From October 30 to November 3, the Chocolate and Pastry Show made its grand return to the Exhibition Center at Porte de Versailles for a 29th edition that was more majestic than ever. It was the perfect opportunity to discover the latest creations from the industry, enjoy the traditional chocolate dress parade, and even witness the presentation of various awards. Among these, one of the most significant in our country is the Best Pain au Chocolat in France 2024 award.
Dozens of candidates across France
This year, 40 candidates stepped forward to try and win the ultimate prize: the award for the best pain au chocolat, given by the National Confederation of Bakery and French Bakery-Pastry. And while last year’s winner was...
à Marseille, this year, and much to the delight of Parisians, the great champion is coming closer to home, as the most beloved bakery in France right now is located in Essonne, and more specifically in Marcoussis.Voir cette publication sur Instagram
Indeed, after hours of tasting, which we can only imagine to be incredibly challenging and demanding for the judges, it was Fabrice Pottier, from the eponymous bakery, who won for his creation. To reach the top, he had to present 5 identical pastries, made with 100% pure butter and weighing between 55 and 65 g. These little delights managed to win over the judges thanks to a remarkable flaky texture, a quality chocolate, a golden finish you could admire yourself in, and of course, a generous dose of happiness, aka butter.
Île-de-France Shines
And as if that wasn't enough, we have two more incredible news for you. The bakeries in the second and third places on the podium are also located in the region, and even better, the second one is right in Paris!
! To have the chance to taste this exceptional chocolate croissant, almost the best in France, you need to head to rue Cadet, in the 9th, and more specifically to Victoire Boulangerie, run by Sophie Jullien – already awarded in May for the title of 2nd best croissant in Paris. This address is right next to our offices, and let me tell you, the news has brought joy to the editorial team!View this post on Instagram
In third place, we have Ivan Stork from the bakery Aux Deux Épis, located in Seine-et-Marne. To visit this bakery, just like the first one, you should plan for about an hour on public transport from the center of the capital. It's the perfect excuse to enjoy a little weekend getaway to the countryside at the same time, isn’t it? Now you have an abundance of choices to indulge in delicious pains au chocolat! And while you wait, here’s the complete list of the 12 finalists.
Fabrice Pottier: Bakery-Pastry Shop Maison Pottier, 12, boulevard Charles Nélaton – Marcoussis (91460)
Sophie Jullien: Victoire Boulangerie, 12, rue Cadet – 9th arrondissement
Ivan Stork: Bakery-Pastry Shop Aux Deux Épis, 54, rue Pasteur – Saint-Jean-les-Deux-Jumeaux (77660)
Estelle Cazin – Normandy
J. Jordan Ducastel – Normandy
Simon Cotelle – Normandy
Jean-Yves Boullier – Île-de-France
Raphaël Basaille – Burgundy-Franche-Comté
Paul Besnard – New Aquitaine
Florian Brumaud – New Aquitaine
Damien Leguay – Hauts de France
Thomas Menweg – Grand Est
