Believe it or not, crepes can be done wrong, even in Paris. That’s why we’re letting you in on our list of favorite crepe and galette makers in the City of Light. We want to make sure you get that hot, buttery speciality just right.
First, let’s get one thing straight. Here in France, we don’t just have sweet crepes, dripping with butter, sugar, and lemon and treading the line between uncooked doughy goo and crispiness. You can get salty ones, too, called galettes — thin layers of buckwheat batter poured over a piping hot cast-iron plate, and served laden with butter, melted cheese, and thick-sliced country ham. This emblematic food of Brittany, France’s westernmost province, has some extraordinary outposts in Paris.
No matter which of the above you’re craving (maybe both!), we want to share our picks for the best crepes in Paris. Here’s where to meet the crepe and galette masters.
Where to find the best crepes in Paris
Chez Alain Miam Miam
Chez Alain Miam Miam has mythic status for a reason. Tucked away in the historic Marché des Enfants Rouge on a buzzing street in the trendy Haut-Marais, Alain spends his days spreading butter on cast iron plates, pouring batter over the heat, and loading up his crepes and galettes with all-organic produce. And there’s no shortage of it. His crepes and galettes are huge—big enough for two—and bursting with flavor.
He doesn’t stop at the classic ham and cheese combo—although that’s definitely available—but also makes buckwheat bouquets of fresh salad, cured ham and aged cheese. Or salty, crispy, thin chickpea pancake versions. Or sweet sugary, lemony crepes—classic or with orange blossom. And don’t get us started on his sandwiches…
This stand is not a secret and we suggest getting there early, before the market gets swamped with locals who lunch. But even if you arrive when the line is at its midday peak, Alain’s famous crepes are always worth the wait.
Insider’s Tip: In addition to the stall at the Marché des Enfants Rouge, Alain also has his own café just around the corner at 26 Rue Charlot.
Breizh Café
Since they first set up shop in 2013, Breizh Café outposts have since popped up all over the capital – and even expanded to Tokyo!
Owned and run by Bertrand Larcher, one of Brittany’s own, Breizh has become synonymous with quality ingredients both on your plate and in your glass. In perfect tandem with the nutty taste of buckwheat galettes is crisp hard cider, and Breizh prides itself in its extensive cider and perry menu. The hard ciders hail from the famous apple growing regions of Normandy and Brittany.
It’s hard not to be seduced by the all wooden interiors, charming waiters in striped t-shirts, creative crepe menu and sparkling ciders. Once again, be prepared to form an orderly line for their heralded Marais address, while you’ll find more space in the other Paris locations.
Marché Bastille
Bastille is one of Paris’ most famous fresh produce markets, and a perfect place to check out how the locals shop. Nestled in among award-winning fishmongers and mountains of organic vegetables is one of the best crepes we’ve ever had. Let your nose be guided by the mixture of hot melted cheese and pork sausage with lashings of butter.
This family-run stall is packed full of traditional Brittany ingredients and recipes; chestnut cream and yogurt, or tripe sausage from Gueméné make your galette just that extra bit more authentic. That
Bastille Market is held on Thursdays and Sundays, and the stall can only be found with your nose. It’s at the intersection of Boulevard Richard Lenoir and Rue Daval—but trust us, you’ll catch that heavenly scent.
La Crêperie at Marché Notre Dame (Versailles)
Versailles, in all its golden splendor, unfortunately boasts very few good restaurants. Luckily for us, tucked in the back corner of the sprawling fresh produce market is one of the finest creperies in all the region.
The stall, simply called “La Crêperie,” is the perfect marriage of all things Brittany: salted butter and nutty buckwheat rolled into a delectable treat, ready to be devoured on the spot. Schedule in some time to wander around the market on your way to visit the Palace of Versailles, because it all shuts down around 3 p.m.
Find this crepe stall just next to the doors of the hall marked “Carré à la Farine.”
Lulu la Nantaise
A stone’s throw from the Canal Saint-Martin is this authentic little crepe and galette specialist. Nestled between natural wine bars, trendy bookstores and artisan coffee shops, Lulu la Nantaise knows their crowd, and thus serves only organic produce and a ton of vegetarian options. Their classic ham and cheese galette certainly deserves its place on the menu, and is joined by original combinations like Camembert, confit onions, and walnuts, or goat’s cheese with zucchini and tomatoes, season permitting.
The trendy – and picturestque – Canal Saint-Martin neighborhood is where Paris’ picnickers hang out, with groups of people lining up along its edges as soon as the sun is out. Get your galettes and crepes to go, or enjoy Lulu’s terrace, the perfect spot to catch some rays from May through September.
A note about creperies in Paris
If you feel like you want to experience the full spectrum of Paris street food, we recommend lining up at a crepe stand after midnight for the true experience. Crepes and galettes are the drunk food of Paris’ student population!
There’s only one viable savory option at these places: an all-cheese galette with samurai sauce. Meat is not advised at these late-night stands. Nor do we know the ingredients of samurai sauce – but we know it’s good. Late-night crepes are consumed at user’s own risk.
Update notice: This article was updated on August 5, 2024.
If you couldn’t tell, we’re pretty serious about our crepes here in Paris. If you want to get in on the action, come along on our Ultimate Paris Food Tour. You’ll learn more about insider spots that locals love!
