La Fournette brings France to Chicago in this rustic, traditional French bakery. It is family-owned and run by the Zimmermann family, who are from the Alsace region of France.

Freshly baked breads line the wall behind the pastry counter, from a selection of classic and multigrain baguettes, sourdoughs, and beer breads. Their award-winning baguettes are made using the same techniques used in bakeries in France.

Pastry options include croissants, chocolate croissants, an assortment of macaron flavors, fruit danishes, beignets, and quiches. My favorites are the chocolate croissants and fruit-stuffed beignets! In addition, the bakery sells soups, sandwiches, and salads, as well as tea and coffee.

La Fournette invites customers old and new to their location in Old Town Chicago, with comfortable seating indoors, and outdoor seating during the summer months.

A perfect solo date for me entails dining in La Fournette with a pain-au-chocolat and a cup of cafe-au-lait whilst pretending I’m in Paris.