Gontran Cherrier Boulanger
Gontran Cherrier's boulangerie is one of my favourite bakeries in Paris. I love its crisp, white tiled walls with its long counter filled with delicious pastries, tartes, and breads. And unlike many of Paris's best boulangeries, you can eat inside, perched on a stool along the bar facing the street and surrounded by the sweet scents of freshly baked buttery viennoisseries. But that's if you can find a space, because I'm not the only person who makes the journey to the 18th arrondissement to savour Gontran's delights.
Among his must try treats is the Kouign Amann, a classic buttery Breton offering, embodying everything a pastry should be—sticky, sweet and flaky. For a savoury lunch you might try one of the fresh tartes salées (such as the one pictured below) – cucumber, tomato, and feta with mint. They also have a unique take on the sandwich in the form of colourful "buns". And, when in Paris, there's no lunching at a boulangerie without a dessert. The vast choice might be a touch intimidating, but speaking from experience, you'll struggle to go wrong. I particularly rate the vibrant tarte aux agrumes—a citrus tarte made with grapefruit, orange and pistachio.
Gontran Cherrier Boulanger, 22 rue Caulaincourt, 75018, +33 01 46 06 82 66.
Open everyday except Wednesday. Mon - Sat 7.30 am—8.30pm. Sundays from 7.30 am—7.30 pm.
If you want to read more about my favourite Parisian places, head over to Khoollect and read Rachel Khoo's 24 hours in Paris. You'll get the ins and outs of how I spend a day in one of my favourite cities in the world.
