Des Gâteaux et du Pain was the first place that sprang to my mind when listing my top spots in Paris and probably also the first one that I mentioned to Sanne and Bart. I think the explanation is that, if there is one thing that symbolises Paris (or France in general) like no other, it is the croissant. Call me crazy but I have always been a "butter and jam" on my croissant kind of gal’, alongside a good "café noisette" (espresso macchiato).
Well, believe it or not, Des Gâteaux et du Pain got me to ditch the butter AND the jam because the flaky soft buttery croissants really don’t need anything else. It is, personally, the place I go to when I have some friends to impress at brunch or when I want to show off at work about knowing where you can find the best croissants in Paris. The thing it is really famous for, however, is the prize-winning chausson aux pommes.
As the name suggests, Des Gâteaux et du Pain also has amazing bread (I recommend the polka and their focaccias) and some darn good gâteaux. The very talented Claire Damon really stands out, in my mind, in a world of pastry otherwise dominated by men. Her approach is close-to-nature and she only works around fruits which are in season, using ingredients sourced in France and organic.
One last tip if you want to be sure to get your hands on a croissant: get there early!
Find your way with 168 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
The Marais in Paris is best known for its second-hand clothing shops, but "Chercheminippes" and its six shops have been innovating for half a century...
by
"Pizzeria Popolare" in central Paris makes authentic pizza napoletana. Come here if you don't mind queuing up and want the most affordable pizza around.
by
"La Bellevilloise" is a cultural centre in Paris with a bar & a restaurant. They have a fantastic variety of activities & it goes back to the 19th cen.
by
"L’Atelier Geneviève" is a 'ceramicafé' - here you can decorate your own ceramics w/ a coffee or breakfast. They even have kintsugi workshops!
by
" Le Bouillon Chartier" is a remarkable relic of the old modernist-style Paris. Classic French cuisine, nicely decorated mirrors, tiles & sculptures...
by
The bookshop is in an old car repair shop, which its owner transformed into a welcoming and open space where book presentations and talks take place.
by
"Land & Monkeys" in Paris makes 100% vegan croissants & other French staples. Is such a thing possible, you ask? Oh yes...
by
"Le Favori" is a small, unpretentious place in the 11th arrondissement in Paris that definitely makes the best pastrami sandwich in the city...
by
The "Grand Palais Éphémère" in Paris is set to host the Grand Palais' events while the latter is being renovated. Who knows, it might even stick around!
by
"Tomo" in Paris serve a variety of delicious Japanese pastries known as wagashi. Try them with the best-selling matcha and black sesame daifuku...
by
168 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 168 Insider Tips