Boulangerie Michalak — Specialty Store in Grands Boulevards, Paris

Boulangerie Michalak is an independent bakery on Rue du Faubourg Poissonnière, in Grands Boulevards, a short walk from Gare de l'Est. What you notice first is the room itself: all wood, kept very clean, with breads and cakes set out to be looked at as much as bought. There are a couple of tables inside and outside, so you can sit with a coffee and a pastry rather than take everything away.

The pretzel croissant is the item to get first, a croissant crossed with a bretzel, slightly salty and layered. The Fonkie is the other signature, and the pain au chocolat comes with a stick of chocolate rather than chips, gooey and molten in the middle, flaky and airy outside. Bread runs from sourdough to spelt, fruit bread and focaccia, and there are flans in vanilla or rum, cheesecake, cookies and a brioche big enough to share.

The shop bakes on site, and there is a second shop across the street under the same owner that sells only confectionery, with more elaborate sweets. Inside, the staff speak English and will explain what is in things.

Prices are the sticking point: a croissant at €2.60, a pretzel croissant at €4, a pain au chocolat at €4.50, and a bag of cookies, financiers and bread can reach €40. The bread is made with organic flours and sourdough, which is part of what you pay for. Come on a weekday rather than a Sunday, when it is closed, and expect to wait at the till.

It suits anyone who wants to try the pretzel croissant and the Fonkie once, and anyone staying nearby who wants good sourdough and a sit-down coffee.