Where to Find the Five Best Croissants in Paris & Nearby Hotels

You can’t separate Paris from croissants—it would be like New York City without pizza. But what elevates this particular obsession beyond tourist cliché is the city’s unwavering commitment to perfection, pursued with an intensity that borders on sacred. 

Rooted in tradition, the all-butter croissant (croissant pur beurre) has to be handmade using artisanal methods and top-quality Charentes-Poitou AOC butter to meet the criteria of official French baking competitions. Judges look for a shiny finish, perfect shape, flavorful layers, and that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Here’s a guide to five of Paris’ most popular and acclaimed bakeries, plus my favorite places to stay for the ultimate pastry-fueled getaway. Read more!