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Boulangeries + the Baguette Viennoise Chocolat

7.06.2014
Baguette Viennoise Chocolat
Baguette Viennoise Chocolat

Someone recently asked me if my family was all settled into Paris... and before I could answer he asked whether we had found our boulanger, which I'm now certain, according to the French, is pretty much the same question...

We live within one block of three boulangeries. And if I go one block further, another three (confirming what I read about Paris which I thought at first was surely an exaggeration!). And so knowing this now, his question was apt and relevant. I used to go to the most convenient boulanger to pick up bread, but over time discovered the different nuances and types of breads. And as my family's tastes evolved and matured, we learned there isn't one bread maker that meets everyone's criteria simply because depending on our needs and tastes, one boulanger is better than another.

It's great to have choices... but it gets tricky when routing your way home and having to pick up your pain quotidien. For example, our dinner baguettes are best further up Rue Mouffetard for their not too hard crust; my new favorite dessert bread, the baguette viennoise chocolat *, is best across the street to the left for being soft and packed with chocolate (though the place leaves a bad taste in my mouth - no pun intended - because the owner yelled at me for taking a photograph). The boulangerie I first loved one block south, which happened to also be the one I conveniently passed every day on the way to and from my son's schools, unfortunately is too light with the chocolate in their viennoise chocolat. It all boils down to personal taste...and enjoying the gift of having choices.

So to answer the gentleman's question...  I was able to say yes, we're definitely getting there, thank you :)

* When visiting Paris, do compare different boulangeries (not only the ones highly recommended) and if you haven't already had a viennoise chocolat, pick up this wonderful treat for the afternoon - it's a lightly sweet bread peppered with nibs of chocolate, perfect for breakfast or le goûter (afternoon snack). Because the bread is not as sweet as brioche and the chocolate is a semi-sweet dark, you won't feel overindulgent when eating it.

***

20 comments

  1. Catherine! I'm feeling over-indulgent just looking at your photos!

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  2. Oh I do agree! As I am living in near Geneva I have the choice of buying my viennoise im Switzerland or to cross the border into France....The best is probably to follow the locals for the best baguettes. Did you know that they buy their baguettes twice daily? Lunch and dinner. For the viennoise I found a small patisserie who have the most delicious ones....small but they just melt in your mouth with exactly the right amount of chocolat! Have to leave you now-need to buy my (almost!) daily supply of viennoise !

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    1. Twice daily? I'd never be able to keep up... but I bet the runs make for some nice treats when they get home! I'll be thinking of you when picking up tomorrow's baguette and viennoise :)

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  3. That looks delicious! All I ate were plain baguettes in Paris (sometimes with some chicken inside). It looks like I missed out! :( Thanks for sharing so I know for the next go-round and Happy TPMonday!

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  4. Oh my goodness, this baguette is perfection. I would so love to taste this right now with my coffee.

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  5. That does look delicious, Catherine! It's a whole different experience shopping for groceries in Europe, isn't it? Very fun!

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  6. always love seeing your photos. you are very good with the camera!

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  7. I love Paris for many reasons but their bakeries are definitely one of them

    Mollyxxx

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  8. Looks delicious! We are heading to Paris in a couple of months. I've learned about breads now! Wonderful--I can't wait to try the chocolate varieties!

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  9. Le sigh, gorgeous photos of a tasty treat. Forgive me, but where did you move to Paris from?

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    1. Thank you Nicky! My family moved from the United States (Washington, DC) almost 6 months ago...

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  10. I die. Can I come live with you for a little while? I'll clean, sweep the floors...whatever! That bread looks amazing and I'm forwarding this to my husband who would also die over the chocolate bread.

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    1. You're welcome any time Kim... no sweeping necessary ;)

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  11. Great photos and delicious looking ~ couldn't live near there ~ such temptation ~ thanks for LT ~ ^_^

    artmusedog and carol (A Creative Harbor)

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  12. It didn't take long to know that you were describing bakery treats, Catherine. Friends recently returned from a European trip which included a stay in Paris, but failed to mention the bakeries...what an oversight! By any chance were these photos from the boulangerie where you were yelled at?

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    1. Yes, the very one that leaves me a bit cold... but goodness, their bread is wonderful! My husband loves their country bread (miche) too. I'm hoping since we're regular customers, they'll warm up to us... one day ;)

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  13. When I lived in France as a girl I would take my handful of coins and buy fresh breads and pastries. I love this post. Thank you for joining in the fun at the Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop. Watch for your feature on Monday ♥

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