If you think bread is just a side dish in France, you haven’t been to the Paris Bread Festival. For 11 buttery, flour-flecked days in May, the air around Notre-Dame turns into a symphony of crust crackles and rising dough. This isn’t your average foodie event—it’s a full-blown homage to the boulangers who keep Paris delicious. And trust us, you’ll want to show up hungry.
Everything you need to know about the Paris Bread Festival 2025
What Is the Fête du Pain?
The Fête du Pain isn’t just a food festival—it’s a bold tribute to the boulanger, especially those shaping the breadscape of Greater Paris. Born in the ’90s but rooted in centuries of tradition, this event honours Saint Honoré, the patron saint of bakers, whose miracle (a bread peel turned mulberry tree) made him a culinary legend. His feast day, May 16, became a rallying cry for bakers as early as the 1200s.
The festival is a celebration of true French craftsmanship: crusty baguettes, flour-dusted aprons, and bakers who rise before dawn. It’s not just about bread—it’s about the people who make it, the culture that reveres it, and the living heritage of the French boulangerie.
Want the full flaky backstory on Saint Honoré and how the bakers of Paris turned a miracle into a movement? Read the deep dive from last year’s festival here.
Key Dates and Location for The Paris Bread Festival 2025
- Festival dates: Thursday 1st to Sunday 11th May 2025
- Location: Parvis de Notre-Dame, right in the heart of Paris
- Expect all-day festivities, with plenty of early-morning aromas and late-afternoon tastings.
What’s Happening at the Paris Bread Festival This Year?
Get ready for the most irresistible pop-up boulangerie France has to offer. For 11 delicious days, the forecourt of Notre-Dame will transform into a temple of crusty devotion celebrating France’s favourite carb: the humble baguette. Now recognised as UNESCO heritage, this queen of carbs gets a full-on lovefest, and you’re invited.
New this year: a working, pedagogical bakery where school kids and curious adults can get their hands doughy and learn every step of the bread-making process—from flour to fire. It’s hands-on, it’s flour-dusted, and it’s designed to spark passion in the next generation of bakers.
| Date | Programme Highlights |
|---|---|
| Thursday, 1 May | Demos by the legendary Meilleurs Ouvriers de France (the black belts of baking) |
| Friday, 2 May |
10:30 AM: Official opening with Mayor Anne Hidalgo Grand Prize ceremony for the best traditional baguette in Paris 15:00 AM:Tribute and diploma ceremony for world-record longest baguette bakers Book signing: L’Excellence Boulangère Bread & nutrition workshop with Philippe Hermenier (INBP) |
| Saturday, 3 May |
Regional baguette competition (77, 78, 91, 95) 5 PM: Prize ceremony Nutrition workshop with Rodolph Couston |
| Sunday, 4 May |
Regional competition (Paris, 92, 93, 94) 4:30 PM: Prize ceremony 6 PM: Boulangers’ mass at Notre-Dame Nutrition workshop with Rodolph Couston |
| Monday, 5 May | National best sandwich competition 5 PM: Awards ceremony |
| Tuesday, 6 May |
National baguette competition 12 PM: Best croissant in Greater Paris 5 PM: Baguette finalists chosen |
| Wednesday, 7 May | More national baguette competition rounds 5 PM: Finalist selection |
| Thursday, 8 May | Grand Finale: Best Baguette Tradition in France 5 PM: Award ceremony |
| Fri 9 – Sun 11 May |
International demos from Lesaffre & Chinese baking team “Breads of the World” themed showcases |
Get Lost With Me
Find the real Paris.
Explore my easy to use ever evolving map of approved spots.
Why You Should Go (Even If You’re Not a Baker)
The Paris Bread Festival isn’t just for pros with sourdough starters and proofing baskets. It’s for anyone who’s ever torn into a still-warm baguette and thought, “This is magic.”
You’ll get to see France’s finest bakers in action—crafting, competing, and yes, showing off a bit. From kids up to grandparents, everyone leaves with flour on their hands and a grin on their face. Whether you’re watching a baguette competition, tasting a heritage croissant, or just soaking up the smells, it’s the most authentic food celebration in the city. No gimmicks. Just damn good bread and the people who make it.
Tips for Visiting the Paris Bread Festival
Want to do it like a local (but better)? Here’s how to get the most from your visit:
- Get there early. The best loaves go fast, and nothing beats the smell of first bakes hitting the stall.
- Chat with the boulangers. Many are happy to explain their process—and might sneak you a taste.
- Bring the kids. The new pedagogical bakery setup is made for curious mini foodies.
- Pack light, but bring a tote. You’ll leave with more carbs than you planned.
- Avoid lunchtime queues. Grab your goodies early and enjoy a picnic nearby instead of jostling mid-day.
