It doesn't take long for visitors to Paris to notice as they walk the streets that there are no shortage of food options in the city.
There are cafes on nearly every corner, along with a plethora of bakeries and other sweet shops. But there is one bakery that seems to draw droves of tourists visiting the City of Light.
The Cedric Grolet Bakery, famous for its exquisite pastries, has been called a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth all over social media. The fame of the bakery was well-established even before the 2024 Paris Olympics came to town.
"We've always had long lines, even before the Olympics," said Alain Dupont, the bakery's manager. "Cedric’s creations are unique, and people are willing to wait for them. The Olympics have certainly brought more visitors to Paris, but our line remains consistent because the demand for our pastries never dies out."
The bakery was founded by world-renowned pastry chef Cedric Grolet. His innovative approach to traditional French pastries has earned him a loyal following.
“We pay special attention to every pastry we make here. That’s what makes us different. Every pastry is a masterpiece,” said Jules Durand, a lead baker.
I decided to pay a visit to the bakery myself, and it exceeded my expectations. When I arrived, I found my way to the back of a line around the block. The owner had to hire an employee to manage the crowd at the entrance. But the wait was anything but dull, the smell of fresh pastries and anticipation kept everyone's spirits high.
I ordered the pain au chocolate and strawberry flower, which both looked and tasted amazing. The croissants were placed right in front of the windows, catching the eyes of those passing by who would stop and stare before continuing on their way.
One of the many international visitors who waited in line was Diane Hull, a New Mexico native who timed her trip to overlap with the Olympic Games.
“Paris has always been on my bucket list, and experiencing the Olympics here is a dream come true," she said. "I’ve heard so much on social media about this place, and it absolutely lives up to the hype. These are the best pastries ever, the 45 minute wait was worth it.”
Cedric Grolet's popularity can also be attributed to its commitment to quality. “We are always trying to make our pastries better. We experiment with new ingredients and flavors frequently in our kitchen,” Jules said.
Even with the added pressure of Olympic crowds, the bakery staff uphold a high level of service. Customers are greeted with warm smiles and a willingness to ensure the wait in line is well worth it.
“I loved how welcoming they were once we reached the entrance. The man at the door and every employee greeted us. They only have one group inside at a time. So when you make it inside, their time is completely dedicated to you,” said Megan Wells from South Dakota.
Overall, the bakery lives up to the rave reviews from both locals and tourists alike.