PARIS | I can’t recall how Union Boulangerie came to be on my list, but when I saw it there on my first morning in Paris, close to the hotel, I knew that was breakfast sorted. Opened down an unassuming back street in Paris’ Opéra neighbourhood in 2021, Union Boulangerie has become a hit with locals.
It was founded by business graduate turned baker, Charles Ye, and neuro-biologist turned pastry chef, Maeva Manchon, Union Boulangerie was three years in the making. Charles and Maeva wanted to open a place that would add something to the area, not just be more of the same, and didn’t open until their abilities matched their ambition.
Inside the minimalist space, you’re faced with a semi-open kitchen, displays, and stacked trays filled with tasty looking treats. Everything is made using the highest quality French ingredients. There’s all of your classic boulangerie items like baguettes and sourdough loaves, along with things like cornbread, and Nordic rye breads. There’s also seasonal creations, like this summer’s spicy Merguez harissa baguette.
On the patisserie side, it’s favourites like croissants, macarons, and chocolate eclairs, and more seasonal and limited creations, like a bûche with confit citrus and basil mousse. I wanted it all, but ended up settling on a pain au chocolate, chocolate éclair, and apple pie croissant for later. All three were outstanding.
Charles and Maeva also work closely with other artisans and businesses in the area. Coffee-infused creations use beans roasted by an independent roaster up the road, and many of the limited creations are collaborations with likeminded locals.
A second location, just around the corner from Cimetière du Père-Lachaise, opened at the start of the year. By all accounts, it’s every bit as good as the original.
Union Boulangerie
2 Rue Bleue
75009 Paris
France
Telephone: n/a
E-mail: n/a
Website
Open
Mon – Fri: 8:00am to 8:00pm
Sat: 8:00am to 3:00pm