tl;dr the baked goods are overpriced and underwhelming; they may still satisfy, but they shouldn't be counted among the best in Paris
From the team behind the Michelin-starred Tour d'Argent, Le Boulanger de la Tour offers baked goods from a prime corner shop overlooking the Seine. De la Tour is a popular spot, so plan to arrive early or risk missing out on the most popular bakery selection.
The brightly lit shop feels both sophisticated and welcoming. Marble counters are stocked with a tastefully arranged display of breads and pastries. All of the wall space is occupied with shelves of jams, spreads, and wines. While the interior is standing room only, a few lawn-style chairs are pushed up against metal patio tables outside.
We arrived early in the morning, but we still faced a line of locals. I gravitated toward their popular croissant, but it left me disappointed. The still-warm pastry had an inconsistent char on top, and it was so buttery that it collapsed in on itself, losing some of its desirable crispness. My sister's baguette was also served warm, but the flavor and texture felt middle-of-the-road compared to others across Paris. The face-sized palmier was eye-catching, but the surprisingly brittle mess inconveniently crumbled to pieces with any attempt to divide it.
Service was transactional; we were quickly handed our pasties without even the hint of a smile. The prices are palatable but notably higher than peer bakeries. At de la Tour, you are paying a premium for the name -- for tastier, more affordable baked goods, opt instead for La Maison d'Isabelle just a few blocks away. read more