On May 10th, a jury will designate the best baguette in Paris.
This tradition has been going on for 30 years, where the city honors Parisian bakers by electing the one who offers "the best baguette in Paris." If you happen to be on one of our tours and end up passing by any of the bakeries mentioned above, make sure to let us know if you want to stop and try their baguettes!
Six randomly chosen Parisians will taste all the baguettes that the bakers will have deposited that same morning at the headquarters of the Syndicate of Bakers of Greater Paris, located at 7 quai d'Anjou.
Representatives of professional federations who are deemed experts on judging bread (dream job, honestly) will also be present.
The baguette, a type of bread characterized by its long, thin shape and crusty exterior, originated in France in the late 19th century. Today, it is a cultural icon of France and a staple of French cuisine, enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. The baguette's importance lies in its representation of French culture, tradition, and craftsmanship, and its ability to bring people together over a shared love of good food.
The baguettes submitted must meet specific criteria, such as being between 50 and 55 centimeters long, weighing between 250 and 270 grams, and having a maximum salt content of 18 grams per kilogram of flour. Baguettes are judged according to five specific criteria: the baking, the taste, the crumb, the honeycomb, and the appearance.
The winner of the annual Best Baguette in Paris competition will have the honor of supplying the Élysée Palace (the President's house) with baguettes for an entire year
If you're curious about past winners and where to find the best bakeries in Paris, we've compiled a list of the 10 past winners below:
2012: Pain Pain located at 159 Avenue Jean Jaurès, 75019 Paris, near the Buttes Chaumont Park. Known for their bread made from organic flour, their baguettes are hand-rolled and shaped before being baked in a wood-fired oven.
2013: Maison Desgranges, located at 122 Rue de Tocqueville, 75017 Paris, near the Parc Monceau. This family-owned bakery is famous for their traditional French pastries, including croissants, pain au chocolat, and brioche.
2014: Le Grenier à Pain, located at 38 Rue des Abbesses, 75018 Paris, near the Montmartre neighborhood. This award-winning bakery specializes in organic bread made from locally sourced grains, and their famous "Goutte d'Or" loaf is a must-try.
2015: Boulangerie Brun, located at 193 Rue de Tolbiac, 75013 Paris, near the Butte-aux-Cailles neighborhood. Known for their innovative breads made with non-traditional grains like buckwheat and spelt, this bakery also offers a wide range of gluten-free options.
2016: Boulangerie Dupain, located at 20 Rue des Martyrs, 75009 Paris, near the Montmartre neighborhood. This artisanal bakery uses only natural ingredients and traditional techniques to produce their delicious breads, pastries, and cakes.
2017: Boulangerie Lorette, located at 26 Rue de la Butte aux Cailles, 75013 Paris, near the Butte-aux-Cailles neighborhood. This bakery offers a range of classic French breads and pastries, but is best known for their creative and flavorful sandwich options.
2018: Boulangerie Gontran Cherrier, located at 22 Rue Caulaincourt, 75018 Paris, near the Montmartre neighborhood. With a focus on using high-quality, organic ingredients, this bakery offers a range of artisanal breads and pastries, including their famous "pain des amis" loaf.
2019: Pain Pain again! This two time winner's commitment to using organic, locally sourced ingredients is evident in their delicious breads and pastries, which are all made by hand using traditional techniques. Stop in for breakfast or a snack while walking in the area!
2020: Boulangerie Pichard, located at 88 Rue Cambronne, 75015 Paris, near the Eiffel Tower. Known for their crispy baguettes and delicious pastries, this bakery has been a favorite of Parisians for over 80 years. Unfortunately, it closed in 2021, but will live on in the hearts of many.
2021: Boulangerie L'Essentiel, located at 2 Rue des Abbesses, 75018 Paris, near the Montmartre neighborhood. This bakery's commitment to using natural, organic ingredients is evident in their delicious breads, which are baked fresh every day in a wood-fired oven.
In conclusion, the humble baguette is more than just a bread; it is a cultural icon of Paris and a must-try for any visitor to the city. From its crusty exterior to its fluffy interior, each bite of a fresh baguette is a sensory experience that transports you to the heart of France. So, whether you enjoy it as part of a picnic in the park or as a quick snack on-the-go, make sure to savor every moment with this delectable French staple. Bon appétit!
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