Sometimes considered a viennoiserie (baked goods with yeast-leavened dough) and sometimes a pastry, brioche is a mixture of flour, yeast, water or milk, sugar, salt, eggs and butter. Molded in a variety of forms, it also comes in many different versions. Here are five addresses in the Paris reigion where you can find some as light as they are delicious.
After working at Ladurée, the Bristol and the Plaza Athénée, Claire Damon set up shop in Paris's 15th arrondissement in 2007. She was one of the first chefs to focus on issues that are very much in vogue today: organic farming, fair trade and local produce. The result is that her different sweet creations have a real touch of soul.
Our opinion: Made with handcrafted mountain butter, thick cream, organic French flour and eggs, this Vendée-style brioche is a gourmet delight that stands up to any challenge. Its texture is light and flaky, and the addition of orange blossom water and rum to the dough leaves a delicious amber taste on the palate.
Price: €15 (8 portions).
Des gâteaux et du pain 63 Boulevard Pasteur, Paris 15th arrondissement; 89 Rue du Bac, Paris 7th arrondissement.
Archibald is a "new generation" bakery, offering a range of 100% organic breads, made with natural sourdough and slow-fermented to enhance aroma and help digestion. Owners of the brand since 2022, Louis-Marie Dupuis and Eve Roizen supply quality products delivered by bicycle to their various stores straight from the oven.
Our opinion: Here's a vegan and alternative brioche, made from flour, sugar, olive oil, rye sourdough, filtered and dynamized water, yeast and salt. Its soft, dense texture is reminiscent of Provence brioche. In terms of taste, the vegetable fat adds a light, fragrant flavor. This brioche is even better toasted the following day.
Price: €5.50 (4 portions).
Archibald 28 Rue des Fossés-Saint-Bernard, Paris 5th arrondissement; 2 Rue Pétel, Paris 15th arrondissement; 186 Avenue de Versailles, Paris 16th arrondissement; 12 Rue Guersant, Paris 17th arrondissement; 15 Rue Gabriel-Péri, Levallois-Perret (Hauts-de-Seine).
After perfecting their skills in leading Parisian establishments, pastry chef Elio Chaya and baker Franck Harcaut decided to team up in 2022 and set up shop in Yvelines, west of Paris. Their extensive range of sweet and savory products includes organic breads, creative viennoiseries, classic pastries and comforting sandwiches. Don't miss their "financiers fingers" and delicious old-fashioned beignets.
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