parisian friends for their favorite croissants in Paris. While I did get the insider tips, they asked me not to tell! Not everyone shares their favorite boulangerie. It is something that is held sacred.
Here are a few pointers when seeking out a good croissant in Paris.
1. Make sure you order a croissant au beurre. The other option is croissant ordinaire. You will be able to tell a difference just by looking. The big difference is in the taste. A croissant ordinaire is made with margarine. Notice the shape between the two different croissants.
2. Time of Day. Be mindful when you are ordering your croissant at the Boulangerie. I have had lousy luck at 6 am and much better luck around 9 am for a warm, fresh one right out of the oven. It makes all the difference! You can also try around 4 pm during the children’s goûter hour. If you order a croissant around 11/12, they will most likely be more dry from sitting out for a few hours.
I originally came here for the carbon baguette on the recommendation of my friend Jane from La Cuisine Paris. Initially, I ordered a few croissants, not even thinking they would be added to the list. After one bite, I knew they were the real deal and had to be added to the list! It is located in the 11th arrondissement close to République, or you can take the Oberkampf metro. Try the carbon baguette and the croissant if you are there. They have so many great options for breads and pastries. You can see this great post on the boulangerie here.
This boulangerie is a bit out of the way from central Paris if you are visiting for your first time. If you want something off the beaten path, I highly recommend discovering Mamiche. Aside from their incredible croissants, they offer sandwiches, breads, cinnamon rolls, and Babka.
You can turn your visit into a croissant crawl with Du Pain et Des Idées just around the corner and Buddy Buddy for a great coffee.
My first visit to Blé Sucré was over five years ago. I happened to be in the neighborhood on my most recent visit and was able to pop in for a pain au chocolate and a croissant. They held up to the test years later.
I have heard about Blé Sucré for a while but never made it there until this trip. It is very close to the Aligre market so you can stop here before or after. The dough is sweeter than most croissants in Paris, but this makes it unique. I would love to try one warm, which I have yet to do. They sell out very early on a Saturday and had no plans to make more, so keep this in mind when scheduling your visit. A week day may be a better time to try this boulangerie.
This is a must-visit! Du Pain et Des Idées are known for their escargot croissants, which have various flavors such as pistache chocolat, praliné, and fruit rouge. Over the month, I tried a few different croissants. They were all delicious and very flakey. Sit outside and enjoy the croissants on the bench or take them to go. The bakery just started serving coffee, but you can also pop by Holy Belly for takeaway. Recently, Du Pain et Des Idées now has a walkup window on the side. You will find long lines here as it is now written up in a lot of guide books and blogs.
Please Note: They are closed on the weekend, so plan accordingly.
I have talked about this boulangerie a lot over the years. I stumbled upon it on my walk back in 2013, and the lines were out the door, so I had to try it. I have been going ever since. I believe the ownership has changed over the years, but I haven’t noticed a change in the quality of items. I love their torsadee baguette. The brioche with pralines is divine along with the croissants.
This is a boulangerie I always brings friends and family to when we are in Paris. It’s close to Place des Vosges and a great stop before or after the Bastille Market.
I discovered my favorite pain au chocolat in 2012 when I was in Montmartre. Le Grenier à Pain, 38 Rue Des Abbesses (closed Tuesday and Wednesday). I still pop in when I am in the neighborhood, and it still holds up. I think they are more on the bien cuite side with their baking, you will see this with their baguettes too.
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