The Fête du Pain is in full swing in the capital right now. Held on the forecourt of Notre-Dame de Paris until May 17, 2026, this culinary festival is a chance to celebrate the indispensable traditional French baguette, and to meet bakers who take pride in their craft.
To mark the occasion, the Fête du Pain offers tastings, activities and demonstrations. Contests and prize ceremonies are also on the program. On Saturday, May 9, the 2026 edition of the "best traditional French baguette in Île-de-France - Grand Paris" was held. Gathering artisan bakers from Seine-et-Marne, the Yvelines, Essonne and the Val-d’Oise, the contest put the competitors’ nerves to the test.
After sampling the various traditional baguettes crafted for the occasion, the jury delivered its verdict. After deliberations, Frédéric Boulay of the Boulay Bakery in Beaumont-sur-Oise was crowned the grand winner of the competition. This isn’t the first time this Val-d'Oise baker has tasted success. Earlier this year, Frédéric Boulay won the department’s prize for the best almond galette.
In second place on the podium, we find the Boulangerie du Parc in Chelles, in Seine-et-Marne. Finally, the Boulangerie du Moulin in Nesles-la-Vallée (95) finishes third in the contest for the "Best Traditional French Baguette in Île-de-France — Grande Couronne 2026".
Congratulations to the winner and participants!
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