Boulangerie Magali — Specialty Store in Ourcq, Paris

Boulangerie Magali took over a corner spot on Avenue Jean Jaurès in Ourcq, and the room it moved into is part of the draw: a small, modern eat-in space with seating where you can sit with a coffee and a pastry rather than carry everything out. It sits close enough to the canal that a pastry on the way to the water is the obvious move.

The flan is the one to buy first, praised for its texture and flavour. The Swiss bread with raspberry is a signature. A pain au chocolat comes out crisp outside and soft within, with a buttery flavour, and the chocolate chip cookies are generous with butter and sugar. The lemon meringue pie and a raspberry entremets round out the case, the entremets winning over tasters who usually skip raspberry desserts.

The counter is where the warmth is: service is friendly and smiling, and the staff will talk you through the case. Packaging is the slow part. Cakes are wrapped on a cardboard base with flexible paper and tape, which takes time, so expect a wait when the shop is busy. There is also a savoury side, with quiches and sandwiches alongside the pastries, though vegetarian sandwich options are limited.

Prices run from €1 to €10, and the cost adds up on the savoury side: a chicken salad is €8.50, and a fromage blanc mousse with muesli and raspberry coulis is €4.50. A traditional baguette is €1.30 and a ham and butter sandwich €5. The bread is worth timing: in the evening the loaves can still be warm, so buy more than you planned.

Come for the flan and the cookies, and sit in if you have time. It suits anyone staying near the canal who wants a pastry and a seat, and families will find plenty for children in the case.