Briochette: the shop for soft, sweet and savory brioches in Paris’s 7th arrondissement

At Briochette, on rue de Varenne in Paris’s 7th arrondissement, artisanal brioche comes in both sweet and savory varieties. We went to try out this little spot, which turns a teatime pastry into a proper lunch on the go, serving customers from breakfast through to afternoon tea, with something for those midday cravings too. Picture a dense, melt-in-your-mouth dough that’s not at all cloying.

This isn’t the first neighborhood that comes to mind for a quick bite. You’ll mostly find government ministries and grand townhouses here, with the gardens of the Musée Rodin a little farther on. The Hôtel de Matignon is just a few doors down.

Briochette brings a softer touch to this chic street. The shop has a warm feel, with a hint of nature and details that give it a homemade touch. You’ll want to linger, even though everything is available to take away.

This atmosphere is no accident: the decor was designed by Cordelia de Castellane. The artistic director of Dior Maison, who also created the decor for Ladurée’s historic tearoom on Rue Royale, has imagined a setting for Briochette that is as cozy as its brioche, blending natural and retro styles.

Who’s behind Briochette?

At the helm are Stanislas and Constant. Stanislas, a trained chef, comes up with the recipes. The idea was inspired by a childhood memory: sharing buttered brioche with his grandfather in the countryside.

The two partners wanted to bring back a pastry they had seen gradually disappearing from shop windows. Everything is prepared in their kitchen, then baked on-site. Their creations change with the seasons and the market.

What makes Briochette’s brioche so different?

The secret lies in using very few ingredients. The dough is made with high-protein flour, raw butter and organic eggs, with no sugar. Only the Parisienne, the bakery’s plain brioche, gets a touch of honey in its egg wash.

The result is surprising: a dense, moist crumb that’s almost creamy, yet less rich and fatty than you might expect. The buttery flavor is definitely there, without the yeasty aftertaste you sometimes find elsewhere. The classic is delicious on its own, and before long you feel like you could polish off several.

Another plus is that it keeps well. A piece left uneaten until the next day hadn’t dried out, which is fairly rare for a brioche.

Which brioches should you try at Briochette?

For the sweet options, the base comes in two versions: the Parisienne and laminated brioche. It is then filled with Bourbon vanilla cream, hazelnut or pistachio praline made in collaboration with chocolatier Valrhona, or raspberry or apricot jam.

Each creation has a little name that sets the tone. La Précieuse showcases vanilla, l’Aguicheuse goes for pistachio, and la Merveilleuse conceals a chocolate mousse. Choosing just one in front of the display case is no easy feat. The lightness of the cream wins us over: it doesn’t feel rich on the palate, and everything goes down without being overly sweet.

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At lunchtime, the shop turns to savory fare with its filled, laminated brioche buns. L'Incroyable puts a new spin on the croque-monsieur with Prince de Paris ham, six-month-aged Comté and mustard. L'Ingrate combines stracciatella, beefsteak tomato and basil-and-walnut pesto, while La Paresseuse features smoked salmon, raw cream and chervil.

These savory dishes are like a little stroll through the market. They change with the seasons, which is a good reason to come back. Unfortunately for us, we stopped by in the morning, and they’re meant to be ready at noon, so we’ll have to come back.

And what coffee should you pair it with?

The coffee comes from Brûlerie de Varenne, next door to the shop (@bruleriesdequartier). Its roast, with notes of chocolate and praline, pairs rather well with the buttery softness of the brioche.

On the menu, you’ll find espresso, double espresso, Americano, cappuccino, flat white and latte. Those with a sweet tooth can try the pistachio latte.

How much does a brioche cost at Briochette?

Expect to pay €8.50 for a plain brioche, whether classic or laminated, and a little more for the filled versions. The savory brioches range from €13.50 to €15.50. They cost more than a brioche from a bakery, but the portions are also much more generous—about twice the usual size. As a little bonus, buy four brioches and get a fifth free.

Briochette welcomes you at 38 rue de Varenne, in the 7th arrondissement, Tuesday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The shop is closed on Sundays and Mondays. It’s just a few minutes’ walk from Rue du Bac station (Line 12). To keep up with the latest seasonal recipes, visit Briochette’s official website and its Instagram account, @briochette_paris.

Who is Briochette for?

First, for those who prefer their brioche dense and buttery rather than very sweet. Then, for local residents and workers looking for a different kind of breakfast or a takeaway lunch that’s a change from sandwiches. It’s also a lovely treat to bring home for a family afternoon snack or brunch.

One small caveat: there’s no seating here, and everything is takeaway. Prices are also typical of a Left Bank spot, so bear that in mind if you’re coming as a group.

Where can you try other indulgent brioches in Paris?

If you like brioche with a twist, head to Petite Île, the Franco-Taiwanese bakery in the 3rd arrondissement, for its Taiwanese braided brioche flavored with matcha or sesame. Another way to travel, always with beautifully risen dough.

Those with a sweet tooth can also stop by The French Bastards, whose BCBG—a brioche filled with homemade chocolate spread and cookie crumble—has won over plenty of fans. The bakery also has a location on rue de Sèvres, a stone’s throw from Briochette. And to extend your sweet stroll, check out our selection of traditional French pastries in Paris.