Food

The Greatest Thing Since French Bread

The most stereotypical of French foods is the baguette, baked fresh daily at neighborhood boulangeries throughout Paris.

You might wonder what could be so memorable, so significant of a daily staple as common in America as a carton of milk.

Here are some interesting, quirky facts that may help shed some light.

• Only 3 key ingredients are often found in baguettes and bread: flour, sea salt and levean (a bread leavening agent used in France instead of yeast to yield a dryer, rich aroma filled product);

• Bread, and especially baguettes, are bought fresh daily. Saving bread to eat the next day is uncommon;

• Buying a baguette will not typically come in a plastic bag, but rather wrapped in a small piece of wax paper. One of the stereotypes is therefore actually true – people walking around carrying bread in full sight;
• Most businesses are still closed on Sundays, but most boulangeries will open for a short time in the morning with lineups very typical.

The boulangerie Poilâne, mentioned below, ships its products worldwide by courier. Place your order by Monday 3 PM Paris time, it will be baked on Tuesday and will reach your door by Wednesday morning.

During your trip to Paris, be sure to check out one, if not many, of these well-known places. Your taste in bread may be forever changed.

• Paul

- 25 avenue de l'Opéra, 1st Arrondissement, Métro Opéra
- 70 rue de Rivoli, 4th Arrondissement, Métro Hôtel de Ville
- 49 bis avenue Franklin Roosevelt, 8th Arrondissement, Métro Franklin D. Roosevelt
- Locations throughout Paris

• Poilâne

- 8 rue du Cherche-Midi, 6th Arrondissement, Métro St-Sulspice
- 49 bld de Grenelle, 15th Arrondissement, Métro Dupleix
- Also in most Monoprix (Paris’ food, clothing and household goods chain)

• Eric Kayser

- 8 rue Monge, 5th arrondissement, Métro Place Monge
- 79 rue du Commerce, 15th arrondissement, Métro Commerce

A few boulangeries frequented by locals and off the beaten tourist path:

• Le Pain au Naturel

                                                                                                 Photo Credit: Claude Neron    

• Moulin aux Paiou
- 153 rue Charenton, 12th Arrondissement, Métro Reuilly Diderot
(Offers great, fresh bread by the slice!)