The Best Croissant in Paris
I have been hunting for the best croissant in Paris for years, initially starting with 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 a buttery croissant with a flakey, crisp outer shell that is 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.
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.
The Best Croissant in Paris
1. Make sure you order a croissant au beurre. The other option you will see offered is a croissant ordinaire. You can tell a difference just by looking. The big difference is in the taste. A croissant ordinaire is made with margarine and a crescent-shaped pastry. Notice the shape difference between the two types of croissants.
2. Time of Day. Be mindful when ordering your croissant at the Boulangerie. I have had lousy luck at 6 a.m. and much better luck around 9 a.m. for fresh, warm croissants out of the oven. It makes all the difference! You can also try around 4 p.m. during the children’s goûter hour. If you order a croissant around 11/12, it will likely be dryer from sitting out for a few hours.
Boulangerie Utopie : 20 Rue Jean – Pierre Timbaud
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.
Mamiche 32 Rue du Château d’Eau
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.
Where to Find The Best Croissants in Paris
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.
Blé Sucré – 7 Rue Antoine Vallon
My first visit to Blé Sucré was over five years ago. On my most recent visit, I was in the neighborhood and could pop in for a pain au chocolate and a croissant. They held up to the test years later.
I had heard about Blé Sucré for a while but had never made it there until this trip. It is very close to the Aligre market so you can stop by 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 have no plans to make more, so keep this in mind when scheduling your visit. A weekday may be a better time to try this boulangerie.
Du Pain et des Idées – 34 Rue Yves Toudic
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 in many guide books and blogs.
Please Note: They are closed on the weekend, so plan accordingly.
Maison Landemaine 28 Beaumarchais
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. The boulangerie is located at 28 Beaumarchais, close to the Bastille Market, Place des Vosges, and the shop Merci.
Although the ownership has changed over the years, I haven’t noticed a change in the quality of the items. I love their torsades baguette. The brioche with pralines and croissants are divine.
This is a boulangerie I always bring friends and family to when we are in Paris. Whenever we score a warm, fresh baguette out of the oven, it feels like a win to celebrate.
Honorable Mention
I discovered my favorite pain au chocolat in 2012 in Montmartre. Le Grenier à Pain, 38 Rue Des Abbesses (closed Tuesday and Wednesday). I still pop in 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.
Try a Croissant Cooking Class in Paris
La Cuisine Paris offers a croissant class, which is so much fun! Your favorite croissant in Paris may be the one you make yourself. All the hard work that goes into preparing a warm, flaky croissant in Paris makes great memories.
The Different Types of Croissants Offered at a Parisian Boulangerie
Classic croissant
Chocolate croissant (pain au chocolat)
Almond croissant: This typically is made with almond paste and has sliced almonds on top. It isn’t my favorite type of croissant but they are very popular and you should try it at least once.
Pain aux Raisons
You can purchase The Paris Guide for a complete guide to Paris with the top things to do and hidden gems. I also share some excellent boutique hotel options that are my favorite places to stay in Paris.
Bonjour, I’m Rebecca!
I’m a photographer, blogger, croissant-lover, and world traveler. I hope that Everyday Parisian inspires you by bringing a bit of France into your daily life and helps you plan the best trip to Paris with personalized recommendations for places to stay, explore, and eat.
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Have you been to the Poilane Boulangerie? Do they make croissants? I read the book, they mostly talked about bread. I would love to go there, I would also love to know what you think about it.
The worst croissant I ever had in Paris was great. The only pastry that comes close are the beignets at Cafe du Monde in the New Orleans French Quarter. I wonder if Careme ever made a croissant?
So glad Buddy Buddy got a shout out! It’s such a gem for good, fun coffee.
Yes! Thank you. I am glad you enjoyed Buddy Buddy too! It’s such a cute spot and great coffee. xo
I gained weight just reading this beautifully presented post. Thank you! We plan to visit several of these places during our holiday visit to Paris this year!
I just found your blog and needless to say I am obsessed! I’ve been to all the shops except Maison Landemaine, so I’m excited to try that one next time in the city.
Thank you so much, Lindsey! You must visit Maison Landemaine, they have a few around the city now but I have always gone to 34 Beaumarchais out of tradition and walked to Place des Vosges.
Des gateaux et du pain. Gerard Mulot. Boulanger 59.
Thanks Sam!
I should have known better…….#2 on your list is the bakery I mentioned.
On The left bank, pierre herme for croissant and mini kouign amann. Rue bonaparte near saint sulpice.
Pierre Herme is so good! I will put your other spot on the list for next time. Merci!
Du Pain & des Idées was both a hit and a miss for me. The escargot pistache et chocolat was huge and to die for, if a bit pricey. But the croissant was meh…I’ve had far superior croissants from lots of places, and again, it was pricier than most.
Blé Sucré’s croissants are divine. They’re huge, sweet and buttery, with excellent flakiness. Just wonderful.
Another great croissant can be found at L’Essential on rue Mouffetard. Right up there with Blé Sucré as a must for croissant lovers.
oh thank you Sherry! I will have to add L’Essential to my list next time I am that way. I love some good croissant competition for blé sucré.
I am sorry to hear that du pain des idées was a hit and miss. I actually tasted all of their escargot in one sitting. Some are better than others and you have to catch them on the right day!
Thank you for sharing with me! xo
Maison Landemaine has blossomed well since he started in 2007. There are 11 locations to choose from in Paris. And yes, they turn out a great Croissant.
I am so happy to hear you have tried Maison Landemaine. Do you have a favorite croissant in Paris?
Landemaine would be up there if I’d have a list.
There is one bakery (name escapes me) near Republique I have to revisit and see if their Croissants are as amazing as their Brioche.
oh! I would love the name if you remember. I had the brioche with praline from Landemaine this round too. It was so good!