The Top 5 Bakeries in Paris You Can’t Miss in 2025

Paris without bakeries is like wine without grapes — impossible. The French capital is home to thousands of boulangeries and pâtisseries, each offering flaky croissants, buttery baguettes, and pastries that feel like edible works of art. But where should you go for the very best? Here are five bakeries in Paris you absolutely can’t miss.

1. Du Pain et des Idées (10th arrondissement)

A cult favorite, Du Pain et des Idées is legendary for its escargot pastries (spiral-shaped treats filled with pistachio, chocolate, or fruit). The croissants are perfectly caramelized, and the traditional pain des amis loaf has a devoted following. Just be prepared for lines—the secret is definitely out.

2. Gilles Marchal (Montmartre, 18th arrondissement)

Tucked near the Sacré-Cœur, Gilles Marchal offers some of the most refined pastries in Paris. Don’t miss his signature madeleines, delicate lemon tarts, and seasonal fruit creations. The boutique itself feels like a jewel box, and it’s a stop I often highlight on my Montmartre food tours.

3. La Pâtisserie du Meurice par Cédric Grolet (1st arrondissement)

Known worldwide for his artistic pastries, Cédric Grolet creates desserts that look like perfect pieces of fruit, only to reveal rich, layered fillings inside. His croissants and pain au chocolat are also flawless, but it’s the innovation and visual artistry that make this bakery unforgettable.

4. Boulangerie Poilâne (Saint-Germain, 6th arrondissement)

A Paris institution since 1932, Poilâne is famous for its round, rustic sourdough loaves stamped with a signature “P.” This bakery is all about tradition: hand-crafted bread baked in wood-fired ovens. Their apple tartlets and butter cookies (punitions) are perfect souvenirs to take home.

5. Pain Pain (Montmartre, 18th arrondissement)

Winner of the “Best Baguette in Paris” contest, Pain Pain is both modern and inviting. Located in the heart of Montmartre, it’s the perfect place to grab a baguette before exploring the neighborhood. Their viennoiseries are also excellent—don’t skip the almond croissant.

Bonus: Taste Them All on a Food Tour

If you want to experience more than one bakery without spending days hopping around the city, join me on a Bon Appétit Walks food tour. I’ll take you through Montmartre’s charming streets, where we sample some of Paris’s top pastries while uncovering the neighborhood’s fascinating (and often tragic) history.

Book your food tour here

Final Thoughts

From buttery classics to bold innovations, Paris’s bakeries are an essential part of the city’s culture. Whether you’re savoring a croissant with your morning coffee or indulging in a pastry that feels like a piece of art, you’ll quickly see why Paris is the pastry capital of the world.