Boulangerie biquette — Specialty Store in Batignolles, Paris

Boulangerie biquette is an independent bakery on Rue Legendre in Batignolles, and the first thing you notice is how little it dresses itself up: a small shopfront, a counter, and bread and pastries laid out plainly rather than staged for a window display.

Start with the pretzels. They are the item that brings people back, and the case for them is simple: a chewy, savoury pretzel that holds its own against anything fancier in the neighbourhood. The traditional loaves are fresh and well made, the everyday bread several households in the area rely on, and the croissants, including an almond version, sit alongside them as a good second purchase. If you want something savoury and quick, the chicken and vegetable sandwich and the chicken curry panini are both generously filled and fairly priced.

Service at the counter is warm and quick, with a smile and a bit of chat as your items are wrapped. It is a small, unpretentious neighbourhood bakery rather than a destination patisserie, and that is the appeal: you walk in, point at what looks good, and are out again in a couple of minutes.

Prices are reasonable for the neighbourhood, noticeably below what the trendier bakeries nearby charge for the same kind of thing. A few items will set you back somewhere between €5 and €20, and a sandwich or a pretzel on its own is an easy, cheap bite. Come early in the morning if you want the full range of pastries; the shop opens at 7 am and stays open until 8 pm, so a late-afternoon stop is also possible.

It suits anyone staying nearby who wants a proper breakfast or a quick lunch without paying tourist prices.