Gosselin

What can I say? Croissants just taste better in Paris.  I think it’s the superiority of the butter they have, which is divinely rich and smooth.

There are so many gloriously flaky specimens to sample all over the city, but for my money, the best of the bunch is at Philippe Gosselin.  Their croissant is a textural marvel with a supremely crispy exterior and uber buttery interior.  Gosselin also has a mean baguette, which ranks among the top in Paris.  In fact, Gosselin’s actually won the Grand Prix for Paris’s best traditional baguette, so consider grabbing a baguette sandwich to eat for lunch later.  Or just savor this squishy, slight sweet loaf on its own.   And grab one of their powder sugar-dusted almond croissant, too.

This spacious boulangerie and patisserie is located in the 7th, just a short stroll from the Musee d’Orsay, so you could stop here first thing in the morning in hopes of a still warm from the oven croissant then head to my favorite museum in Paris.  (There’s another location in the 1st arrondissement on Rue St. Honore, too.)  Either way, grab a few things while you’re here: They turn out fine madeleines, macarons, and fancy French tarts and cakes.