Finding a great bakery in Paris is rarely difficult, but finding one that combines exceptional craftsmanship with the unique atmosphere of the Île de la Cité and the Latin Quarter requires local insight. The streets surrounding Notre-Dame are filled with tourist traps serving mass-produced croissants and pre-frozen baguettes that do not represent true French baking.
To truly experience the gastronomic soul of Paris, you must step away from the immediate cathedral gates and wander into the historic neighborhoods that house the city’s most dedicated artisans. The area spanning the 4th and 5th arrondissements is a treasure trove of flour, butter, and sugar, where traditions are guarded fiercely by Meilleurs Ouvriers de France and young, innovative bakers alike.
Whether you are looking for a flaky, caramelized croissant to start your morning, a crusty traditional baguette for a picnic by the Seine, or a delicate patisserie to end your evening, the options are world-class. The challenge is not finding bread, but finding the best bread.
We have navigated the cobblestone lanes and bustling market streets to identify the establishments that prioritize slow fermentation, high-quality Normandy butter, and seasonal ingredients. These are the places where locals queue before work and where the ovens have been burning since dawn.
From historic institutions that survived the centuries to modern shops redefining French classics, the variety is staggering. This guide focuses on locations within a comfortable walking distance of the cathedral, ensuring you do not have to sacrifice quality for convenience.
You should expect variations in opening hours, as many of these artisans close early once the day’s bake is sold out. The French approach to bread is one of scarcity and quality; when the shelves are empty, the work is done for the day.
Below is a curated list of the finest addresses, selected for their technical excellence, consistency, and proximity to the iconic landmark. These are the bakeries that define the standard for French baking today.
La Flânerie Notre-Dame
| Address | 4 Rue du Cloitre Notre Dame, 75004 Paris |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:30 AM – 8:00 PM Tuesday: 7:30 AM – 8:00 PM Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 8:00 PM Thursday: 7:30 AM – 8:00 PM Friday: 7:30 AM – 8:00 PM Saturday: 7:30 AM – 8:00 PM Sunday: 7:30 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Phone | 09 87 15 53 33 |
This place is amazing. Must go. Extremely sweet and generous workers and owners, really delicious food. The quiche with side salad was incredible. Better than I can make at home. The pastries are also delicious. Lives up to the high ratings.
Very good service! Croissants and drinks are nice as well. The cafe located super close to Notre dame, very good choice for take a break here.
Great cafe next to Notre Dame. Special thanks to Archet’s services and making nice Sunday morning coffees for me and my family to enjoy.
Friendly staff, nice pastries, quiet spot - most tourists don’t bother to walk around ND…
Very welcoming and helpful. The food was delicious. I can't get enough chocolate pistachio pastries!
La Crème de Paris Notre-Dame
| Address | 1 Quai Saint-Michel, 75005 Paris |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM Friday: 8:00 AM – 1:30 AM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 1:30 AM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Phone | 01 43 26 16 37 |
Quick and friendly service. Really cool interior. Great quality food and decent sizes which makes it good value for the price you pay. Only 4 stars because it‘s rather loud inside and because the salad that came with the waffle was not at all to my taste.
I didn’t have much time in Paris to try different crepes for comparison, but I found this one to be really good — and the portion was big!
Chilean Tourist 🙋🏽♀️We went on a Tuesday at 2 PM, and the place was full. There was a short line, but we only waited about ten minutes to get a table.
📍The Venue:
The place has the feel of a traditional French café — cute and on the smaller side. All the seating is indoors, mostly tables for two. You can definitely go with a group, but you might have to wait a bit longer for a larger table.
🥞What we ordered:
Nutella, Strawberry & Banana Crêpe: The batter was thicker than other crêpes I’ve had before, but it was delicious and not overly sweet. We added a scoop of ice cream, which was a nice touch!
They also offer a free jar of water, which is always appreciated.
🧑🍳The Service:
The staff was really friendly, and our order came out quickly.
