When I moved to London, the first holiday I booked was a birthday trip to Paris. I was eager to experience a typical French breakfast at a Parisian sidewalk café. Frankly, I was more excited about devouring a real French croissant than seeing the Eiffel Tower!
- Start the Day Right: Begin your day with a traditional French breakfast to immerse yourself in Parisian culture.
- A light morning meal consisting of pastries, bread, juice, and coffee awaits you.
- Indulge in the delightful flavors of French cuisine before embarking on your day’s adventures.
What Constitutes a Typical French Breakfast?
Although I rarely eat breakfast anymore, I didn’t skip a single morning meal in Paris. It was a relaxing way to start the day, and it gave me an excuse to consume copious amounts of baked goods.
- Light and Flavorful: Unlike the hearty breakfasts of England and the US, a traditional French breakfast is light yet satisfying.
- Pastries, bread with butter and jam, juice, and coffee form the core of this morning delight.
- Customize your breakfast with a choice of eggs, prepared to your liking.
Exploring the Menu: Must-Try Items
A traditional French breakfast may also come with an egg prepared to your preference, such as hard-boiled or scrambled.
- Petit Déjeuner Formule: Opt for a set breakfast at a café, typically featuring a croissant with various beverage options.
- Choose from classic juices like orange or grapefruit, or try something unique like apricot juice.
- Coffee aficionados can enjoy espresso-based drinks such as café au lait or café crème.
Navigating Breakfast Etiquette and Costs
When it comes to pastries, venture beyond the classic croissant! Here are my favorite French pastries to eat at breakfast. Coincidentally, they’re all named after objects they resemble.
- Choosing the Right Shop: Distinguish between a pâtisserie and a boulangerie for the best breakfast experience.
- Pâtisseries offer sweet treats like croissants and cakes, while boulangeries specialize in bread.
- Explore unique pastries like Escargot and Chausson aux Pommes for a delightful morning indulgence.
When and How to Enjoy Breakfast in Paris
A quick note on cost: €9 seemed to be the magic number for the price of a formule. If you have a traditional French breakfast every single day, it’s no small expense.
- Timing Matters: Enjoy your breakfast between 7-8 a.m. at sidewalk cafés or as early as 5 a.m. at boulangeries.
- Ensure you start your day early to savor your breakfast before establishments switch to their lunch menu.
- Consider budget-friendly alternatives to balance out the cost of indulging in a typical French breakfast.
Ordering Like a Local: Basic French Phrases
Places that serve traditional French breakfast generally switch to a lunch menu by 11 a.m., so be sure to start your day early if you’re hoping for eggs.
- Mastering French Courtesies: Enhance your breakfast experience with basic French phrases.
- Greet staff with “Bonjour” and express your preferences politely with “Je voudrais.”
- Show appreciation by saying “Merci” and inquire about English with “Parlez-vous Anglais?”
Exploring Authentic Paris Food Tours
From baguettes to cheese, there’s a lot to love about traditional French foods. And a trip to Paris is the perfect opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at these delicacies. Add one of these Paris food tours to your itinerary for an authentic taste of France.
Best Paris Cafes for Breakfast
La Caféothèque Paris
Address: 52 Rue de l’Hôtel de ville, 75004 Paris, France
Located one block away from the Seine on the edge of the Marais, La Caféothèque feels incredibly cozy but is deceptively large. The selection of hot drinks is extensive, and the croissant that came with my formule was one of the best I had in Paris.
- Must-Try: Explore the extensive coffee roasts and enjoy the cozy ambiance.
- Tip: Try their unique roasts and watch baristas in action at their specialty coffee school.
Le Petit Cler
Address: 29 Rue Cler, 75007 Paris, France
The traditional French breakfast at Le Petit Cler was my favorite meal in Paris.
Despite being only a few blocks from Les Invalides and the Champ de Mars, Le Petit Cler was a quiet place to eat with Parisian locals. The formule offers plenty of options, including hot chocolate, a house brioche, and eggs.
