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!
Explore Paris like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Paris guide.
"Doll House" in Paris is an atypical erotic shop. Specialized on very original lingerie, the ladies that run it since '05 are really helpful. Don't be shy!
By
The "St. Genevieve Library" in Paris is a university library anyone older than 18 can access for free by getting a membership card. It's alive & active!
By
"MOKUS Pizzeria" is not the cheapest pizza in Paris, but it can certainly be considered one of the best. I like it for the quality & the informal setting.
By
"Au Metro" in Paris is a French Basque restaurant I go to when I'm in need of carnivorous energy -- their steak tartare is truly the best in the city...
By
"Shakespeare and Company" is an English-language bookstore in Paris, right next to Notre Dame! I love coming here for an hour or so to take in its charm...
By
"Le Bistrot de Longchamp" in Paris has an amazing positive atmosphere. I recommend visiting this small Portuguese restaurant on Tuesdays & Fridays...
By
"Venus sur Cour" in Paris is a special, hidden erotic shop that's unlike others. This one has actually a fascinating selection of antique sexual objects...
By
"Les mots a la bouche" is an LBGT-themed bookshop in Paris. It's nice and quiet. I strongly recommend you drop by -- you will discover interesting things.
By
"La Belle Iloise" in Paris, next to Les Halles, does top quality canned fish . I very much like tuna & sardines and how they even have fish sandwiches...
By
Cafe "Nomade" is based in an ex-tapissier. It's a perfect morning stop-off ofr a combo of filter coffee, pressed juice and a croissant or pain du chocolat.
By
Music Avenue Paris is my local soul/funk/hip-hop specialist. The place has been going since 1995 and every year they really celebrate record store day!
By
Entering "Le Silence de La Rue" in Paris you fall silent yourself, in awe of the copious racks of cataloged vinyl & merchandise from indie to rock...
By
168 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the crowd & travel slow 🐌
✓ 168 Insider Tips from our local Spotters