Just five minutes north of Place de la République, at the corner of rue Yves Toudic and rue de Marseille lies the wonderful boulangerie Du Pain et des Idées. Specialising in fantastic breads, from sourdough to olive oil to baguettes and soft brioche, owner Christophe Vasseur comes from a long line of bakers, while the corner location has been home to a bakery since 1889, and the tradition shines through. However, it’s the wonderful croissants that really impressed. Alongside a playful range of escargots with praline, pistachio, nougat, cassis and raisin fillings, I picked out a banana pain au chocolat, which was quite simply the best pastry of my entire life. I’ll be going back, for every breakfast next time.
Du Pain et des Idées, 34 rue Yves Toudic, 75010, Paris