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But that’s okay.
Dessert is the crème de la crème of life. It’s why we should eat it first, as to not spoil it after getting too full from a vegetable and braised duck dinner. It’s also why it’s okay to basically eat dessert in pastry form for breakfast. If it’s the first thing you eat in the morning, how could your day possibly go wrong? That’s why Paris boasts some of the world’s best patisseries and boulangeries, so everyone can start their days right with a baby cup of espresso and a warm croissant.
If it isn’t warm and full of carbs, send it back. Life’s too short to not enjoy the little things that make your clothes fit a little more snug.
Let’s also not forget about the Parisian must have: baguettes. It’s common to eat a whole one for a single meal (don’t fret, we share! Well… sometimes). I mean, how could I stop myself from devouring that crisp exterior and fluffy center? Just thinking about the crust crackling gets me jazzed, especially when I can pair it with a variety of pungent, yet delectable cheeses. I better start apologizing to my scale now for all the extra weight it’ll soon have to handle.
So while this list could literally go on forever with every last patisserie and boulangerie under the Parisian sun, here are a smattering worth your trip and wallet.
This boulangerie prides itself on providing a short, but infamous range of bread and pastries, focusing on organic and ancestral materials to make the best tasting and most healthful items. Among the most popular treats are the chocolate-pistachio escargot (don’t be alarmed, this is not made of snail) and chausson aux pommes.
34 Rue Yves Toudic, 75010 Paris, France
Founded in 1730 by the pastry chef of King Louis XV, it’s said to be the oldest patisserie in Paris. And you best believe that some of the oldest recipes are truly the best with time and tradition on their side. They are also the birthplace of the baba au rhum, a tipsy little yeast cake saturated with a hard liquor syrup (usually rum).
1 Rue Montorgueil, 75002 Paris, France
As a 2003 French Dessert Champion, Hugues Pouget opened his own patisserie in 2010 after having a successful debut with many prestigious Parisian palaces such as Carlton and Le Bristol. This shop is committed to only use products that are in season, bringing you fresh and environmentally friendly treats. His Nature macaroons pop with color from fruit and vegetables powders, so you can munch on them sans food coloring overload. The only thing you might get is a sugar overload, but that’s worth it.
40 Boulevard Raspail, 75007 Paris, France
If you’re still obsessed with the charcoal food craze (hi, yes, we recognize you here), you might want to pedal that bike on over to this boulangerie. They have a jet-black charcoal activated baguette just dying to be on your Instagram profile. If you’re not interested in turning your teeth and tongue black, they’re most popular for their roulé au sésame, a more savory concoction to give you a break from the super sweet. Check out their Instagram for some delicious content.
20 Rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud, 75011 Paris, France
Just because it’s a gluten-free bakery, doesn’t mean it doesn’t give regular ones a run for their money. Just think, it’s survived in an ocean of world-renowned, fully-gluten (and bloat-city, hello!) boulangeries, so you just know they bake things right there. Instagram tastiness is just one click away.
14 Rue Ternaux, 75011 Paris, France
As a boulangerie known for their chausson aux pommes, some might write off the apple turnover as a low-tier pastry because it seems basic, but let it be known they are fabulous. Plus, the simplicity doesn’t leave room for confection froufrou to distract from poor execution. And just think, it’s got all the components of apple pie, but French which obviously makes it about a thousand times better.
63 Boulevard Pasteur, 75015 Paris, France and 89 rue du Bac, 75007 Paris, France
At Poilâne, the best grab of the day is a bag of sablés. These buttery biscuits (shortbread’s twin!) go perfect with practically everything, but many prefer to dunk them in a cafe au lait. This is the Parisian equivalent to Oreos in milk, and we’re 100% here for it.
8 Rue du Cherche-Midi, 75006 Paris, France