Baguettes & Croissants: A taste of France you’ll want to return for
When seasoned travellers think of France, it’s not just the landmarks or countryside that beckon them back—it’s the simple pleasure of biting into a freshly baked baguette or buttery croissant from the local boulangerie. These staples of French life have a place in the heart of every visitor, especially those who’ve roamed the quaint streets of Provence, savoring the aroma of freshly baked bread at dawn.
Let’s take a deeper dive into what makes these two iconic French foods so irresistible and why your search for the perfect baguette and croissant will have you dreaming of your next trip to France.
The Baguette: Crisp, Golden Perfection
Nothing compares to traditional French Baguettes and Croissants
There’s something unmistakable about the first crackle of a baguette as you break it apart—golden, crispy crust giving way to a soft, pillowy interior. But a true French baguette isn’t just any loaf of bread; it follows a strict tradition dating back to the late 19th century.
How It’s Made: A baguette is made from a simple mixture of flour, water, yeast, and salt—yet its execution is anything but simple. The dough is kneaded, rested, and carefully shaped into its signature long, slender form before being baked in a steamy oven to achieve that perfect crust. No additives, preservatives, or shortcuts are allowed when making an authentic baguette. This minimalism is key, as it lets the quality of the ingredients and the skill of the baker shine through.
The Tradition: To earn the title boulangerie in France, the bakery must adhere to strict rules. Only bakeries that make their bread on-site from scratch, using raw ingredients, can call themselves a boulangerie. This is why you won’t see mass-produced bread in these small French establishments—the artisanal approach is the only way. Finding the perfect boulangerie in a quiet Provençal village is one of the joys of travelling through the region, and every seasoned traveller knows the hunt for the best baguette is one of the most delicious parts of the journey.
The Croissant: Buttery Layers of Heaven
Croissonts made the traditional way by artisans in France
Then there’s the croissant—a pastry so flaky and indulgent it’s almost a work of art. Whether you enjoy yours plain, with a smear of butter, or filled with rich almond paste, there’s no denying the satisfaction of that first bite.
How It’s Made: Croissants begin with a laminated dough—a process of folding layers of butter into a flour-based dough, which creates hundreds of buttery layers. After several rounds of folding and rolling, the dough is cut into triangles and rolled into the croissant shape we all recognize. It’s then left to proof until it rises and becomes light, fluffy, and ready for baking. The magic happens in the oven, where the butter melts and creates those impossibly flaky layers.
The Tradition: Like the baguette, croissants are deeply tied to French culture, but they also demand the same level of skill and adherence to tradition. A great croissant is light, flaky, and moist on the inside—never greasy or doughy. It’s a pastry that’s both humble and sophisticated, which is exactly why you’ll find it on the breakfast table of every French home, especially in Provence.
Why You’ll Want to Come Back
The search for the perfect baguette or croissant becomes almost ritualistic for anyone who’s spent time in France. Whether you’re walking through a sun-drenched village in Provence or the charming streets of Paris, stepping into a boulangerie becomes a moment of connection to the local culture. It’s in these moments that you truly taste the essence of France.
The next time you find yourself yearning for the crisp bite of a baguette or the buttery layers of a croissant, remember—the best way to enjoy these delicacies is straight from the source. Provence calls to those who crave authenticity, and the boulangeries here offer something that no supermarket or mass-produced pastry can replicate.
Ready for Your Return to Provence?
Imagine your next journey—waking up in a centuries-old village, strolling to the local boulangerie, and savoring a fresh baguette or croissant with a café au lait as the day begins. It’s the simple pleasures that make travelling in France unforgettable. Provence is waiting for you. Join us for an intimate experience of French life with our Essentially French, small group tours, (max 6 guests0, where you’ll taste, explore, and immerse yourself in the true heart of France.
