Exploring the History and Culture of Baguettes | French Bread Festival

Bread is humanity’s oldest and most humble staple.

The earliest archaeological evidence shows that bread dates back some 30,000 years to the late Paleolithic era in Europe.

In France, a country that holds bread in particular esteem, there is a festival dedicated to it—the French Bread Festival, also known as “La Fête du Pain.” This annual celebration honors the traditional craftsmanship and culture of French bread-making. This year’s French Bread Festival takes place from 13 to 21 May on the square in front of Notre-Dame Cathedral (Parvis de la Cathédrale Notre-Dame), offering a wide range of activities for food lovers.

“Legal” French Bread

The 13th French Bread Festival in 2023

Types of French Bread

Must-See Attractions in Paris

In French, “boulanger” means baker and “boulangerie” means bakery, but not every place that sells bread can call itself a boulangerie. Only shops that sell bread made on the premises by a formally trained and professionally certified baker may use the name “boulangerie.”

French bread is a traditional staple so serious that lawmakers have spelled out its ingredients and preparation in official decrees. As early as 1919, the French Parliament passed the French Bread Law (Le Décret Pain), stipulating that French bread can only be made from water, salt and flour, with no artificial yeast or chemical additives. A 1993 amendment further limited true handmade bread (pain maison) to loaves kneaded, proved and baked entirely by hand. Making bread in France is clearly no trivial pursuit.

The festival was launched in 1996 by the then Minister of Small and Medium Enterprises, Trade and Handicrafts, Jean-Pierre Raffarin, and attracted bakers, pastry chefs and food lovers from across the country. The aim was to showcase the cultural and artistic value of bread and pastries to the public.

Over time, the French Bread Festival has gained increasing recognition from both the public and the government. Today, it is a national celebration that draws visitors and food enthusiasts from around the world. During the festival each year, French bakers and pastry chefs gather to display their skills and creativity.

In addition, bakers teach children how to make bread, using fun and interactive demonstrations to pass on an understanding and love of French bread culture. The main event, of course, is the bread-baking competition, where top bakers from all over France vie to see who can produce the most delicious French bread.

Baguette: The most famous and traditional French bread, with its distinctive long shape and crisp crust with a soft interior, is a staple on French tables. In November 2022, UNESCO, at a meeting in Morocco, decided to inscribe the French baguette on its Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

Coupe (olive-shaped loaf): Made with strong flour, plain flour, salt, dry yeast, water, salted butter, garlic paste and basil, kneaded together, proved twice and then baked. It has a very chewy texture and got its name from its rugby-ball shape.

Campagne: A rustic loaf popular in the countryside near Paris. In the past, when transport was difficult, this two-kilogram bread could feed a family for a week. Even today, Europeans still use it as a table staple; it is dense and very filling.

Epi (wheat-stalk bread): The baker takes a long piece of dough and snips it alternately left and right with scissors. After baking, the loaf looks like a golden ear of wheat and is very crispy. The French usually pair it with beer or red wine.

Croissant: Though this pastry actually originated in Vienna, the French have a deep fondness for it. Made from butter-enriched layered dough, the baking process requires great skill to achieve a crisp finish without burning. Light, flaky and buttery, a croissant with a cup of black coffee is a French breakfast indulgence!

Au Lait (milk bread roll): This roll comes in many flavours, with chocolate or cream and raisins. It’s a sweet breakfast favourite among the French.

Kougelhopf: A yeasted bread that has long been a festive treat in France, often appearing at Christmas and weddings. The most common version includes raisins and almonds soaked in rum or kirsch for extra sweetness.

These are just a few of the common types of French bread. In fact, France has hundreds of different breads, and each region—even each bakery—has its own unique varieties and techniques. What they all share is that each loaf is a work of art crafted with care, using the finest ingredients, meticulous preparation and perfect control of the baking, all to give bread lovers an unforgettable taste sensation.

Every year the French Bread Festival offers a rich programme. Bakers and pastry chefs from all over the country present their latest innovations and skills, and visitors can sample an array of breads and pastries, from traditional baguettes and Parisian loaves to croissants and Aix banana cake. There are also baking competitions, tasting sessions, cooking classes and more.

Beyond the exhibitions and activities, the French Bread Festival includes other celebrations such as street concerts, street art performances and food fairs.

The French Bread Festival not only celebrates traditional bread and pastry culture but also symbolises the French people’s pride in and love for their food heritage. Bread is a hugely significant part of French culture, and the French care deeply about its quality and the craft behind it. The festival is thus an opportunity to showcase France’s food culture and traditional craftsmanship.

Notre-Dame de Paris and the Archaeological Crypt Experience

Notre-Dame de Paris is an iconic French monument. A guided walking tour of the cathedral and its archaeological crypt will introduce you to the building’s history and past. In April 2019 a serious fire destroyed the roof and spire, but fortunately the structure and many important artworks survived. Whether as a place of worship or as a historic monument and cultural heritage site, Notre-Dame holds immense significance.

Eiffel Tower Lift Guided Tour

The Eiffel Tower is one of France’s most iconic structures and one of Paris’s most famous landmarks. Visitors can take a lift to the tower’s viewing platforms and admire the cityscape. The Eiffel Tower also offers guided tours: a guide will take you through the different sections, sharing the history, design and construction of this renowned monument as well as fascinating anecdotes that bring it to life.

Paris Hot-Air Balloon Tour

A Paris hot-air balloon ride is a truly special travel experience. You board a specially designed balloon and drift over the outskirts of Paris. During the flight you can take in spectacular urban vistas, including the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre-Dame and the Seine.

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Travelogue Contents 1. “Legal” French Bread 2. Origin of the Bread Festival 3. The 13th French Bread Festival in 2023 4. Types of French Bread 5. Must-See Attractions in Paris, France Popular Attractions Travel Information Hotel Index Guide Index Flight Index Website Navigation Travel Index Cruise Index Business Travel Index Partnership Distribution Alliance Friendship Links Corporate Gift Card Purchase Insurance Agent Agent Cooperation Hotel Franchise Destination and Scenic Spot Cooperation More Partnership Opportunities About Ctrip About Ctrip Ctrip Hot Topics Contact Us Careers User Agreement Privacy Policy Business License Security Center Ctrip Content Center Intellectual Property Trip.com Group Algorithm Disclosure