It’s a common fact that no Parisian breakfast would be complete without a croissant (or two—we’re not judging). But despite the abundance of bakeries in the city, not all of them are created equal. And when it comes to pastries in France, you should only settle for the best of the best.
But no need to worry about wasting your precious euros on a subpar croissant. We’ve done all the hard work and gone on a mission to find the best croissants in Paris. The best part: We’re sharing the results with you.
Here are 8 exquisite croissants that you’ll want to devour until the very last crumb.
Sain Boulangerie
It’s rare to find a bakery in Paris that uses their own starter for croissants, but Sain Boulangerie bucks this trend. Head baker Anthony Courteille, who has collaborated with illustrious chefs in France and Spain, honed his pastries skills to put their croissant and other baked goods on the Parisian pastry map.
The extra-artisianal touches make Sain Boulangerie the ideal place to go for an unforgettable croissant. But don’t just take our word for it – try their buttery beauties for yourself.
Boris Lumé Boulangerie
Peering in the window of Boris Lumé Boulangerie will have you drooling at the glass counter of perfectly-frosted cakes, caramelized tartes, and golden baguettes. But the deliciousness doesn’t end there.
You simply can’t leave this delicious boulangerie without picking up one of their croissants. Bite into one of these perfectly flaky and airy creations to experience croissants at their finest.
Stohrer
Nestled on the lively rue Montorgueil, Stohrer’s first claim to fame is as the oldest pâtisserie in the city. The legendary establishment was founded in 1730 by King Louis XV’s pastry chef, Nicolas Stohrer, and is known to make the best almond croissant in Paris.
Wait no more and get in line with the regulars to try this heavenly pastry, lightly dusted with icing sugar and heavy with delicious almond cream. It’s rich and almost cake-like, making it the perfect sweet pick-me-up as you explore the City of Light.
Keep in mind that it is on the larger and richer side as far as croissants go, so one will likely be plenty for most people.
Laurent Duchêne
The MOF, or “Meilleur Ouvrier de France,” is a prestigious title awarded to the best craftsmen in the country. What better place to buy your pastries than from one of the few celebrated winners, Laurent Duchêne?
Located in the 13th arrondissement, his bakery is worth checking out for the croissants alone. But for a truly decadent treat, try the exquisite croissant au chocolat: tender layers of dough covered in rich chocolate, with a praline filling you won’t soon forget.
Du Pain et des Idées
Situated just a few steps from the scenic Canal St Martin, Du Pain et des Idées is just the place you’ll want to visit after skipping stones on the river Seine in true Amélie style.
Here, the bread and pastries are made with skill and expertise by master boulanger Christophe Vasseur. The acclaimed artisan baker is famous for only using high-quality, organic ingredients, so his croissants are pure butter and pure bliss. Plus, croissants are made continuously all day long, so you’re guaranteed to get a fresh one.
Located in a breathtaking 19th-century building, Du Pain et des Idées is also famous for their sweet “escargots“: spiral-shaped pastries that come in a variety of tempting flavors. The only downside to visiting this famous bakery is having to choose.
La Maison d’Isabelle
In the heart of the Latin Quarter, La Maison d’Isabelle (47ter Boulevard St. Germain) specializes in baked goods made with organic French butter and flour. The award-winning croissants are perfectly puffy, deliciously flaky, and a pleasure to indulge in at any time of day.
Don’t take our word for it though—Maison d’Isabelle took home the 2018 top prize for the best croissant in Paris. If you’re still not convinced, they also boast some of the best baguettes in Paris.
Mamiche
Take your breakfast or snack break to a whole new level with a croissant from Mamiche. Located in the 9th arrondissement, this is the ideal spot to enjoy croissants that are baked to perfection.
Mamiche is popular, and for good reason. They put their own homemade spin on traditional baked goods. In addition to their croissants, we’re also big fans of their delicate choux à la crème.
Le Boulanger de La Tour
A perennial favorite among our Devour staff, Le Boulangerie de La Tour creates masterful croissants. Thanks to flour sourced from the nearby towns of Chars and Brasseuil, along with high-quality butter, these bites have that crunchy golden exterior we dream about for weeks.
If you’re lucky enough to be in Paris, make sure to swing by their bakery to pick up a bite of croissant heaven.
FAQs about the best croissants in Paris
Where can I find the best almond croissants in Paris?
Some of the best almond croissants can be found at renowned bakeries like Pierre Hermé, Du Pain et des Idées, and La Maison d’Isabelle, known for their rich, perfectly balanced frangipane filling.
Are there gluten-free croissant options in Paris?
Yes! Bakeries like Chambelland and NoGlu offer delicious gluten-free croissants that don’t compromise on taste or texture.
What makes a Parisian croissant truly exceptional?
A perfect croissant has a golden, flaky exterior, delicate layers, and a buttery aroma. It should be crisp on the outside while remaining light and airy inside.
When is the best time to buy croissants in Paris?
The best time is early in the morning (typically before 10 AM) when they are freshly baked and at their peak in texture and flavor. Some top bakeries sell out quickly, so arriving early is recommended.
How much does a croissant typically cost in Paris?
Prices vary depending on the bakery, but a classic croissant is affordable. Specialty croissants, such as almond or pistachio-filled ones, may cost slightly more.
Update Notice: This blog post was updated on March 4, 2025.
There’s one more spot that (in our humble opinion!) serves up some of the best croissants in Paris, but we want to keep it a secret. Come discover it with us on our Paris Pastry and Chocolate Tour!