🅿️Parking:
As far as I know, they don’t have dedicated parking.
💭Final Thoughts:
For my first time trying a crêpe in Paris, it was a great experience! The food was tasty, the service was good, and I’d definitely come back.
Great experience at La Crème de Paris Notre-Dame. I came back because I remembered how nice it was to sit here with a view of Notre-Dame, and it was just as enjoyable this time. The crêpes were delicious — I had the chicken crêpe and the honey crêpe — and the location is hard to beat. Beautiful atmosphere, friendly service, and a perfect place to relax while enjoying Paris. I’ll definitely come back again on another visit.
Highly recommend this incredible creperie! It’s situated on the corner facing the Notre Dame with beautiful views from the open windows. The crepes were incredible and the best gelato! So delicious we had to return the following day! Service was great with mint infused water provided and QR code with ability to pay with your phone after your meal to save time.
Although the place is near a very touristy spot, the prices are reasonable, except for the smoothy which seemed a bit expensive.
The sweet banana Nutella crêpe was nice, but the pastromy galette was just ok. Nice latte.
La Maison d'Isabelle
| Address | 47ter Bd Saint-Germain, 75005 Paris |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM Thursday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM Friday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM Saturday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM Sunday: 6:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Phone | — |
Very busy but the queues were moving quickly. There is no place to sit so its all take away. Delicious pastries with a lot of variety. We had a pistachio éclairs & a plain butter croissant for only 4.5£! Eclair was full of fresh, mildly sweet cream that tasted indulgent & pistachio-y. & the croissant was so light and flaky. Absolute bangers!
Wow. This place is still drawing a queue for the croissant award it won back in 2018... eight years ago! Is it still worth the hype? My answer is a definite yes.
Keeping both the quality and the volume this consistent for so many years is no small feat. People simply wouldn't still be lining up if the croissants weren't exceptional. And let's be honest, there have been eight other winners since then, so it's not as if there aren't alternatives.
I was there at about 9.00 am. There was a short queue and it moved surprisingly quickly. They've had years to perfect the system, and it shows. Don't let the line put you off. You won't be waiting long.
I don't really understand the complaints about the lack of seating or atmosphere. It's next to a metro entrance and a market. It's a working bakery, people!
Do what the French do. Grab your croissant, pick up a coffee nearby, then wander to the nearest park or along the river and mindfully enjoy one of the best croissants you'll ever eat. Bonus points for doing it without an influencer photo shoot in sight (looking at you, La Carette!).
The croissants are handmade and baked throughout the day, so there's a good chance yours has come straight from the oven. Eat it immediately. Don't save it for later. This is one of those moments that's worth enjoying exactly as intended -- straight black and white paper bag.
And at just €1.20? That's Parisian public service if you ask me.
I'd happily line up again.
TIP: Find 'Square Danielle Mitterrand' a tiny gated public-garden where you can eat your croissant in. Less than a 10min walk away. Do some google research on this wife of former French President François Mitterrand. She was a liaison officer in the French Resistance.
Went here due to tons of reviews saying this is the best place to grab a Croissant and it did a good job 🤓. The Croissant and Pain au Chocolate is crispy, freshly baked and buttery. It doesn't sugary like the one i had in Germany and that shocked me. The "real" Croissant is what my French friend told me about this place and the prices are very reasonable. 🥖
There was a staff also helping people getting the cake first when there is a long line. Perfect help👍🏻
However the baguette was a bit cold when i bought it, i couldn't feel the taste that i was hoping for and really hard to eat 🥲
But overall it still worth it.
We tried the croissant, and it was absolutely delicious. It had a perfectly crispy exterior with a soft, airy interior and a rich, buttery flavor. It was served slightly cold, but it was still clear that it was made to a very high standard. I highly recommend trying it.
Croissant tasted really good! Fresh & tasty! I would recommend it but make sure to pair it with something warm! Hot chocolate or coffee would be great!
