Boulangerie Emmanuel Martin — Specialty Store in Passy, Paris

Boulangerie Emmanuel Martin is an independent bakery on Rue de Lourmel in Passy, and the first thing you notice walking in is the pastry case and the small seating area where you can sit with a coffee. It is the kind of neighbourhood bakery you can build a morning around.

Start with the croissant, which is flaky and fresh, then try a pistachio twist or a hazelnut-raisin flute if you want something less ordinary. The pain au chocolat is light and often still warm from the oven at the back of the bakery, and the macarons come in enough flavours to make choosing hard. A tuna baguette makes a solid lunch if you are passing at midday.

The counter can be slow; if you catch it on a busy morning, expect to wait. The bread and pastries are the reason to come, not the speed of the queue.

Prices are reasonable for what you get, and the €5–20 band covers a few items rather than a full shop. A croissant and a coffee is the cheapest way in, and the seating area means you can eat it there instead of walking with it.

The shop suits anyone staying nearby who wants a proper Parisian breakfast without hunting for it. Come early for the warm pain au chocolat, and keep your order simple if the counter is busy.