Du Pain et Des Idées

I've found it difficult to find outstanding boulangerie in Paris. In part because so many of the every-day neighborhood spots are halfway decent! Attempting to research where to go has been fruitless. Most people either have no taste and are blinded by the fact that they have encountered a "real" croissant, or they're so focused on the pretty window displays and intricate pastry, that taste and quality end up taking a back seat. Luckily I received a couple of trustworthy recommendations and have fallen in love with Du Pain et Des Idées.

As you walk through the door at Du Pain you're immediately struck that this is like no other boulangerie. The rows of croissant, tartlets, escargot and breads somehow feel more authentic and homemade, while at the same time finely crafted and delicate.

Their signature, escargot, is a spiral-shaped pastry traditionally stuffed with raisins and custard. They have five varieties and just launched a sixth this week (passion fruit, pineapple and cranberry). The word "Escargot" comes from southwest France but you typically see Parisians call it "Pain aux Raisin".

Du Pain's escargot have delicate layers of spiraled pastry dough filled with various things. As you pull apart the layers you'll begin to understand what sets these escargot apart from the oft fluffy and doughy renditions you find in most boulangerie around the city. Make sure to grab the vibrant green chocolate and pistachio escargot, it's they are most famous for.

Du Pain is only open Monday through Friday and is clearly an every-day destination for locals in the early mornings. Later in the day you'll find throngs of camera toting tourists making their pilgrimage to this must-visit destination.