The Best Croissants in Paris (2026 Guide)

With more than 50 trips to Paris, three years living in France, and more croissants down the hatch than I can count, I feel qualified to settle this question once and for all: who bakes the best croissants in Paris? The honest answer is that the gap between a truly great croissant and a forgettable one is enormous — and knowing where to go matters more than you might think.

I've been taste-testing these buttery beauties for years. My system: Mr. Misadventures gets the first bite of every croissant at a new bakery while I take the pain au chocolat. If his eyes light up, I'm back for the croissant next time. It's a tough job, but someone has to do it.

This guide covers everything — the official annual competition winners, my personal favorites organized by arrondissement, the best almond croissants, the trendiest spots, and my top tips for finding a great one on the fly. Bon appétit.

Official 2026 Paris Croissant Competition Winners

Before anything else, let's talk about the gold standard. Every year, le syndicat des Boulangers du Grand Paris (the Paris Baker's Union) holds the Meilleur Croissant au Beurre du Grand Paris competition — the most prestigious croissant contest in the city. All participants must use Charentes-Poitou AOP butter, and the jury evaluates visual appearance, color, lamination, texture, aroma, and above all, taste.

The 2026 winners were announced on May 12, 2026, at the Fête du Pain:

• 1st Place: Boulangerie du Sentier
• 2nd Place: BOOM Boulangerie OMnivore
• 3rd Place: Maison Thevenin

If these aren't convenient to your neighborhood, the 2025 winners are equally worth seeking out:

• Georges Doucet – Maison Doucet, 234 rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine, 12th Arr.
• Victoire Dary – Boulangerie Victoire, 12 rue Cadet, 9th Arr.
• Jean-Yves Boullier – Le Moulin de la Croix Nivert, 39 rue de la Croix Nivert, 15th Arr.
• Érick Thevenot – Vibrations Gourmandes, 101 Grand rue Charles de Gaulle, Nogent-sur-Marne
• Hédi Ouarda – Les Saveurs de Parmentier, 103 av. Parmentier, 11th Arr.

A tiny bit of history

All of us French-loving fanatics would like to believe that this delicate, flaky, buttery concoction is French — but its origin is actually Austrian. There's a reason an entire category of baked goods is called Viennoiserie. It all began in 1683 when the Ottoman Empire besieged Vienna and attempted to tunnel under the city walls. The bakers, working in their basement ovens, heard the digging and alerted the army. To celebrate the victory — and maybe rub the Empire's nose in it a little — they shaped pastries like the crescent moon on the Turkish flag.

The croissant was brought to France by Austrian entrepreneur August Zang, and the rest, mes amies, is delicious history. (There's a wonderful book on this: August Zang and the French Croissant: How Viennoiserie Came to France — worth a read.)

What makes for a good croissant?

A true Parisian croissant au beurre is the right balance of texture and flavor. Look for:

• A golden, deeply caramelized exterior that crackles with every bite — not too pale, not too dark
• Distinct, visible layers in the interior — airy and honeycomb-like, never doughy
• An unmistakable butter aroma — you should smell it before you taste it
• Rich flavor with just a hint of sweetness — never greasy or heavy
• Quality butter, full stop. No substitutes.

The difference between a croissant ordinaire and a croissant au beurre matters. At a regular boulangerie, always ask specifically for a croissant au beurre — it's made exclusively with butter and is richer, more flavorful, and usually straight-sided. The regular croissant (ordinaire) may use margarine — you can often spot it by its curved crescent shape — and the flavor shows it.

How Much Does a Croissant Cost in Paris?

A croissant at a neighborhood boulangerie typically runs €1.20–€2.50. At an award-winning or prestigious patisserie, expect to pay €3–€5. Price is not always an indicator of quality — some of the best croissants in the city come from humble local bakeries. Budget accordingly and eat widely.

