Ah, the infamous Parisian breakfast—a myth wrapped in flaky pastry and overpriced coffee. If you’ve ever found yourself shelling out €15 for a formule that left you both hungry and enraged, you’re not alone. It’s a scandal, a travesty, a blatant affront to the culinary delights this city is known for. And yet, tourists keep falling into the same trap, expecting a lavish spread when the reality is far more… Spartan.
In this guide, we’ll debunk the fantasy, explore what locals really eat, and share insider tips to help you skip the tourist traps and breakfast like a true Parisian.
Many of my Food Tour guests and friends visiting Paris ask me, “What should I do about breakfast in Paris?” My simple answer: if you really want to eat like the French, grab a croissant at your local boulangerie artisanale and head to the nearest zinc bar at a brasserie for a quick espresso. Don’t spend more than €4. Save yourself for lunch!
Many are surprised by my simple approach, but the Parisian breakfast is a tale of contrasts! The petit déjeuner we know today, with its light touch and unassuming elegance, wasn’t always the norm. So, let’s dive into the fascinating history of the Parisian breakfast—a meal that has evolved from necessity to ritual, and one that has been widely misunderstood.
Table of Contents – Parisian Breakfast Menu
The Real History of the Parisian Breakfast
The Parisian breakfast we know today—a quick croissant and coffee—has humble roots. Historically, mornings in France were frugal affairs. The working class typically started their day with little more than leftover bread and a steaming cup of coffee, often with no milk unless you lived in the countryside or had children. It was simple fuel, not a feast.
Coffee, now a breakfast staple, entered French life in the late 17th century, imported from Ottoman Turkey. As cafés began cropping up across Paris in the 19th century, sipping coffee became a social norm. The croissant, meanwhile, wasn’t even French at first—it migrated from Austria via Marie Antoinette in the late 1700s. But leave it to French bakers to perfect it. By the 20th century, croissants were woven into the fabric of Parisian mornings.
For more on how the way the French eat has changed over the last century, check out our deep dive: How French Eating Habits Have Changed in the Last 100 Years.
The Rise of the Romanticised Parisian Breakfast
The fantasy of a decadent Parisian breakfast—overflowing with cheeses, eggs, and a parade of dishes—owes more to Hollywood than to local custom. Early travel writers and filmmakers sold this dreamy image of leisurely breakfasts in outdoor cafés, dripping in charm and caffeine. It stuck.
Why the French Breakfast Myth Stuck
So, how did this fantasy of a lavish Parisian breakfast become so entrenched in the global imagination? It didn’t happen by accident—it was carefully crafted through media, marketing, and a hefty dose of wishful thinking. Let’s break down the main culprits behind the myth:
- Hollywood and Travel Writing: The post-war era painted Paris as a land of indulgence. Film scenes of lovers sharing croissants in scenic cafés reinforced the myth.
- Café Culture: Sure, cafés were hubs for artists and intellectuals—but breakfast wasn’t part of it. Think more wine and cigarettes than fruit platters and omelettes.
- Tourism Marketing: Tourist cafés saw an opportunity. Enter the overpriced “formule” breakfast—crafted more for Instagram than authenticity.
Reality Check: What Parisians Really Eat For Breakfast
Let’s get one thing straight: a true Parisian breakfast is not a grand affair. You’re not going to get a five-course meal with mimosas and eggs Benedict—no, that’s for the Americans (and we do love you, but this is Paris). Here, the locals grab a café, maybe a kloppe (a quick cigarette if they’re that way inclined), and a caca (let’s call it a sweet pastry for the sake of decorum). It’s fast, it’s simple, and it costs less than your Metro ride during the olympics.
For everyday Parisians, breakfast is often a quick, grab-and-go affair. A croissant or a simple tartine (a slice of baguette with butter and jam) and a cup of coffee—often standing at the counter of a café—is the norm. Many prefer to skip breakfast altogether, opting instead for a more substantial lunch.
