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6 of the best baguettes de tradition in Paris

It’s a triage that should rightly take a lifetime, but given the “French Bread Law” (Décret n° 93-1074 du 13 septembre 1993), our choices are somewhat narrowly defined as to what is legally considered the Baguette de Tradition. So many baguettes (and croissants) sold in boulangeries are pre-made with commercial frozen dough, that specifications were forced into existence. On that official standard the Grand Prix de la Baguette is selected.

An authentic baguette de tradition is a slender loaf that must be mixed, kneaded, leavened and baked on premises (never frozen), additive-free and contain only four ingredients: wheat flour, water, salt and yeast.

For a warm baguette, arrive early. As baker Philippe Gosselin puts it: “The baguette is the bread of Parisians, it has a life span of just six hours.” Make sure to call ahead for times when the bakery is open, as hours vary.

1. Aux Délices du Palais

Winner of the 2014 and 1998 Grand Prix de la Baguette. Following family tradition, 24 year old baker Anthony Teixeira and his wife will be keeping the Elysées Palace supplied with their golden, crusty baguette. Try also their astonishing Éclairs Chocolats and Macaron Francilien.

Aux Delices de Palais

60 Boulevard Brune, 75014. Tel: 01 45 39 48 68.

2. Au Paradis du Gourmand

Winner of the 2013 Grand Prix de la Baguette. Tunisan artisan baker Ridha Khadher has a very modestly priced, light, crackling chewy baguette which makes a spectacular on- premise cheese and egg sandwich.

Au Paradis du Gourmand

156 e Raymond Losserand, 75014. Tel: 09 62 30 47 13.

3. Gosselin

Winner of the 2011 Grand Prix de la Baguette. Baker Philippe Gosselin, Montmarte’s famed supplier of bread and croissants to Jacques Chirac and the Elysée Palace, presents a classic, naturally fermented baguette in a congenial family atmosphere.

Gosselin

125e St.-Honoré, 75001. Tele: 01 45 08 03 59.

4. Grenier à Pain

Winner of the 2010 Grand Prix de la Baguette. Baker Djibril BodianÂ’s rustic bakery in the heart of Montmartre is well worth the queue. Try also their whimsical chocolate-covered Pain dÂ’Epice.

Grenier a Pain

38 Rue des Abbesses, 75018. Tel: 01 46 06 41 81.

5. Du Pain et des Idées

Winner of the 2008 Gault-Millau prize for Best Bakery. This little bakery in the St. Martin Canal neighborhood is also noted for its toasty Pain des amis and an assortment of delectable fruit breads.

34 Rue Yves Toudic, 75010. Tele: 1 42 40 44 52.

6. Fournée d’Augustine

An ancienne gem in Montparnasse. Arrive early for a freshly out-of-the-oven baguette.

La Fournee d'Augustine

96 rue Raymond Losserand, 75014. Tel: 1 45 43 42 49.

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2 Comments

  1. C’est Delicieux! J’adore baguettes :). I love the French, I just wish that they did not cloak it all with butter haha.

  2. Thanks Judith for sharing. Now I’m hungry for some french bread and I’m in the Bahamas. So can’t get one of these fabulous stores.

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