Tips on finding a great croissant in Paris

Seeking out a great croissant is equal parts adventure and strategy. Here's what I've learned:

• Ask locals. Parisians are passionate about their boulangeries and happy to direct you. I also maintain a network of Parisian friends who tip me off to new spots.
• Go early. First thing in the morning is best — freshly baked batches hit the shelves early, and by 10:30 am the best ones at popular bakeries are often gone.
• Avoid Friday afternoons. After 4 pm on Fridays, many of the good pastries are sold out, and some bakeries won't bake more before the weekend.
• Look for the MOF label. Meilleur Ouvrier de France (MOF) is a prestigious national craft award. Any bakery displaying it takes quality seriously.
• Trust your nose. If you catch the scent of baking butter and caramelized dough walking past a bakery, stop. That aroma doesn't lie.
• Trust your eyes — but read the line. A long queue could be Instagram hype, or it could mean the place is genuinely exceptional. Here's my rule: if you see French people in line for a croissant, it is probably damn good. Parisians do not like to wait, so if locals are willing to queue, that's the most reliable endorsement you'll get.

The Traditional French Croissant and its Variations

While you might be craving a classic croissant, many bakeries offer variations of this flaky treat. You can sample several flavors, like raspberry, pistachio (my personal favorite!), almond croissants, and even chocolate-filled croissants (which are technically not croissants but rather pain au chocolat).

There are two types of croissants! The illustrious croissant au beurre and the humble croissant ordinaire. When you’re going to a regular bakery, be sure to ask for a croissant au beurre – this one is more buttery and rich and is an explosion of flavor in your mouth. It is made only with butter. When you crave an indulgent, buttery experience, the croissant au beurre reigns supreme.

On the other hand, regular croissants (croissants ordinaires) may incorporate margarine (yuck). You will see the difference visually, as they are commonly crescent-shaped.

If you’re looking for a fancier croissant, head to an artisanal bakery, as they love to experiment with pairings and combinations.

Beyond the classic butter croissant, Paris's artisanal bakeries love to experiment. A few worth knowing:

• Almond croissant (croissant aux amandes) — A day-old croissant filled with almond cream (crème d'amandes), topped with sliced almonds, and baked again. Genius upcycling. One of the great pastries of the world.
• Pain au chocolat — Technically not a croissant. It's a separate laminated pastry shape with chocolate inside, sometimes called a chocolatine in southern France. I've noted the best ones separately below.
• Pistachio croissant — My personal favorite variation. When a bakery does it well, it's transcendent.
• Ispahan croissant — Pierre Hermé's signature combination of rose, lychee, and raspberry in croissant form. Unlike anything else in Paris.
• Giant croissants (XXL) — Yes, this is a real thing, and yes, it went viral on TikTok and Instagram. Philippe Conticini makes oversized versions at his shops in the 7th, 3rd, and 16th arrondissements. Most Parisians find them excessive. They're still delicious.

The Best Croissants in Paris

Listed by arrondissement so you can find the nearest great option wherever you're staying. All entries below refer to the croissant au beurre unless otherwise noted.

Pierre Hermé

Pierre Hermé is world-famous for his macarons, but don't overlook his pastries. Like his Ispahan macaron, his Ispahan croissant — rose, lychee, and raspberry — is a singular experience. Beautiful to look at, even better to eat.

His sweets are a wonderful treat, with each bite transporting you to a world of exquisite flavor and texture.

Adresse: 39 av. de l’Opéra, 2e arr. Several more across Paris, including 72 Rue Bonaparte in the 6th.

Stohrer

As the French capital's oldest bakery, Stohrer has been providing delectable pastries since 1730. In fact, Nicolas Stohrer was King Louis XV’s pastry chef! Just like their chocolates and other sweet treats, their excellent croissants are rich in history and culture, making them an absolute must for anyone looking for a true taste of Paris.

It is a Parisian institution for pastries (it is actually best known for its almond croissant) and continues to serve classic French sweets.