Line was not that Long since it was raining staffs were fast! But I would say not that friendly expect the one in the cashier! Maybe they were tired already but still! Got confused who was really serving but in the end it’s the Food that matters 😅
A. Lacroix Pâtissier
| Address | 11 Quai de Montebello, 75005 Paris |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Phone | 01 74 64 14 86 |
This was a must-stop after Notre Dame. See it on Les Frenchies Facebook group and the hype was allllllll correct. The focaccia ham sandwich was splendid and the croissant with tomato and mozzarella was wonderful. But the star of this show is definitely the sweets. The Notre Dame pomme (Apple) and the peche (peach) were excellent. So very good. Highly recommend - 12 out of 10 for sure.
Incredible, the staff explained what each item had in it and described it, they answered all of our questions politely and clearly.
In a perfect location to sit and watch the city pass.
Views of Notre dame 😍
Clean bathroom
A lovely little kitchen for children to play
Inside eating space
Staff were absolutely fantastic, we only only manage a small amount of French but they could speak English and complimented my French ^^ The desserts were incredible, if you go here you need to try either Notre Dame (apple compote with cream and cake covered in white chocolate) or the Creme Brulee cake. The creme brulee one was the best ever!!!
These desserts are so delicious! Being right outside Notre Dame, I was skeptical that this was going to be a “touristy” spot…but I was wrong. SO GOOD! Our favorite was the Madagascar (if you like passion fruit). We purchased in the morning so we could guarantee having the ones we wanted for our nightly treat.
I will note that they are about 7€ each, so a little pricey…but DELICIOUS!
The best I've tried in 4 days in Paris.
The pain au chocolat aux amandres was soft, tasty and crunchy too. The Madagascar was well balanced, delicate and so exotic with coconut, mango passion fruit. Also the one with pistachio and rasperry is really well balanced in flavour. Nothing is improvised or left to chance!
Hightly recommended!
La Parisienne
| Address | 48 Rue Madame, 75006 Paris |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM Wednesday: Closed Thursday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM Friday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM Saturday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM Sunday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Phone | 09 51 57 50 35 |
Everything here is amazing hard to chose
Locate close to Luxembourg garden is a must stop for a quick bite or take something with you...impossible to resist.
Staff very professional and pleasant
Is a 5 star service from the presentation to the taste...
😉Great place for a quick bite or takeaway for a picnic at the Luxembourg gardens
🫶Fast and friendly service
✅Prices are ok
😋Savory and sweet options for breakfast, brunch or lunch.
🫤Not a place to stay. There are no tables or chairs, just a small counter.
♿️Quite small for people with restricted mobility
Lovely pastries, croissant is everything you’d want from a croissant: flakey, buttery. The pepito was nice as well but I wish it was more crispy but nonetheless still enjoyable, would recommend if you like chocolate. Croissant + pepito = €3.80 - a steal! Would recommend coming in the morning and sitting in the Jardins du Luxembourg to people watch
You have to visit La Parisienne. Enough said. 🙄
It’s an excellent boulangerie with really good sandwiches and pastries. I definitely recommend the salmon baguette. The bread is high quality, full of fiber, and crispy. The prices are great, the quality is top-tier, and the staff is nice. For pastries, the chausson aux pommes, croissants, and pain au chocolats are all superb!!
⚠️ Just a heads up that the shop is right next to the road so there’s nowhere to sit. If you go to this location, just take your food and walk over to Jardin du Luxembourg to eat instead.
I found this gem while walking around the neighbourhood where I'm staying in the 6th Arrondissement near Jardin de Luxembourg. There's ALWAYS a line of people, but the wait is never too long. Staff are very friendly even when it's always busy, food SO delicious, price very reasonable for the quality! I will miss this place so much when I leave Paris. Merci beaucoup. Je reviendrai!