The idea of a multi-course breakfast, with eggs, bacon, cheese, and fresh fruit, is almost laughable to Parisians. Those meals are reserved for leisurely weekend brunches, a tradition that has only recently gained popularity in urban Paris and is more influenced by Anglo-Saxon trends than by French traditions.
So, there you have it. The romanticised notion of the Parisian breakfast as a lavish spread comes more from the imaginations of filmmakers and travel writers than from reality. In truth, Parisians keep it simple, often sticking to a pastry and coffee that you can snag for less than €5. Anything more elaborate is designed to cater to tourists craving the fantasy.
Avoiding the Tourist Trap: The Breakfast Formula Scam
I see it all the time: wide-eyed tourists, lured in by the promise of a “traditional” French breakfast, only to be served a sad excuse for a meal that costs more than a decent bottle of Bordeaux. The so-called “formule” breakfasts that dot the streets of tourist-heavy areas are nothing more than a marketing ploy. You’re paying for the privilege of sitting in a famous square, not for the food.
Want to know the real secret? You can have a perfectly authentic Parisian breakfast for under €5. That’s right—skip the cafes with laminated menus in english and head to where the locals go.
How to Breakfast Like a Parisian (Without Getting Scammed)
- The Bakery Run: Start your morning with a trip to the nearest boulangerie. For €1.40, you can score yourself a croissant au beurre that’s still warm from the oven. It’s buttery, flaky, and everything a croissant should be—no frills, no fancy plating, just pure, unadulterated pastry bliss.
- Espresso at the Bar: Forget those café tables outside where you’ll be charged triple for the same coffee. Walk straight to the bar inside, stand like a true Parisian, and order an espresso. It’s strong, it’s fast, and it’s usually less than €2. Down it in one, exchange a nod with the bartender, and you’re on your way.
- Take It to Go: If you’re really embracing the Parisian lifestyle, you won’t even sit down. A croissant in one hand, a coffee in the other, and off you go to work, to wander, to live. This is the art de vivre that Parisians have perfected—not lingering over an overpriced meal, but taking the city in stride, one bite at a time.
For the Love of Goodness, Manage Your Expectations
Let’s be clear: breakfast in Paris isn’t about opulence. It’s a quick, cheap, and efficient affair, meant to fuel you up and get you out the door. If you’re expecting a massive American-style breakfast with pancakes, bacon, and eggs, you’re in the wrong city.
So, don’t get suckered into the tourist traps that promise a “traditional” French breakfast with all the trimmings. They’ll rob you blind and leave you disappointed. Instead, follow the locals’ lead—keep it simple, keep it cheap, and keep moving. That’s the real Parisian way.
French Breakfast Done Right
I’m a British Chef in Paris, even if my love affair with French food runs deeper than the scars that adorn my hands from apprenticing in Paris’s most opulent palaces. As far as I’m concerned, brunch and breakfast in Paris is often a miserable affair in comparison to the Great British fry-up or a stack of pancakes. Truth be told, if you’re hunting for the best breakfasts in Paris, it’s often the great British breakfast chefs, American-style diners, and Australian cafés that are flying the flag for flavour.
Paris isn’t about excess—especially not in the morning. The perfect Parisian breakfast is modest, unassuming, and—most importantly—affordable. So, next time you’re in the city, skip the overhyped formules and follow the local rhythm: grab a warm croissant, sip a quick espresso, and take the city in stride. That’s the true art of Parisian breakfast—simple pleasures, done exceptionally well.
👉 Want to experience the real Paris? Join one of our guided food tours and eat your way through hidden markets, authentic cafés, and artisan spots most tourists miss.
📚 Hungry for more? You might also enjoy:
- How French Eating Habits Have Changed in the Last 100 Years
- The Ultimate List of Self-Guided Food Tours in Paris
- How to Eat Like a French Child
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From the bustling streets of Paris to the heat of a professional kitchen, my life has always revolved around food. A Brit who moved to France at 16, I trained as a chef in a Parisian palace kitchen at 18 and have spent decades cooking, eating, and living like the French.
