Baguettes in a bakery

Baguette

Baguette · Paris, France

Foto: inra.dist · CC BY 2.0

A long loaf whose recipe is set by law, added to UNESCO's intangible heritage list in 2022.

Antes de ir · Know before you go

  • Don't walk in and order without a greeting
  • don't squeeze the loaves one by one to choose

Este artículo está «Sin verificar». Consulte los avisos oficiales sobre precios, horarios y fechas.

Culture

Cultura y costumbres

Contexto cultural

The dough of the traditional baguette is defined by French law. Long loaves became popular in 18th-century France; in the early 19th century the Austrian August Zang brought steam ovens to Paris (he also introduced Viennese bread and the croissant). In August 1920 a regulation of the Seine department first used 'baguette' for a type of bread: at least 80 g, no more than 40 cm long, and selling for no more than 0.35 francs. In 2022 'the artisanal know-how and culture of baguette bread' was added to UNESCO's list of intangible cultural heritage.

Costumbres locales

Parisians buy it fresh every day from the corner bakery, and many break off the end to eat as they walk

Etiquette

Normas y tabúes

Normas que se aplican aquí

Línea rojaModales cotidianosFrance

France: carry your ID

  • Carry your passport or official photo ID
  • Leaving all your documents at the hotel

You must show ID on the spot when police ask, or at a police station within 4 hours.

Verificado el 19 oct 2026Fuente: GOV.UK: France travel advice

Línea rojaVestimentaFrance

France: face coverings are banned in public places

  • Showing your face in public places
  • Covering your face in streets, shops and other public places

It is illegal, with a fine of up to €150; the law also applies to tourists.

Verificado el 19 oct 2026Fuente: GOV.UK: France travel advice

No lo haga DON'T

  • Don't walk in and order without a greeting
  • don't squeeze the loaves one by one to choose

Lo que aprecian los locales DO

Bakery staff appreciate customers who say 'bonjour' as they come in.

Plan your visit

Información práctica

Consejos de viaje

  • Every year Paris names its 'best baguette', and the winning bakery supplies the Élysée Palace for a year — a handy list to follow. Prices and opening hours are set by each shop
  • popular old places often have queues, so go outside peak mealtimes.
Fuentes y notas de verificación

Wikipedia: Baguette