Boulangerie Cyprien
| Address | 64 Rue Notre Dame de Lorette, 75009 Paris |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM Thursday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM Friday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM Saturday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM Sunday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Phone | — |
This cafe/bakery is the best bakery that we visited in Paris. The pastries were absolutely amazing. The guys that own/run it are very friendly. I would recommend anyone to even go out of your way to visit them and get their goods. If I lived here I would more than likely have breakfast here everyday.
Our favourite bakery from our Paris trip! They have a great selection at a reasonable price. I especially enjoyed their raspberry tart and strawberry tart. I only regret not being able to get more of their pastries to take on the plane before leaving the city.
This is a must visit in Paris. One of the best boulangeries. You must try the Quiche. It’s so fresh and tasty, and perfectly made. Asked them to heat it up and it’s perfection. The Madeline is also very good. Moreover, the staff is super friendly. Already been there twice. 🫶🏼 and the prices are fair as well.
I also tried the eclair here - it was not bad.
And there can be a queue sometimes. 🙂
While walking to the hotel, we randomly passed by and realized we hadn't eaten any éclairs in Paris. Despite it being evening, the éclairs were excellent. We didn't get a chance to try their other items.
Very nice place, the staff are nice and approachable. The pastries are affordable and delicious! It was very close to our Airbnbs so me and my bf went here almost everyday, definitely a good spot to stop by!
Odette
| Address | 77 Rue Galande, 75005 Paris |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 7:30 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 7:30 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 7:30 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 7:30 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 7:30 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 7:30 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 7:30 PM |
| Phone | 01 43 26 13 06 |
What a great find. A lovely coffee and cake stop with a view of the Notre Dame in the distance. Staff are friendly and helpful. I took advantage of the outdoor seating to give my feet a rest and admired the view whilst people watching.
We ordered the Raspberry and Passionfruit Choux. The textures were nice, a lightly crisped exterior with soft interior. We preferred the raspberry over the passionfruit but wish the flavours in both were stronger.
Lovely place, and delicious pastries. Optimal location with le Notre Dame De Paris view.
Very expensive, and very tasty as expected.
One star less for not providing a glass of water when ordering espresso and pastries.
We tried their iconic cream puffs. I had never had a cream puff before so I expected them to be warm. Just a heads up that they aren't, but they were still delicious and hype worthy.
After going to NotreDame, I visited this cute yet ting store selling only choux. I asked the girl which was their best seller and they mentioned vanilla and pistachios. I decided to get the pistachio one, it’s €2.80 per piece. Yum, I finished it in 4 bites. I thought the “decoration” piece on top of the choux was chocolate but it wasn’t and I think it’s fondant sugar which was quite disappointing. They have few seats in front of store and few more upstairs. I’d recommend this place if you’re looking for something sweet and quick to get around Notre Dame.
The Smiths Bakery
| Address | 12 Rue de Buci, 75006 Paris |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:00 AM – 9:30 PM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 9:30 PM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 9:30 PM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 9:30 PM Friday: 8:00 AM – 9:30 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 9:30 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 9:30 PM |
| Phone | 01 43 54 96 96 |
I’ll admit I was a bit skeptical walking into a bakery with an English name in Paris, but Smith completely won me over. The croissants were incredibly fresh and flaky, the coffee was excellent, and even the juice stood out as truly exquisite. A pleasant surprise all around, and proof that great quality speaks for itself regardless of the name. I’d happily come back again.
Friendly service when we stopped for a cup of tea and a cake on a cold afternoon in January. A good selection of fresh sandwiches and quiches. A range of cakes, cookies, cheesecake, even scones were available. We chose Paris Brest ( as suggested by the server) and a tart tatin. Both were good. On a warm day tables are available outside on the pavement. We were happy we’d crossed the road from the salon de the’ opposite.
This bakery is nestled on a charming Parisian street full of lively cafés and restaurants. They offer a great selection of both sweet and savory pastries. I had the salmon, avocado, and cream cheese bagel - it was perfectly balanced with just the right amount of saltiness and creaminess. A great spot for a midday snack or light lunch. Highly recommend!