- Highlight: Experience a quiet breakfast amidst Parisian locals.
- Location Advantage: Perfect starting point for exploring the 7th arrondissement.
Le Square Trousseau
Address: 1 Rue Antoine Vollon, 75012 Paris, France
Located in the quiet Quinze-Vingts neighborhood, Le Square Trousseau is the perfect spot for enjoying a typical French breakfast in Paris off the beaten path.
If you’re planning to visit the Bastille or Rue Crémieux, I highly recommend having your morning meal at one of the sidewalk tables. The wooden chairs are a refreshing change from the cold metal seats of other cafés!
- Off the Beaten Path: Experience a quiet breakfast away from touristy spots.
- Charming Ambiance: Enjoy the wooden chairs and peaceful surroundings.
Les Antiquaires
Address: 13 Rue du Bac, 75007 Paris, France
If you want an early breakfast before you tour the best art galleries of Paris, Les Antiquaires is for you. The interior has cozy, vintage decor with wonderfully ornate ceilings, and the sidewalk seating is perfect for people-watching as the city comes to life.
Once you’ve finished your meal, it’s a short walk to the Musee d’Orsay and the Louvre.
- Artistic Setting: Enjoy a quaint breakfast before exploring art galleries.
- Convenient Location: Short walk to prominent museums after breakfast.
Du Pain et des Idées
Address: 34 Rue Yves Toudic, 75010 Paris, France
You’d be remiss to leave Paris without trying the pastries from Du Pain et des Idées. Their escargot pistache is so good, you’ll start wondering when you can come back for another one while you’re still devouring the first!
The location is a bit out of the way from most Paris attractions, but the quality of the pastries is worth the trek. And if you’re traveling via Gare du Nord, it’s only a short walk southeast of the station.
- Unforgettable Pastries: Indulge in delectable pastries like escargot pistache.
- Worth the Journey: Quality pastries make the trek worthwhile.
Café des 2 Moulins
Address: 15 Rue Lepic, 75018 Paris, France
If you’re a fan of Amélie, you’ll quickly recognize this as the café where she worked. Its proximity to Sacré Coeur and its movie fame make Café des 2 Moulins a touristy spot for a typical French breakfast.
However, the quality of the set petit déjeuner, which includes scrambled eggs and fried potatoes with truffle oil, helps justify the cost.
Breakfast Picnic at the Trocadero
Imagine sipping a coffee and eating a croissant while the sun rises behind the Eiffel Tower. If you pick up the necessities for a typical French breakfast the evening before, you can make this dream come true.
Planning Your Picnic
- Preparation is Key: Gather the essentials for your French breakfast picnic the evening before.
- Purchase fresh croissants, bread, butter, jam, juice, and coffee or tea from a local bakery or market.
- Consider adding some fruits like strawberries or grapes for a refreshing touch.
Finding the Perfect Spot
There are plenty of places to sit at the Trocadero, either on the grass or up the steps, and you should be able to find a quiet space for yourself even in high season.
- Scenic Views: Choose a spot with a clear view of the Eiffel Tower to enhance your breakfast experience.
- Opt for a location where you can capture stunning photos of the iconic landmark in the background.
- Aim to arrive early to secure a prime spot with minimal crowds.
Embracing the Moment
- Savor the Experience: Take your time to enjoy your breakfast amidst the beauty of Paris.
- Indulge in the flavors of freshly baked pastries and aromatic coffee while soaking in the atmosphere.
- Capture the moment by taking photos or simply bask in the tranquility of the morning.
Tips for a Successful Picnic
- Pack Essentials: Ensure you have napkins, utensils, and a blanket for a comfortable picnic experience.
- Consider bringing a portable speaker to enjoy some music while you dine.
- Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly to stay comfortable outdoors.
Conclusion
A typical French breakfast picnic at the Trocadero offers a delightful way to start your day in Paris. With careful planning and a scenic setting, you can create memorable moments while savoring delicious food and iconic views of the Eiffel Tower.