Address: 51 Rue Montorgueil (an amazing food market street!), 2nd Arr

Cedric Grolet

The most Instagrammed pastry chef in Paris, and for good reason. Grolet's croissants are visually flawless and taste every bit as good as they look. Expect a queue, especially at the Opéra flagship. These are on the pricier end (€4–5), but the quality is exceptional. If you're visiting once, this is worth it.

Address: 35 Av. de l'Opéra, 2nd Arr. | Also: Le Meurice, 228 Rue de Rivoli, 1st Arr.

Tout Autour du Pain

Tout Autour du Pain has established a well-deserved reputation as a top contender in Paris' culinary scene. And one of the best butter croissants in Paris, full stop. Indulge in their wonderful pain au chocolat (chocolate croissant), paired nicely with a freshly baked baguette.

Note: closed on weekends — weekday visits only.

Address: 134 rue de Turenne, 3rd arrondissement, Le Marais

La Maison D’Isabelle

Won the Best Croissant in Paris Award in 2018 and has stayed at the top of every serious list since. Isabelle Leday uses Brasseuil organic flour and Pamplie AOP butter (Charentes-Poitou). The result: flaky, airy, deeply buttery — a benchmark croissant. There's a little park across the street to enjoy it in.

Address: 47ter Boulevard Saint-Germain, 5th Arr (in the heart of the Latin quarter)

Des Gâteaux et du Pain

Pastry chef Claire Damon's croissants need nothing to complement them — they're perfect on their own. Her chausson aux pommes takes six days to make and is equally worth trying. Quality ingredients, handmade with care.

Address: 89 Rue du Bac, 7th Arr

Maison Lendemaine

Brilliantly golden croissants — visually appealing and lighter than the traditional style. More contemporary than classic but absolutely delicious. A reliable favorite in the 9th.

Address: 26, rue des Martyrs, 9th Arr

Boulangerie Sain

Relatively new to the Canal Saint-Martin scene, Sain has made a real name for itself. Anthony Courteille uses classic French technique and a beechwood kneader. Their hazelnut butter croissant is genuinely special — nutty, rich, and worth going out of your way for.

Address: 15, rue Marie et Louise, 10th Arr

Du Pain et des Idées

If you’re looking for traditional French pastries that come out of a beautifully painted shop of the 1870s, look no further than Du Pain et des Idées. A favorite of locals and tourists alike, this quaint boulangerie is located steps away from Canal St Martin and is celebrated for its croissants, which have the perfect combination of crunch and chewiness.

The master boulanger (chef Christophe Vasseur) here uses the finest organic ingredients, ensuring the croissants are nothing short of pure bliss. Pick up a loaf of pain des amis, their ‘house bread', for later.

Address: 34 Rue Yves Toudic, 10th Arr

Mamiche

Cécile Khayat and Victoria Effantin opened Mamiche in 2017 and put a modern, joyful spin on the classic French boulangerie. Their croissants are close to perfect, and their pain au chocolat is among the best in the city. Also, try their choux à la crème; it is heavenly.

Always a line, always worth it.

Address: 32 Rue du Château d’Eau, 10th Arr

Boulangerie Utopie

A sanctuary for croissant purists. All their pastries are a piece of art in terms of texture – they have a flaky, crispy shell that breaks open to a soft, buttery heart. It's not an overstatement to claim that Boulangerie Utopie may be the best Parisian croissant, every single one a melt-in-your-mouth delicacy. Also winners of Best Baguette in Paris 2024. Everything here is done with intention.

Address: 20 rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud, 11th Arr

Farine&O

Time-honored baking techniques meet ancient grains. Their croissants are rich, golden-brown, and have a subtle nutty depth that sets them apart. Artisanal ingredients throughout.

Address: 153 rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine, 11th Arr

Blé Sucré

A beloved Bastille neighborhood institution. Famous for their chocolate mousse, but the pain au chocolat and almond croissant are genuine standouts too. A local favorite.