A local bakery tucked inside the Rue de Buci pedestrian area, offering both savory items and desserts that look absolutely tempting and at reasonable prices too.
We picked up a lemon tart, a strawberry tart, and éclairs. The classic lemon tart stood out in particular: the crust was crisp, the lemon filling smooth and layered with flavor, delicious. The éclairs, filled with either chocolate or caramel cream, were also excellent, the shell was crisp, and the rich filling packed the entire éclair.
We stopped by Smiths Bakery in the Latin Quarter and really enjoyed it. The lemon cheesecake was as good as people said, and the chai latte? Easily one of the best we've had—and we've tried quite a few in our travels!
Just a quick note: like many places around tourist areas, they do charge a bit more if you sit inside. But sitting outside and watching the world go by makes it a nice experience overall. The only thing that could be improved is the service—it could definitely be a bit friendlier.
The French Bastards
| Address | 181 Rue St Denis, 75002 Paris |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:30 AM – 8:00 PM Tuesday: 7:30 AM – 8:00 PM Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 8:00 PM Thursday: 7:30 AM – 8:00 PM Friday: 7:30 AM – 8:00 PM Saturday: 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM Sunday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Phone | — |
I’m so happy I decided to try this place on my last morning in Paris 😍 I honestly can’t imagine having missed it. From the moment you step inside, the smell tells you that you’re about to eat something really good, and I was absolutely right. I tried the croissant, the cookie roll, and coffee. They warmed the pastries for me before serving, and from the first bite I felt like I was in heaven. The croissant was incredibly fluffy with a perfectly crispy exterior, and the butter flavor was just right. The cookie roll was simply amazing. Anyone reading this review should try this place ✨️, everything looked so good, I just wish I had the time (and stomach) to try it all.
We came on during a rainy sunday, one of the few bakeries that also has some seats! Everything looks amazing, we got the chocolate eclair, recommended if you love chocolate and the tarte citron meringuée was heavenly. I’d love to try the same tarte with crème patissière as well! Additionally the staff is lovely and helpful. Thank you!
Thought my chocolate croissant was average but my dad said his beignet was the best pastry he had during our week visit to Europe. Coffee was not good. Seating was limited. All of our pastries were put into one bag and no plates were available. Definitely only a grab-and-go place.
A very good bakery if you want something a bit more modern and indulgent than the classic boulangerie. The pastries are excellent, the place has more personality, and it is a very good stop when you are after a nice sandwich, a proper sweet treat or viennoiserie rather than just bread.
Very nice bakery with delicious chocolate tartlets. It says pistachio as well but there was only a thin layer covering the tartlet which made it look nice. The pastry with pistachio could have a bit more creme but the dough was delicious and smooth. We enjoyed it.
Du Pain et des Idées
| Address | 34 Rue Yves Toudic, 75010 Paris |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:00 AM – 7:30 PM Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 7:30 PM Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 7:30 PM Thursday: 7:00 AM – 7:30 PM Friday: 7:00 AM – 7:30 PM Saturday: Closed Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 01 42 40 44 52 |
I visited Du Pain et des Idées, and this bakery holds a special place in my heart. Every bread and pastry I tried was outstanding, and during my stay in Paris, I found myself coming back almost every day. The smell of freshly baked bread fills the shop, creating a wonderful atmosphere from the moment you walk in. Whether you choose a simple loaf or one of their famous pastries, the quality is consistently excellent. For me, this bakery became one of the highlights of my time in Paris, and I highly recommend it to anyone visiting the city.
Beautiful spot but average pastries now. I remember loving this but now with heightened standards it is just ok. Specifically the croissant has less air than I remember and crumbles more. The chasson aux pommes was weird too, with a film over the apple. So yes the dough is good but the rest is nah.