Beyond the Festival: Prize-Winning Bakers in Greater Paris
While we’re still waiting to crown 2025’s best baguette, the Grand Paris sandwich contest has already served up some serious talent. Here’s a taste of the winners:
🥪 Best Sandwich – Chef d’Entreprise
| Rank | Name | Boulangerie | Address |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Anibal & Sophie Lopes | La Renaissance | 184bis, avenue de Paris, 92320 Châtillon |
| 2 | Laurent Bergeron | Boulangerie du Champ de Mars | 16, avenue Rapp, 75007 Paris |
| 3 | Maxime Taranne | Alexine Faubourg Saint Denis | 15, rue du Faubourg St Denis, 75010 Paris |
| 4 | Tharshan Selvarajah | Le Pain de Tharshan | 204, rue des Pyrénées, 75020 Paris |
| 5 | Jean-Paul Taranne | Le Fournil Gourmand | 181, rue Pierre Brossolette, 93160 Noisy-le-Grand |
| 6 | Youssef Afantrous | Boulangerie Paris and Co | 49, rue de la Gaîté, 75014 Paris |
| 7 | Valentin Testard | Boulangerie Héritage | 89bis, rue de Tolbiac, 75013 Paris |
| 8 | Catherine Oule | Boom Boulangerie Omnivore | 215, boulevard Bineau, 92200 Neuilly-sur-Seine |
| 9 | Magali Roquais | Boulangerie Magali | 117, avenue de Paris, 94160 Saint-Mandé |
| 10 | Alice Lin | Pépite Boulangerie | 23, boulevard Voltaire, 75011 Paris |
🌱 Best Sandwich – Apprentice
| Rank | Name | Boulangerie | Address | School |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Léo-Paul Place | Boulangerie Alexine | 40, rue Lepic, 75018 Paris | Ferrandi |
| 2 | Matéo Fabro | Au Fournil de la Tour | 20, Place du Marché, 91310 Montlhéry | Albert De Mun |
| 3 | Estevan Gerard | Estevan Boulangerie Alexine | 15, rue du Faubourg St Denis, 75010 Paris | Les Compagnons |
🥖 Best Baguette Tradition – Paris
| Rank | Name | Boulangerie | Address |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | – | – | – |
🥇 Best Baguette Tradition – France
| Rank | Name | Boulangerie | Address |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | – | – | – |
🧈 Best Croissant – Grand Paris (Charentes-Poitou AOP)
| Rank | Bakery | Postcode | Google Maps |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | – | – | View on map |
We’ll continue updating this section as the 2025 prize winners are announced—so check back soon, or better yet, sign up for the review drop.
There is a google maps list that goes with the one above, give it a follow and watch as it gets filled out!
Don’t Miss the Review
I’ll be on the ground again this year, soaking up every floury detail—and yes, judging one of the competitions. If you’re curious about what it’s really like behind the scenes at Fête du Pain, be sure to check back for the full review.
Even better, sign up to the Substack and get it delivered straight to your inbox.
Want a sneak peek into my role as a judge? Read all about it here.
Join the Feast
To every boulanger who wakes before dawn, who flours their apron with pride, who chases the perfect crackle of crust—thank you. The Paris Bread Festival is your stage, and it’s an honour just to be part of the crowd. I count myself lucky to celebrate this craft, this culture, and this incredible community of bread-makers.
Don’t miss the full review when it drops—subscribe to the Substack to get it straight in your inbox.
Want to find more things to do in May in Paris? Check out our list of foodie events, ingredients and things to do in Paris for May
Got a favourite Paris bakery? A bread memory that still makes you drool? Comment below or tag us on Instagram—let’s keep the love (and carbs) flowing.
Love this? Get more real, unfiltered food stories straight to your inbox. No fluff, no spam—just damn good food writing and all for free!
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.
Paris Bread Festival 2025 FAQ
When is the Paris Bread Festival in 2025?
The Paris Bread Festival in 2025 will be held from May 1st to May 11th. It’s a celebration of the city’s finest boulangers, with competitions, demos, and—of course—plenty of bread. Check out the full Paris Bread Festival Programme here.
Where does the Paris Bread Festival take place?
The festival takes over the Parvis de Notre-Dame in the heart of Paris. It’s the most iconic backdrop imaginable for a full-blown bread extravaganza.
What can I expect at the Paris Bread Festival?
Expect buttery croissants, crusty baguettes, a pop-up bakery, and some of the best bakers in France going head-to-head. There are also kids’ activities, a new educational bakery space, and daily demos from top-tier artisans.
Is the Paris Bread Festival free to attend?
Yes! Entry is completely free and open to the public. You’ll only pay if you fancy buying some fresh bread or treats (which, let’s be honest, you will).
Can I participate in the events or workshops?
Some workshops are designed for school groups or require advance registration. Others, especially demos, are open to the public. Keep an eye on the Syndicat des Boulangers’ announcements.
Is bread free in Paris restaurants?
Yes—at most traditional restaurants in France, bread is included for free. But don’t expect butter with it unless you’re at a tourist spot.
What is the name of Paris’ famous bread?
The iconic bread of Paris is the baguette de tradition française—not to be confused with the basic industrial baguette. “La tradition” has strict rules: no additives, long fermentation, and deep, crackly character. If you’re ordering like a local, ask for “une tradition,” not just “une baguette.”
2 thoughts on “Paris Bread Festival 2025: Fête du Pain Dates, Highlights & What to Expect”