Paris, often hailed as the culinary capital of the world, is renowned for its delectable pastries. At the pinnacle of this patisserie perfection stands the iconic croissant—a symbol of French culinary artistry.
The croissant boasts a resistant exterior with crispy, golden, flaky layers and a light buttery taste that gives way to an airy and well-layered interior. It is in the heart of Paris that we embark on a journey to discover the top 10 croissants, ranging from the classics to creative variations, each a testament to the city's enduring love affair with this beloved pastry.
At Boulangerie Utopie, you'll find a classic croissant with a crisp shell and distinct layers. The interior boasts a soft, sweet, and lightly buttery texture that's sure to please your taste buds. Also worth trying are their black baguettes and black escargot raisins.
Address: 20 Rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud, 75011 Paris
Laurent Duchêne offers two delectable croissants: the original with a rich buttery flavor and their signature creation featuring a luscious chocolate praliné filling. Unlike the overly sweet chocolate pastries, here the chocolate has a subtle, natural sweetness that complements the croissant perfectly. The chocolate melds into a smooth paste and the outer layer is delightfully melt-in-your-mouth – don't forget to ask for a napkin if you want to keep your hands clean after indulging.
Address: 238 Rue de la Convention 75015 Paris
If you're in search of a classic croissant with a crispy yet not overly firm exterior, the perfect thickness, and a fluffy interior, La Maison d’Isabelle is the place to be. Awarded the first prize for the best butter croissant in Paris Ile de France in 2018, you can't go wrong here. In our view, we lean towards a stronger buttery flavor, but if you prefer something lighter, this croissant is perfect.
Address: 47ter Bd Saint-Germain, 75005 Paris
Cédric Grolet Opéra is currently the talk of social media, often requiring a one-hour queue to gain entry. Their viennoiseries, resembling millefeuilles pastries, croissants, and pain au chocolat, tend to sell out quickly, necessitating a return visit on another day.
As for their croissant, it stands out in terms of appearance, with impeccably even layers and a slightly rounded shape. In terms of taste, it doesn't disappoint either. However, it differs from a typical croissant in that the shell is thinner but maintains a satisfying crispness. Inside, you'll find a light, airy texture and a delightful buttery aroma. It's worth noting that Cédric Grolet Opéra's croissants are priced at €4 (when we visited), making them a noteworthy discovery, though perhaps not an everyday choice.
Address: 35 Av. de l'Opéra, 75002 Paris
One striking feature of BÄRÄ's croissants is their exceptionally crispy shell. Besides the original variety, their fusion croissants, such as sesame and lemon, offer an intriguing twist. These flavored croissants are not overpowering; they add a subtle hint of flavor. The lemon imparts a slightly sour note that complements the sesame paste inside, creating a delightful balance. We particularly enjoyed the originality of these choices. BÄRÄ also provides outdoor seating for a tranquil breakfast experience.
Address: 6 Rue de Belzunce, 75010 Paris
At Bo&mie, every croissant boasts a crispy shell and a tender interior. While the classic croissant is good, it doesn't stand out. However, we were pleasantly surprised by their two flavored options: Cacao Praliné & Framboise croissants. These croissants incorporate cocoa paste and raspberry jam with real fruit pieces. The raspberry variety leans towards sweetness, while the cocoa croissant offers a more natural and less sugary cacao flavor, enhancing the classic croissant experience without overwhelming it. Bo&mie's shops, resembling cafes more than traditional bakeries, offer ample seating and a wide selection of beverages to accompany your pastries.
Address: 91 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris
Pierre Hermé, renowned for macarons and chocolates, also presents a unique croissant called *Ispahan*, blending lychee, rose, and raspberries. This croissant is filled with a divine rose-flavored almond paste, and nestled within its flaky layers, you'll discover a delightful compote made with raspberries and lychees, adding a delicious twist. The golden brown croissant is generously coated with a fragrant rosewater glaze and adorned with small dried raspberry flakes, offering a tantalizing glimpse of the delightful flavors concealed within.
Chez Meunier, with its 15 boutiques across France, has been captivating us since 2014. Their commitment to using exclusively organic flour and crafting everything in-house with seasonal ingredients has earned them the title of the best butter croissant in Ile de France for 2023. These croissants are renowned for their delightful buttery flavor, but what truly distinguishes them is their slightly thicker exterior, making them an excellent choice for those who prefer to avoid a greasy texture while indulging.
In addition to their classic butter croissant, Chez Meunier offers a tempting selection of chocolate-coated croissants, available in flavors like rose and pistachio, each with a delightful filling. We had the pleasure of trying the rose variety with strawberry confit inside, and it proved as intriguing as it looked. This croissant takes you on a journey through a myriad of textures and flavors. Beginning with delicate flakes of rose praliné, the rose chocolate coating on the outside is pleasantly mild, striking a harmonious balance without being overly sweet. Underneath, you'll encounter the traditional buttery interior of the croissant, and you'll be pleasantly surprised by the strawberry confit nestled at its core. The combination of these elements creates a harmonious explosion of strawberry flavor at the center.
These vibrant croissants can only be found at Galeries Lafayette Le Gourmet boutique. If you're planning a visit to seek out these delectable treats and are considering some additional shopping, don't miss the opportunity to explore our Galeries Lafayette coupons, offering delightful special gifts.
Address: Galeries Lafayette Le Gourmet 35 Bd Haussmann, 75009 Paris
Le Pain des Copains was founded by Patricia a few years ago. One of the standout treats that have won our hearts is their croissants, whether they're filled with raspberries, pistachios, chocolate, or almonds. Our personal favorite? The raspberry croissant.
The raspberry croissant at Le Pain des Copains is a true delight. The pink pastry is made with real raspberries, and you'll discover tiny seeds within. That adds a burst of flavor without overshadowing the buttery goodness and the original texture. On top, a line of slightly sweet raspberry jam and fresh, slightly tart fruit create a perfect balance. It's a harmonious marriage of a classic croissant and the vibrant taste of raspberry.
To ensure you have the best selection, it's wise to visit early, as these croissants tend to disappear quickly.
Address: 96 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Martin, 75010 Paris
At Boulangerie Magali, the croissants are crafted entirely in-house using carefully chosen ingredients. If you prefer a softer croissant, you'll absolutely love them. The interior is rich with buttery goodness, while the exterior boasts a delicate, not overly crispy texture. It's the ideal choice if you want to savor your treat without making a mess. Additionally, pistachio croissants are available, featuring a subtle nutty flavor alongside the almond paste filling. The outer layers are adorned with a touch of sweetness from the green pistachio layers, making them a delightful option for those looking to try something different.
These ten bakeries represent the crème de la crème of croissants in Paris. Whether you prefer a classic, buttery croissant or one with a modern twist, these patisseries cater to every taste. As you wander through the enchanting streets of Paris, make sure to savor a croissant (or several) from these iconic establishments – it's an essential culinary experience in the City of Light.
Words and Photographs by Noémie Thuy PHAN