Been coming here since years. The place will always be very special to me as it reminds me of my first trip to Paris with my late father. The aroma, the taste of slowly and perfectly baked Croissants and other breads and the warmth of the team has stayed the same, if not better. It's every bite worth the hype. Every time, I come to Paris, a visit to Du Painet des Idées is a must. And, I am never disappointed. It's not only a bakery or a 'touristy' spot: it is the true essence of Paris - a feeling of pure joy.
The staff is very friendly, service is outstanding and interior is authentic Parisian. Absolutely love their powder blue packaging, so much like the clear skies on a quiet afternoon. Paris is dotted with some of the best bakeries in the world,and while I have travelled to many countries and tried Croissants and patisseries world over, the doors of Du Pain et des Idées will always be like coming home.
Flan Boulanger,Mouna Au Sucre,Escargot Aux Pralines,Escargot Pistache Chocolat are all great choices with amazing taste. However, their classic Croissant is my all time favourite.
I was sent here by Claude - and other lists claiming it’s one of the best in Paris. The bakery did not disappoint, I had the Suiss and it was crispy and gooey in all the right places. I wished they served iced coffees here, it was 35 degrees plus when I went. But they were kind enough to direct me ‘next door’ which had a FANTASTIC iced latte. There were lots of goodies here, will try to return.
We stopped by Boulangerie Du Pain et Des Idées after seeing it recommended online. We tried the pistachio chocolate escargot and a croissant with chocolate and banana.
The pastries were solid and well made, but the pricing was honestly shocking. Easily double what we’ve paid at equally good or better bakeries across Paris, and we’ve been here many times over the years.
Nothing we had was bad, but there was a clear “tourist tax” at play for a place that has gone viral. In a city full of excellent boulangeries, it’s hard to justify going out of your way for pastries that are comparable to many others at half the price (or less).
If you happen to be nearby and are curious, fine. But for visitors planning a special stop, there are countless neighborhood bakeries that deliver just as much quality, if not more, without the premium pricing and are much closer to where most people are staying.
Look for a boulangerie without a long tourist line and everybody speaking anything but French. There you have a making of a local, non “touristy” bakery. This was not it.
Update: having gone to other, closeby bakeries, I realize how outrageously overpriced these were, even compared to similar bakeries. Definitely go somewhere else.
Bertrand’s
| Address | 10 Rue Lagrange, 75005 Paris |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM Thursday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM Friday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM Saturday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 01 43 25 37 00 |
Went in for lunch and there was a big queue, but it moved fast. Service was friendly enough, although they clearly wanted to get orders in and move on fast.
Food was good, you get what you see. Tasty.
Disgusting service, we ordered 3 lattes and cake to go, the old grey haired waiter had made one drink too many and spent the next 10 minutes shouting at us when we questioned if they were meant for us, another customer tried to interpret and she was so disgusted by his attitude that she walked out of the shop, he then followed us outside and continued arguing with the 5 of us - he was lucky that he was such an old man we would never go back there. To add insult to injury coffee and cake were only average, plenty of other cafes deserving of our money. AVOID!!
This is a very good location for a bakery. I really enjoyed a chocolate éclair here, it was fresh and delicious. I didn't order a drink since the prices are high for the same item I can purchase at the corner store.
I had a really bad experience- the quiche was extremely oily and bad. I tried the spinach-salmon quiche. And quite pricey compared to other quiches I’ve tried. But the staff was very friendly. So maybe the other things are good - but I can’t vouch for it.
Cute and cozy Boulanger! I had the chocolate eclair - it was so rich and creamy, and the raspberry macaron. Fairly priced and offers a wide range of food options.
Lam
| Address | 24 Rue Notre Dame de Nazareth, 75003 Paris |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:30 AM – 7:00 PM Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 7:00 PM Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 7:00 PM Thursday: 8:30 AM – 7:00 PM Friday: 8:30 AM – 7:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | — |
I came to LAM Café in the Marais for a “light breakfast,” which is French for “I will now have a religious experience over a single croissant.” Big mistake. I had plans. Things to see. Impressionist paintings to stand in front of pretending to understand. None of that happened, because I could not leave.
