Award‑winning croissant for €1, a must‑visit bakery in Paris’s 5th arrondissement.
Description
Located at 47 ter Boulevard Saint‑Germain in Paris’s historic 5th arrondissement near La Sorbonne, La Maison d’Isabelle is an iconic bakery renowned for winning Paris’s Best Butter Croissant award in 2018—a rare feat that cemented its stellar reputation. From the early morning opening at 6 a.m., the display cases come alive with buttery croissants, golden brioches, specialty breads (rye, spelt), and classic pastries such as apple tarts, éclairs, paris‑brests, and opéras.
Remarkably, the award‑winning croissant is just €1—an unprecedented bargain for Parisian standards. Prices remain reasonable, ranging from €1 for viennoiseries to €5‑6 for more elaborate items. The team is known for being friendly and efficient, particularly during peak hours when queues may form but move swiftly.
The bakery’s story blends traditional craftsmanship with uncompromising quality. It is said that Geoffrey Pichard, the son of a notable baker, partnered with Isabelle Leday, using organic flour and top‑quality AOC Pamplie butter to produce a croissant of exceptional taste.
Inside, the layout is smooth and intuitive: customers enter, circle around a central display of pastries and breads, and exit via the cashier. The atmosphere feels warm and bustling, with a few sidewalk tables along the façade overlooking the boulevard.
The clientele is a mix of savvy locals, nearby university students, and tourists keen to try the famous, affordable croissant. Some drop by every morning for a sweet bite, others linger for a quiche, baguette sandwich, or fruit tart.
Anecdotally, many patrons describe biting into a croissant here as “like biting a cloud”—crispy outside, soft inside, and buttery yet balanced in flavor.
In practical terms, the bakery is closed on Mondays, open from Tuesday to Saturday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., and on Sunday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. It is convenient to access via Maubert–Mutualité metro station (line 10) and within walking distance of Île de la Cité and the Seine riverbanks.
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