La Parisienne - Paris 6e Arrondissement

I don't remember where I first read about La Parisienne, but I put it on my list of places to visit when we got to Paris. I read too that Paris by Mouth had named its baguette in all of Paris--no small feat. It is close to the Luxembourg Gardens, so it's ideal to grab a few items and enjoy a snack around the pond. The items on offer are amazing, including the baguette. Chewy, crunchy, yeasty, so beautifully browned. The fruit tartlettes are superb: the apple was sticky and delicious; the apricot one was full of flavor. Despite being crowded at all the times we visited (visitors, certainly, but many neighborhood residents were there) the staff were extremely kind and friendly. They will even help you learn some French. A word here about the wonderful Anissa, who was charming and very kind to us. She patiently described items that interested us. Even better--about six hours after our visit she recognized us on the street and greeted us warmly and invited us back. Astounding service.

Another Boulangerie which is quite a distance from the closest metro Mabillon although well worth the effort as their Baguette Original was excellent and they did win the coveted prize of 'Best Baguette in Paris for 2016'.

We found this restaurant as we look at the latest winners of the Best Baguette in Paris each year. We have only had their traditional baguette but it is very good. The best thing about this boulangerie is its location: it is a block from Luxembourg Gardens and a couple of blocks from Pierre Herme and a large Monoprix. This combination means that we pick up cheese and fruit at the Monoprix, dessert at Pierre Herme, a freshly baked baguette at La Parisienne and then head into the gardens to find a bench to enjoy it all. Life is good.

I'm not sure how or why they won the title of best baguette in Paris as they have very very very average baguettes possibly even worse than the ones I have in Canada. I went out of my way to visit but was very disappointed. I couldn't even finish the bread and decided to feed them to pigeons instead. My advice is: don't even bother going..just go to the 2015 winner, Le Grenier à Pain, as they have delicious -crispy on the outside and soft on the inside- baguettes and make sure to go in the morning so that they're warm!

We went here on our way to the Luxembourg gardens and although it was a chance encounter, I have to day the experience was special. Small cozy place with friendly staff and great breads. A visit is recommended if you are in the general vicinity!