Address: 7 Rue Antoine Vollon, 12th arrondissement

Laurent Duchêne

MOF-awarded pâtissier (Meilleur Ouvrier de France, 1993) whose chocolate-swirled croissant, filled with homemade praline, is a brilliant departure from the plain croissant. Technically, dessert for breakfast, which is exactly the right move.

Address: 2 rue Wurtz, 13th Arr

Maison Pichard

Classic, traditional, reliable. Soft and fluffy interior, crispy exterior, made with care every morning. A local's bakery in the best sense. You should also try their escargots and other pastries.

Address: 88, rue Cambronne, 15th Arr

La Pâtisserie Cyril Lignac

Head to this chic bakery for stylish and delicious pastries and chocolates. The croissants here are a delectable treat that combines classic workmanship with a new elegance. Lignac is known to use Charentes-Poitou butter and Minoterie Viron flour for his croissants, and his secret? He knows just the right amount of time to let the dough rest.

The very popular French TV Chef creates croissants and other pastries that are just heavenly and oh-so rich – you can see the butter soak through the paper bag! Has a fantastic pain au chocolat (chocolate croissant) as well.

Address: 2 Rue de Chaillot, 16th Arr. Several more across Paris, including 9 rue Bayen, 17 arrondissement; 24 rue Paul Bert, 11th arrondissement; 55 boulevard Pasteur, 15th arrondissement

Le Grenier À Pain

A Montmartre institution that won Best Baguette in Paris, so don't leave without trying the bread too. Their croissants are delicious, and the pain au chocolat is very good. One of the great neighborhood boulangeries in the city.

Address: 38 Rue des Abbesses, 18th Arr

Best Croissants by Tourist Neighborhood

Not sure which arrondissement you're staying in? Here's where to go based on where you are:

• Near the Eiffel Tower: La Pâtisserie Cyril Lignac (16th Arr.)
• In the Marais: Tout Autour du Pain (3rd Arr.)
• Near Montmartre: Le Grenier à Pain (18th Arr.)
• Latin Quarter: La Maison d'Isabelle (5th Arr.)
• Near Canal Saint-Martin: Du Pain et des Idées or Mamiche (10th Arr.)
• Near the Opera / Louvre: Cédric Grolet or Pierre Hermé (2nd Arr.)
• Saint-Germain-des-Prés: Pierre Hermé (6th Arr.) or La Maison d'Isabelle (5th Arr.)
• Bastille area: Blé Sucré (12th Arr.) or Farine&O (11th Arr.)

Best almond croissant in Paris

The almond croissant (croissant aux amandes) began as a brilliant solution: day-old croissants filled with almond cream (crème d'amandes), topped with sliced almonds, and baked again. The creamy interior sets, and the exterior becomes gloriously crisp. These are the best spots for one:

• Stohrer: 51 Rue Montorgueil, 2nd Arr
• Huré: 1 Rue d'Arcole, 4th Arr
• La Maison d’Isabelle: 47ter Boulevard Saint-Germain, 5th Arr
• Du Pain et des Idées: 34 Rue Yves Toudic, 10th Arr
• Blé Sucré: 7 Rue Antoine Vollon, 12th Arr

Best pain au chocolat (chocolate croissant) in Paris

A quick note: there is no such thing as a chocolate croissant. It's a pain au chocolat — a different laminated pastry shape with chocolate inside. (In southern France, they'll call it a chocolatine.) The best ones in Paris:

• Stohrer: 51 Rue Montorgueil, 2nd arrondissement
• Mamiche: 45 Rue Condorcet, 9th arrondissement; 32 Rue du Château d’Eau, 10th arrondissement
• Cyril Lignac: 9 rue Bayen, 17 arrondissement; 24 rue Paul Bert, 11th arrondissement; 55 boulevard Pasteur, 15th arrondissement
• Le Grenier à Pain: 38 rue des Abbesses, 18th arrondissement
• Cédric Grolet: 35 avenue de l'Opéra, 19th arrondissement

Find more in my Where to Find the Best Chocolate in Paris article!

