When you think of French food, what comes to mind?
Baguettes, croissants, macarons, éclairs…if you’re anything like us, these sweet treats were probably the first things that popped into your head. It’s been a long time since most of you have been able to visit France, and I’m sure that you’re missing your delicious French treats. Almost as much as we’ve been missing you!
Paris is finally opening back up after months and months of restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic. The city has gone in and out of “lockdown” (confinement in French) since March 2020, and in May 2021 things are shifting towards a new normal.
These 5 new bakeries and pastry shops in Paris want to make 2021 way better than 2020. If you’re looking for a brand new boulangerie or pâtisserie to satisfy your sweet tooth, read on!
Graine
If you’ve never been to the Oberkampf area in Paris, add it to your list for next time! This little-known-to-tourists neighborhood is where you’ll find actual French people going about their lives in Paris. When I first came here as a student, I didn’t know that this area even existed! Here you’ll find trendy restaurants, bars, and cafés, and plenty of young people out enjoying them.
Graine is only one of two boulangeries (bakeries) on our list, so if you’ve got your eye on a baguette, you may want to stop here first. They also feature several yummy pastries – but unlike you’ve seen them before! Graine boasts several “revisited” (révisité in French) desserts, which basically means that they took a classic dessert and put their own spin on it. My personal favorites are the revisited tiramisu and lemon tart, both in one-serving glass jars. The perfect addition to your picnics! I’m also very partial to their caramel brownies. Full disclosure: my French pastry-making husband works here as a pastry chef!
Address: 54 Rue Oberkampf, 75011 Paris
Tipana
Tipana is in a neighborhood that we all know and love, Saint-Germain-des-Prés! This pastry shop also features main dishes such as salads, making it the perfect place to stop to pick up some lunch. Or, if you prefer to go in the morning, you can also munch on granola and yogurt! Like Graine, Tipana also specializes in desserts that have been révisité. This time, the chefs have taken traditional French pastries and added a Mediterranean and Middle Eastern twist.
You’ll find the classics such as a lemon tart, but at Tipana it’s made with clementines and rose water. Another favorite is their Mediterranean éclair made with pistachios and dates. Their signature pastry, aptly named the Tipana, is an almond cookie made with cream. It comes in several different flavors, like coffee, pistachio, and even raspberry-rosewater. Yum!
Address: 2 Rue Clément, 75006 Paris
MAM par Stéphanie Le Quellec
Next up is MAM par Stéphanie Le Quellec in the 17th arrondissement. Again, this area isn’t very well known to tourists. It’s really residential, but it is also home to the Parc Monceau, one of my absolute favorite green spaces in Paris! Stop by MAM and then head to the park for a relaxing afternoon filled with sweet treats.
MAM is a bakery, pastry shop, small grocery shop and they also sell wine! Basically, everything you’ve ever dreamed of, right?! They also have small plates that you can take home and heat up on your own – which would be perfect for any of you who want to stay in an Airbnb and maybe save a little bit of money by eating at home. You can do both (and not give up any of the flavors that you may find in a restaurant) with MAM! Don’t miss their bread as well.
Address: 22 Rue Fourcroy, 75017 Paris
Oh Oui!
If you have health issues that prevent you from eating too much sugar, these next few pastry shops are for you! Oh Oui! is another Saint-Germain-des-Prés find. It’s also a great option for those of you who are watching your weight and yet still want to enjoy all of the deliciousness that French food and pastries have to offer.
Enjoy all of that and more without the guilt at Oh Oui!, where the pastries are made with 30% less sugar than the traditional French option. They also use all natural and fresh ingredients. You’ll find the French classics (but healthier) such as mini lemon and strawberry tarts, the Paris Brest, and all of my Americans will love their brownies.
Address: 95 Rue du Bac, 75007 Paris
Maison Plume Pâtisserie
Maison Plume Pâtisserie also uses less sugar than its traditional French counterparts for their desserts. Plus, all of their food products are gluten-free! It is becoming easier for those of you who can’t eat gluten to find things to eat in Paris, but it still isn’t always easy. All of my gluten-free readers: take down this address! You’re going to want to try it.
Maison Plume also serves tea and is simply adorable. It’s the perfect place in the 3rd arrondissement (not far from République and Oberkampf) to take a load off after a full day of exploring Paris! The interior is cozy and the outdoor seating area is also inviting. Maison Plume is the perfect solution for anyone with dietary restrictions who also want to enjoy the French food scene. I can definitely see myself bring my aunt here, who has Celiac disease!
Address: 61 Rue Charlot, 75003 Paris
If you love learning about French food…
You’ll love one of our latest Paris Virtual Experiences, French Food Frenzy! Learn about and drool over the ABCs of French cuisine – From savory to sweet we discover the history and importance of food in France with unforgettable and hilarious anecdotes.
Our Virtual Experiences are the perfect solution for those of you who don’t plan to come to Paris anytime soon, want to celebrate an event in a fun and safe way, or if you simply want to learn more about Paris and France from the comfort of your own home! Click here to discover all of our options and to inquire about booking!