With over 1,300 boulangeries gracing the streets of Paris, the city has always been a haven for those seeking the perfect morning pain au chocolat or baguette. However, a recent shift towards artisanal baking has brought a new wave of bakers revolutionizing the traditional bread scene.
During a month-long exploration of Paris for a book on bread, a new generation of artisanal bakers caught my attention. These innovative bakers are eschewing commercial yeasts in favor of sourdough starters, using heirloom wheats ground by small mills, and incorporating diverse flavors and techniques into their creations.
“The new-concept bakeries in Paris have altered the bread landscape with their unique products and bold approaches,” noted Christophe Vasseur, the trailblazer behind Du Pain et des Idées bakery near Canal St.-Martin. The rise of these “rock star” bakers has led to a heightened appreciation for artisanal bread across the city.
As the city gears up for the Olympics and dining reservations become scarce, these six standout boulangeries are a must-visit for bread enthusiasts looking for the finest boules, baguettes, brioches, and viennoiseries in Paris. Whether enjoyed on a park bench or in the midst of Olympic fervor, these bakeries promise an unforgettable culinary experience.
Prices at these bakeries typically range from just over 1 euro for a baguette de tradition to €10 to €15 per kilo for bread. Breakfast pastries start at €1.60, while individual pastries range from €5 to €8.
11th Arrondissement
Utopie
For the Award-Winning Baguette
Raised in a rough Paris suburb by his Guadeloupean mother, Xavier Netry, the talented head boulanger at Utopie, had a humble beginning in the world of baking. Despite dropping out of school to support his family, Netry’s passion for baking led him to become one of the most acclaimed Black bakers in France. His crowning achievement came when Utopie won the prestigious Paris baguette competition last April.
At Utopie, located in the 11th Arrondissement, eager customers start lining up early for Netry’s exceptional sourdough-starter-leavened creations. From the famed baguette de tradition, currently favored at the Élysée Palace, to unique green-tea loaves with crispy puffed rice, Utopie’s offerings are a testament to Netry’s skill and dedication.
Don’t overlook Utopie’s pastries, crafted by Erwan Blanche and Sébastien Bruno, formerly of Maison Ladurée. Their innovative treats, like the sesame-lime composition featuring a black sesame mousse on a sable base with hints of lime confit, showcase their culinary expertise and adventurous spirit.
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