At 8 rue Monge, in Paris’s 5th arrondissement, Éric Kayser Bakery marks the birthplace of Maison Kayser, founded on September 13, 1996 by artisan baker Éric Kayser. This is where the iconic Baguette Monge was created: with liquid sourdough, golden crust, and light crumb—a model now famed worldwide.

The shop, recently renovated, reflects the company’s elegant aesthetic: soft beige tones, light wood, refined counters, and a cozy atmosphere despite its compact interior. A small terrace offers outdoor seating—to enjoy a morning treat or midday bite.

Here you’ll find Kayser’s hallmark craft: naturally leavened breads, traditional baguettes (Monge, Kayser), specialty breads (rustic wheat/buckwheat, walnut, turmeric-nut), viennoiseries, signature pastries, and gourmet sandwiches for takeaway or on-the-go consumption. Since late 2013, a gluten‑free corner offers a dedicated range for intolerant customers with equal artisan care.

The atmosphere reflects the vibrant Latin Quarter: students, locals, tourists, and authentic bread lovers mingling, often forming queues that move efficiently. Staff are professional and efficient—though the pace can sometimes limit personalization.

The story behind this location is central to Kayser’s legacy. Born into a multi‑generation bakery family and trained with the Compagnons du Devoir, Éric Kayser transformed French bread culture by creating the Fermentolevain in 1994—a temperature‑controlled device to maintain high‑quality liquid sourdough. It remains central to his artisanal signature.

The Baguette Monge remains their star: elegant shaping with pointed crust tips, distinctive scoring, and rich cereal aromas with restrained acidity. The Kayser baguette offers a softer crumb and longer fermentation for those who prefer a more substantial loaf. Other breads—rustic, walnut, and others—round out the selection.

The bakery embodies Kayser’s mission: restoring taste to traditional bread, using additive‑free French flours, and delivering an accessible yet refined tasting experience.

Practical information: open Wednesday to Monday from 6:45 am (6:30 am weekends) until 8:30 pm (some sources say 8:00 pm). Located at Maubert‑Mutualité metro station (line 10), prices range from €1 to around €8, card payment accepted.

In short: 8 rue Monge is more than a bakery—it’s the birthplace of a global artisanal bread concept, a must‑visit location to taste the original Baguette Monge at its origin, a capsule of French artisanal excellence.