Croissant and Pastry Tours in Paris

Many of the bakeries featured here can be visited on a guided pastry tour — a great way to sample multiple spots in one morning with context and history. Two I recommend:

• Pastry and Chocolate Tasting Walking Tour from Get Your Guide
• Paris Pastry and Chocolate Tour from Devour Tours!

Paris Croissants: Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a croissant cost in Paris?
At a standard neighborhood boulangerie, expect €1.20–€2.50. At prestige patisseries like Cédric Grolet, prices run €4–5. Price alone doesn't indicate quality — some of the best croissants in the city are at humble local bakeries.

What time should I buy croissants in Paris?
Go first thing in the morning. Freshly baked batches hit the shelves early, and at popular bakeries, the best ones are often sold out by 10:30 am. Avoid Friday afternoons — after 4 pm, most of the good pastries are gone, and many bakeries won't bake more before the weekend.

What is the difference between a croissant au beurre and a croissant ordinaire?
A croissant au beurre is made exclusively with butter and has a richer, more complex flavor. A croissant ordinaire may use margarine instead. Always ask for a croissant au beurre at a regular boulangerie. You can often spot the difference visually too: butter croissants tend to be straight-sided, while ordinaires are often curved.

What is the official best croissant competition in Paris?
The Meilleur Croissant au Beurre du Grand Paris, held annually by le syndicat des Boulangers du Grand Paris (the Paris Baker's Union). All competitors must use Charentes-Poitou AOP butter. The jury evaluates appearance, color, lamination, texture, aroma, and taste. The 2026 winners were announced in May 2026 — see the winners section above.

What are the giant croissants everyone is seeing on TikTok?
XXL croissants have gone viral on social media over the last couple of years. Philippe Conticini makes oversized versions at his shops in the 7th, 3rd, and 16th arrondissements. Most Parisians find them excessive — but the people who've tried them admit they taste great.

What's the difference between a croissant and a pain au chocolat?
A pain au chocolat is not a croissant. It's a separate laminated pastry made from the same dough but shaped differently, with chocolate pieces inside. In southern France, it's called a chocolatine. Worth trying separately — don't count it as your croissant.

Do I need to speak French to buy a croissant?
Not at all, but learning one phrase helps: “Un croissant au beurre, s'il vous plaît” (one butter croissant, please). Parisians appreciate the effort, and it ensures you get the better version.

The best croissant in Paris is the one you love!

There are so many wonderful bakers in this city keeping the morning croissant ritual alive — and I haven't even scratched the surface of every neighborhood gem waiting to be discovered. The pursuit of the perfect croissant isn't just a food errand; it's an exploration of Paris's culture, craftsmanship, and neighborhood character.

Whether you're starting your day at Du Pain et des Idées by the canal, seeking out the year's official competition winner, or stumbling into a neighborhood boulangerie that smells irresistible at 8 am — every croissant has a story. And in a city where art, culture, and culinary excellence converge, the quest for the perfect one is a very good reason to keep coming back.

Last thing, while I've covered some fantastic bakeries and patisseries renowned for their exceptional croissants in Paris, this is my own opinion, it's important to remember that the best croissant is a matter of personal preference. Whether you prefer the classic buttery delight, a unique twist with almond paste, or a gluten-free option, Paris has something to offer every palate.

As you embark on your croissant quest in the City of Light, keep in mind that the best croissant is not just about the flakiness or the taste. It's about the experience – the cozy neighborhood bakery, the morning stroll to the boulangerie, and the simple pleasure of savoring a warm croissant with a café crème while watching the world go by.

In the end, the best place for croissants in Paris may be the one that steals your heart and leaves you craving more, forever cherishing the memory of that perfect moment in this enchanting city. Bon appétit, and may your croissant quests lead you to many more delicious discoveries in the world of French cuisine!

I've created a FREE PDF with all these locations, grab it here!

How about you? Have a favorite croissant in Paris? Do tell!