By day, I run kitchens and events, but Eat Like The French is my side hustle—a way to share my passion for French food through writing and food tours. After a detour into tech recruitment, I returned to what I love most: cooking and storytelling—one dish, one tour, and one bite at a time.
Breakfast in Paris Frequently asked questions.
What is the typical breakfast in Paris?
A typical Parisian breakfast is simple and quick, while on the weekends we may indulge in a croissant or pain au chocolat from a local bakery. Most mornings are happily started by Parisians with some stale bread and butter paired with an espresso or hot chocolate before rushing off to grab the metro to work. It’s not a lavish meal but a small, satisfying start to the day.
How much should I expect to pay for breakfast in Paris?
For an authentic Parisian breakfast, you should expect to pay around €1.40 for a croissant and less than €2 for an espresso at the bar. Avoid tourist traps where “formule” breakfasts can cost significantly more without offering better quality.
Where can I find the best croissants in Paris?
There’s no single “best” croissant in Paris—but the secret lies in knowing what to look for. Skip the chains and tourist traps. Instead, head to a local boulangerie artisanale—look for the words “fait maison” (homemade) or a queue of locals in the morning. A proper croissant au beurre should be golden, flaky, slightly crisp on the outside, and buttery within. Some favorites among locals include La Maison d’Isabelle in the Latin Quarter, Du Pain et des Idées in the 10th, and Laurent Duchêne in the 13th—but honestly, trust your nose and follow the scent of butter in the air.
Is it worth sitting at a café for breakfast in Paris?
While sitting at a café might seem tempting, it’s often more expensive and deffinately not more authentic. Sure, stop on a terrace for an espresso and watch the world go by, but don’t get the breakfast formule at 15 euro! Your paying the restaurants rent, not for a true Parisian experience. Get breakfast like a Parisian and save yourself for lunch.
Why do Parisian breakfasts seem so small compared to American breakfasts?
Parisian breakfasts are designed to be light and quick, focusing on quality over quantity. Unlike the great British fry up or the hearty American breakfast, which might include eggs, bacon, and pancakes, the French keep it simple with pastries and coffee.
How can I avoid tourist traps when eating breakfast in Paris?
To avoid tourist traps, steer clear of cafés in heavily touristed areas offering expensive “formule” breakfasts. Instead, visit local boulangeries (specifcally those that are Boulangerie Artisanal, and order your coffee at the bar of your local cafe or brasseries inside rather than at an outdoor table.
Can I find a good breakfast in Paris on a budget?
Absolutely! A delicious and authentic breakfast in Paris can be had for under €4 if you know where to go. Stick to local bakeries and order your coffee at the bar for the best value.
What do people in France drink for breakfast?
Most people in France start the day with a quick cup of coffee—either an espresso or café crème. Hot chocolate is also common, especially for children, and on rare occasions, some might enjoy a glass of juice, but don’t expect smoothies or elaborate lattes unless you’re in a brunch café.
Is a French pastry that people eat for breakfast?
Yes! The most beloved French breakfast pastries are croissants and pains au chocolat. You’ll find them at nearly every boulangerie artisanale, fresh and warm first thing in the morning.
What time is breakfast served in Paris?
Breakfast in Paris is typically consumed between 7 AM and 9 AM, but it’s far from a formal mealtime. Many Parisians skip it entirely, grabbing only a quick coffee before work. If you’re staying in a hotel, you’ll find breakfast served until around 10 AM.
What is a Parisian breakfast?
A Parisian breakfast is minimalist—usually a croissant or tartine with jam and butter, paired with coffee. Forget the full English or a stack of pancakes. This is a light, on-the-go affair.
Do French eat oatmeal?
Oatmeal—or porridge—is not a staple in the French breakfast repertoire. While you may find it at some health-focused cafés or in home kitchens, it’s not traditionally part of the Parisian morning routine.
Do French people eat eggs in the morning?
No, not typically. Eggs are reserved for later in the day—usually lunch or dinner. If you see eggs at breakfast in Paris, chances are you’re at a brunch spot geared toward tourists.
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