First problem: the coffee. I ordered a specialty coffee fully expecting Parisian café energy — you know, where the barista looks at you like you personally insulted their grandmother. Instead it was good. Offensively good. The kind of coffee that ruins every other coffee for you retroactively. Thanks for that. My entire future is now disappointing.
Second problem: you can immediately tell this place is Saudi-owned and run, because the hospitality is on a completely different frequency. Parisian charm meets actual warmth — a crossover episode nobody told me I needed. I was made to feel like a guest, not like a tourist being tolerated until I finished my drink. Genuinely disorienting in the best way.
The space itself has taste, which is rude, because now my apartment looks like a crime scene by comparison.
Anyway, ruined morning, ruined standards, ruined budget because I’m coming back tomorrow. Five stars. Would lose my whole schedule again.
So proud! The attention to detail is spot on. From the moment I stepped in, the aroma immediately took me back home! The Arabic coffee was excellent, and though I only had a quick bite, I could tell the bakery is as good. Definitely coming back on my next visit to Paris !
The atmosphere was warm and inviting, and everything we ordered was absolutely delicious. The prices were very reasonable for the quality offered. The service was excellent, and the staff were friendly and attentive.
Highly recommended!
Excellent hot chocolate. Best one I‘ve ever tasted. Cookies are very good too, staff is nice and ambience is cozy. I recommend!
such a lovely experience! I tried the mille-feuille, latte, cappuccino, Saudi coffee with kleija, and everything tasted amazing. The owner is Saudi, very respectful, kind, and welcoming. The sausage croissant is also super delicious. Highly recommended! ✨
Tips for Choosing the Right Bakery in Paris
Navigating the Parisian bakery scene requires a bit of local knowledge to avoid the pitfalls of industrial baking. The difference between a good bakery and a great one often comes down to the details of how the dough is handled and the quality of the raw ingredients. Here are a few essential guidelines to ensure you only taste the best the city has to offer.
Look for the "Artisan Boulanger" Label
This official designation is your first line of defense against fake bakeries. It guarantees that the bread is kneaded, shaped, and baked on the premises. If you do not see this sign, you are likely buying dough that was frozen and shipped from a factory.
Timing is Everything
French bakeries bake in cycles throughout the day to ensure freshness. The best time to buy a baguette is usually around 8:00 AM for the morning batch or between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM for the after-work rush. Avoid buying bread between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM, as this is often the stale lull between bakes.
Judge a Bakery by Its Baguette "Tradition"
Do not judge a shop by its fancy pastries alone; the true test of a baker is the "baguette de tradition." This bread is protected by French law and can only contain flour, water, salt, and yeast. If the crust is deeply caramelized and the interior has large, irregular air pockets, you have found a winner.
Beware of the "Tourist Window"
If a pastry looks too shiny, too perfect, or sits in a window all day under hot lights, it is likely preserved with gelatin or excessive sugar. Authentic patisserie uses fresh cream and butter, which means the pastries look rustic, slightly imperfect, and are often stored in chilled displays.
Engage with the Staff
Parisian bakers are incredibly proud of their work. If you ask them what is fresh out of the oven or what their specialty is, they will almost always point you toward the best item in the store. A little French greeting—"Bonjour"—goes a long way in unlocking their expertise.
Walking through the historic center of Paris with a warm baguette under your arm is one of life’s simplest and most profound pleasures. The aroma of fresh yeast and roasted wheat mixing with the cool air of the Seine creates a sensory memory that will stay with you long after you leave the city.
As you explore the shadows of Notre-Dame, remember that French baking is a living craft, not a museum piece. Taking the time to seek out these artisans supports a tradition that has fed the city for centuries and ensures that the next generation of bakers will continue to light their ovens before sunrise.
