Croissants are a type of pastry that are made by rolling and folding layers of dough and butter multiple times, creating a light and airy texture on the inside and a crispy, flaky exterior.
It is thought to have originated in Austria but gained popularity in France. The term “croissant” is derived from the French word for “crescent” and refers to its curved shape.
The croissant’s origins can be traced back to as early as the 13th century when the Turks introduced a similar pastry known as a “kifli” to Austria. However, it wasn’t until the 19th century that the croissant as we know it today was created.
According to one legend, the croissant was invented in Vienna in 1683 to celebrate the defeat of the Ottoman Turks, who had attempted to invade the city. The shape of the pastry was meant to resemble the crescent on the Ottoman flag.
Another theory is that the croissant was actually created in France during the 19th century. Some historians believe that the French bakers who created the croissant were inspired by the kipferl, a crescent-shaped pastry from Austria.
Regardless of its exact origins, the croissant’s popularity continued to grow throughout the 19th century, and by the early 20th century, it had become a staple of French cuisine.
Today, croissants are enjoyed all over the world and are commonly served for breakfast or as a snack.
Here we list down the best croissants that can be found in Paris, the capital city of France (updated as of Mar 2024):
5. The French Bastards
Visual ~ 6/10
Smell ~ 6/10
Crunch ~ 6/10
Taste ~ 6/10
Total – 24/40
4. Cedric Grolet
Visual ~ 8/10
Smell ~ 5.5/10
Crunch ~ 5.5/10
Taste ~ 5.5/10
Total – 24.5/40
3. Du Pain et des Idées
Visual ~ 6/10
Smell ~ 6.5/10
Crunch ~ 6.5/10
Taste ~ 6.5/10
Total – 25.5/40
2. Le Grenier à Pain Abbesses
Visual ~ 6/10
Smell ~ 6.5/10
Crunch ~ 6.5/10
Taste ~ 7/10
Total – 26/40
1. La Maison d’Isabelle
Visual ~ 6/10
Smell ~ 7/10
Crunch ~ 7/10
Taste ~ 7.5/10
Total – 27.5/40
And below we list some of the honourable mentions:
Boulangerie Utopie
Visual ~ 5.5/10
Smell ~ 5.5/10
Crunch ~ 5.5/10
Taste ~ 6.5/10
Total – 23/40
Pâtisserie Blé Sucré
Visual ~ 6/10
Smell ~ 5/10
Crunch ~ 5.5/10
Taste ~ 6/10
Total – 22.5/40
La Pâtisserie Cyril Lignac
Visual ~ 6.5/10
Smell ~ 5/10
Crunch ~ 5/10
Taste ~ 4/10
Total – 20.5/40
Mamiche
Visual ~ 6/10
Smell ~ 4.5/10
Crunch ~ 4.5/10
Taste ~ 4.5/10
Total – 19.5/40
Philippe Conticini
Visual ~ 7/10
Smell ~ 4/10
Crunch ~ 4/10
Taste ~ 4.5/10
Total – 19.5/40
Tout Autour du Pain
Visual ~ 5/10
Smell ~ 5/10
Crunch ~ 4/10
Taste ~ 5/10
Total – 19/40
Voyage Grande 