The best baguette in Paris 2024 can be found in the 11th arrondissement, and guess where?

Calling all fans of the famous and indestructible baguette! The specialists have given their verdict: from now on, you'll have to go to the 11th arrondissement, and more precisely to Boulangerie Utopie, to taste a well-dovetailed crumb and a crust as crisp as you like.

Highly anticipated each year, the Grand Prix de la baguette de tradition française, organized by the City of Paris and the Syndicat des Boulangers du Grand Paris, rewards excellence in the art of baking. Participants, whose products must weigh between 250 and 270 grams and measure between 50 and 55 centimeters, are judged according to strict criteria including taste, baking, crumb, honeycombing and overall appearance of the baguette.

This year, Xavier Netry succeeds Tharshan Selvarajah, winner of the 2023 edition, and beats two other renowned establishments: La maison Doré in the 5th arrondissement and La Parisienne in the 7th. These bakeries, each with their own methods and creations, demonstrated the richness and diversity of Parisian baking.

Adeline Chazelle, from the Syndicat des Boulangers du Grand Paris, stresses the importance of the details that differentiate each baguette: " Every baker has his own secret, whether in the choice of flour or in the fermentation process. Even sourdough can contain unexpected ingredients, such as orange or grape juice, to enrich the taste.

To stand out from the crowd, participants can play on a number of factors that influence bread taste, such as fermentation time or the composition of the sourdough used to make the dough.

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What does the winner of the Grand Prix de la baguette de Tradition française win?

In addition to a trophy and professional recognition, the prize also includes a 4,000 euro endowment and the privilege of supplying the Palais de l'Élysée for one year. This unique distinction enables craftsmen to showcase their expertise at the highest level of government.

The effect of the competition on the careers of the artisans is undeniable. Tharshan Selvarajah, for example, opened his own bakery in the 20th arrondissement and is now working on expanding his network, demonstrating that victory can open significant doors for talented entrepreneurs.

In short, the Grand Prix de la meilleure baguette de Paris 2024 continues to draw attention to excellence and innovation in the world of Parisian bakery. So take note of the address, Boulangerie Utopie and Xavier Netry's famous baguettes, can be found at 20 Rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud in the 11ᵉ arrondissement. Do you prefer crumb or crouton?

And if you're in the Paris region, we've also got the best traditional baguettes to be found in each département:

Île-de-France: the region's best traditional 2024 baguettes
Yvelines, Seine-et-Marne, Essonne, Val-d'Oise and Seine-Saint-Denis... here's where to find and taste the best traditional 2024 baguettes in the Paris region, according to the winners of various departmental competitions held this spring. [Read more]