Paris vs New York: Which is the Greater Megacity?
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If you’re anything like me, you spend the time leading up to your next trip, daydreaming about all the delicious local foods you want to try.
When I think of Paris, one of the first images that pops into my head is their delicious, buttery light on the inside, crisp and flaky on the outside croissants.
Okay, that and champagne, macarons, baguettes, and obviously cheese.
But seriously, who wouldn’t love a warm, fresh croissant, especially one made in Paris?
Croissants have always been one of my favorite breakfast pastries, especially when in France (trust me, they’re better there).
A true French croissant has the perfect combination of moisture, flakiness, and butter.
Now that everyone is picturing the perfect French pasties, I’ll leave you with my list, in no particular order, of the best croissants in Paris.
Get ready to have a serious croissant craving by the time you’re done reading!
1. Cedric Grolet OPÉRA
Cedric Grolet OPÉRA is one of the latest hotspots for croissants in Paris.
A local friend recently recommend that I check this place out when I’m in Paris next week.
They said their basic croissants are buttery and delicious, so I can’t wait to try my go-to croissant, which is pain au chocolat.
Address: 35 Av. de l’Opéra, 75002 Paris, France
Pro Tip: Come early to get in line, as I’m told the croissants are normally sold out within a half hour of when they open.
2. Laurent Duchêne
Head to the 13th arrondissement to give these award-winning croissants a try.
Laurent Duchêne was previously listed as one of the best by the Meilleur Ouvrier de France, a society that gives yearly awards to the best bakers in France.
Their pastries are heaven on earth, made with fluffy light, and made with some of the best Normandy butter.
Address: 2 Rue Wurtz, 75013 Paris, France
3. Stohrer
If you want a side of history with your morning latte and croissant, head to Stohrer.
King Louis XV’s pastry chef found it in 1730, making it the oldest patisserie in the city!
You’ll find pastries fit for royalty, plus plenty of indulgent and delicious desserts.
Despite being a bit touristy these days, they serve up one of the best almond croissants in the city.
Address: 51 Rue Montorgueil, 75002 Paris, France
4. La Pâtisserie Cyril Lignac
While in the 11th arrondissement, swing by La Pâtisserie Cyril Lignac to try some more award Meilleur Ouvrier de France winning pastries.
They do a delicious hot chocolate that’s perfectly paired with a croissant.
If you really want to get crazy indulgent, order the Kouign-amann.
It’s like a croissant, but has additional layers of butter and sugar, making it a pastry to blow your diet for.
Address: 24 Rue Paul Bert, 75011 Paris, France
Want to really experience the best of Parisian pastries? Head to one of these classes!
5. Mamiche
Mamiche is a traditional French bakery, serving up artisinal pastries, breads, and cookies.
Their croissants are super buttery and a favorite amongst locals.
The only downside is their coffee isn’t marvelous, but thankfully their pastries make up for it.
I can’t wait to go back here when I’m in Paris again to grab a pain au chocolat and sample their babka, which I hear is out of this world.
Address: 45 Rue Condorcet, 75009 Paris, France
6. La Maison d’Isabelle
If you’re looking for an affordable, award-winning pastry option, you need to head to La Maison d’Isabelle.
They won the prize for best pastry and baguette on Meilleur Ouvrier de France’s 2018 list.
You’ll find buttery, flaky croissants that are a bit crisp on the outside and flaky on the inside with a bit of a caramelized taste.
The best part is that their croissants are a steal at just €1 each!
Address: 47ter Boulevard Saint-Germain, 75005 Paris, France
7. L’Artisan Des Gourmands
While walking around the 15th arrondissement, you need to stop for a coffee and pastry break at L’Artisan Des Gourmands.
They boast award-winning croissants and eclairs that will leave you wishing you had ordered seconds.
The best part is that they’re a few blocks from the Seine, making it an ideal spot to pick up supplies for an impromptu breakfast picnic during the warmer months.
Address: 60 Rue de la Convention, 75015 Paris, France
8. Le Moulin de La Croix Nivert
This little gem is a short distance from the Eiffel Tower, making it a delicious and quick option for tourists on-the-go.
The croissants are delicious, especially the pain au chocolat. I highly recommend it paired with an espresso.
Le Moulin de La Croix Nivert proudly displays that they use GMO-free, stoneground flour, making your morning pastry indulgence feel almost responsible.
The staff here are super friendly, and happy to speak English if you’re French isn’t up to par.
I’ve even heard them happily offering their favorite recommendations to tourists for things to see and do in the area.
Address: 39 Rue de la Croix Nivert, 75015 Paris, France
9. Douceurs et Traditions
Also near the Eiffel Tower is the popular boulangerie, Douceurs et Traditions.
This is a bakery I spent more than one morning grabbing a quick almond croissant and coffee from while on my way to see the sights.
The women working the counter were also in a good mood, and happy to help with recommendations on which pastry to indulge in next.
Address: 85 Rue Saint-Dominique, 75007 Paris, France
10. Le Peche De Gourmandise
This small bakery is quickly making a name for itself through word of mouth and thanks to a recent Meilleur Ouvrier de France award in 2019.
Le Peche De Gourmandise’s croissants are everything you imagine when you think of the ideal French pastry.
They’re soft on the inside with a bit of a honeycomb look, buttery taste, and a crisp, flaky outside layer.
I always walk away with an almond croissant, coffee, and an almond chocolate bread to enjoy later.
Address: 3 Rue Sophie Germain, 75014 Paris, France
11. Carton Boulangerie
Carton Boulangerie recently earned the title of “Best Croissant in Paris 2022” from Concours du Meilleur Croissant de Grand Paris (the Best Croissant in Greater Paris Competition).
I haven’t had the pleasure of trying their croissant yet, but cannot wait to sample it while I’m in Paris next week.
Friends tell me it’s perfectly flaky with a hint of butter.
I’ve also heard their baguette is legendary, so naturally I’ll be sampling one of those as well.
I’ll keep you updated with my thoughts after i try it!
Address: 6 Bd de Denain, 75010 Paris, France
Types of Croissants
Almond Croissants
Almond croissants are a delicious twist on the classic pastry. They’re filled with almond paste and often topped with sliced almonds and powdered sugar.
This scrumptious treat is perfect for those who love a touch of nutty sweetness in their croissants.
Pain Au Chocolat
This is my favorite kind of croissant.
If you enjoy both croissants and chocolate, pain au chocolat is a must-try pastry for you.
It’s made this French classic of buttery croissant dough filled with rich chocolate.
When you bite into it, the layers of flaky dough and the irresistible chocolate filling create an unforgettable taste sensation.
Ham and Cheese Croissants
For a more indulgent and savory option, consider trying a ham and cheese croissant.
They typically fill this croissant with ham, cheese, and sometimes even greens.
These croissants are a heartier option that are perfect for breakfast, lunch, or as a filling
Last Bites….
Now that hopefully everyone is craving a croissant, I’ll leave you with this final thought.
When you’re in Paris, don’t stress over being on a diet, just enjoy yourself!
Trust me, if you walk around the city enough, you’ll easily cancel out all the extra carbs that come with pigging out in Paris.
So just order that glass of champagne, macaron, cheese, and especially a fresh, warm croissant every morning.
I can almost guarantee you won’t regret it if you pick the right spot to indulge in.
Let me know in the comment below if you’ve been to any of the places on the list!
While you’re in town, check out some of these popular foodie tours in Paris!
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