Boulangerie!: A Pocket Guide to Paris's Famous Bakeries

I never knew how grand the bakeries of Paris where until I read Boulangerie! I wish we had a similar tradition in my home town. I love bread and soup above all other foods! Some day, when I visit Paris, I'll search the city with a copy of this pocket guide in my hand. I also enjoyed the pictures of the boulangeries of Paris on the authors Web site: Dorseybooks.com

Let's face it, whether you are visiting Paris for the first or the fifth time, there never seems to be enough time to squeeze everything in. Everyone should take at least one evening or one afternoon for a 3-star dinner or lunch; but, when you are busily going from sight to sight, who has that kind of time? This book is perfect for letting you find bakeries with a wonderful range of foods you can carry away with you. I found that the descriptions of each bakery carried their specialities and any unusual items they carried. The first time you find a conveniently located establishment when you are trying to get from point A to point B, you will know what a treasure it is. The size makes it very convenient to take with you as well.

This book is a jewel. It made our first Paris trip that much more special by introducing us to some exceptionally fine bakeries. This pocket-sized book not only gives you a listing of the fine Boulangeries (organized by arrondisements, includes the address & phone number, closest metro or bus stop, when they are open, and what's special about each) but tells you where to go (nearby picnic spots) and eat the bread and goodies that you buy at these Boulangeries -- this is what truly made the book special. We tried "Robineau" in the 7th and "Gerard Beufort" in the 5th as listed in this book and we were not disappointed. Both had wonderful baked goods, the former within a short walk to the Champ de Mars and Eiffel, and the latter, a 3-minute walk away from Arenes de Lutece, the ancient Roman amphitheater which is a perfect picnic spot. You could use this book to plan your breakfasts and picnic lunches as a nice balance to the Bistro-dining in Paris.