Breakfast Pastries à la Boulangerie
In Paris, you really are spoiled for choice when it comes to breakfast. Every morning, thousands of boulangeries across the city proudly present the freshly baked pastries they've been working on since the early hours of the morning. Of course the mighty Croissant leads the charge - and if you want to read all about this iconic pastry, you'll find out all about it here - but there are plenty of other options to sample too. There's the pain au chocolat of course, coming in a close second to the Croissant, but then there's the swirling circle that is the pain aux raisins, the chausson aux pommes - a pastry pocket filled with delicious stewed apple - and the pain suisse, with its sinful mix of chocolate and crème patissière folded into its pastry layers.
If you're not in the mood for pastry, then dive into the world of bread - another Paris favourite for breakfast. Freshly baked and often still warm from the oven, a good baguette or tradition (the most popular type of baguette in Paris) will set you up for the day like nothing else. If you're looking for the best baguette in your Paris neighbourhood, our Handy Map detailing all the winners of the Best Baguette Competition will help lead the way.
Want to take the magic of breakfast in Paris home with you? Why not join us for a Croissant Class or Baguette Class next time you're in town?
Le Café
Where would we be without coffee in Paris? What could be more Parisian than sipping a coffee on an outdoor terrasse in the morning sunshine? The coffee world in Paris encompasses both the local cafés (that appear every few steps in Paris!), and the third wave coffee scene gaining serious traction in the city - much to the delight of coffee lovers! For the inside scoop on that brilliant new trend for excellent coffee craft, you'll want to check out our map on the Best Coffee in Paris or add a few specific addresses to your itinerary next time you're in town with our Essential Coffee Guide.
For a little local know-how, if you want to sip your morning coffee with Paris locals and the early-risers, you can stop in at any neighbourhood café and order your espresso (un café, s'il vous plaît!) We love this daily coffee ritual, where the city's early birds stand at the bar (usually your coffee is a little cheaper if you do this), pass the time of day with their neighbours or the staff, then head out to start the day.
If you're part of our monthly newsletter family (if not, you can sign up here) you'll already have read about the most common coffee types in Paris, but just in case - here is your quick go-to guide!
Café - An espresso shot. To be fully Parisian, stand at the bar.
Allongée - Literally 'elongated' this is an espresso with more hot water - half way between a double espresso and an Americano.
Café Crème - A milky coffee. In most streetside cafés if you ask for a cappuccino, this is what you'll get. Same for a latté. True story.
Noisette - An espresso shot with just a dash of hot milk, turning it hazelnut colour - hence its name!
Top tip: While many people expect to say "café au lait" - nobody actually says this in Paris. It's a café crème, s'il vous plaît!
Bars and cafes often have their own breakfast menu with varying tiers of indulgence! ©LaCuisineParis
Le Petit-Déjeuner Tranquille
For the most relaxed breakfast option while out and about in Paris, you're going to want to check out the formule petit-déjeuner - a set menu for breakfast offered by most neighbourhood bars and cafes. There are often various different options, meaning you can be as decadent as you please! The most common selection includes a breakfast pastry (usually a croissant or pain au chocolat) or a tartine which is a portion of delicious baguette - usually sourced from the bar's local boulangerie - served with butter and confiture (jam).
https://www.google.com/maps/d/...Le Weekend? Le Brunch!
Looking for something a little more decadent by way of Paris breakfast? Well, you're covered for that too. Not only is there fantastic food on offer at many of the best coffee spots in the city, there's also the temptation of the Paris brunch phenomenon. At the weekends, and particularly on Sundays, the city meets to socialise and catch-up over one of the long and decadent brunches available across the city. Wondering what might take your fancy? Don't worry - we've put together a great map of lots of top brunch destinations in Paris.
