I love breakfast in Paris, especially in the Autumn when leaves are skittering across the pavement and everyone is sporting elegant scarves and fabulous boots. I like sitting in a cafe or coffee shop by a large window, watching the world go by as I sip and nibble my way through breakfast.
Parisian food is justly famous for its quality, taste, diversity, and, alas, price. But there are ways to eat well in Paris without breaking the bank.
There is something comforting in a morning ritual of espresso and warm croissants, especially dark chocolate-filled ones. It’s even nicer when shared with a brother who happens to be living in Paris. Ryan had to work during the day, so we always made sure to get up early enough to have breakfast together before he dashed off to slave away and I meandered through the streets of Paris trying not to get too lost before meeting up with him for dinner.
Here are my top three favorite Paris breakfasts, all for about $5 US.
Breakfast #1 – two warm croissants and an espresso. I like to eat one croissant with my coffee and save the other to nibble on whilst sitting on a park bench in a pretty park somewhere. Cost: Approximately 4 Euro/$5 US.
Breakfast #2 – quiche and real hot chocolate. I found a shop right across the square from where my brother was living run by a grouchy fellow who grudgingly gave me a smile when I beamed at him each morning. 🙂 It had wooden stools pulled up next to the window where I could people watch to my hearts content, and the best hot chocolate I’ve ever had in my life. Cost: Approximately 4.5o Euro/$5.50 US.
Breakfast #3: crepe filled with Nutella. I love the little crepe stands sprinkled throughout Paris. A bustling chap heating up crepes, slathering them with lavish amounts of Nutella and folding them just so for you to eat as you walk through the city. Bliss. Cost: Approximately 4-5 Euro/$5-6 US.
Which one is your favorite?
This is my contribution to Wanderfood Wednesday. Click here to discover more foods from around the world.
Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!! I’ve had the desire to go to Paris for a couple of months!!! Even though I’ve been there I would love to go there again with my boyfriend. Now, reading your post my desire is just getting bigger and bigger. I love sipping latte and eating croissant with it, watching through the window as the world go by or reading a good book. And autumn should be wonderful in Paris (I was always there during the summer and not with my boyfriend.)
I’ve been telling my boyfriend to go to Paris for a while, so we might visit the city this year or spring time next year. If yes, we could say hello to your brother! 🙂 How fun it would be!
When was the last time you were in Paris?
Thanks for reminding me of the little joy of life! 🙂
Je prende deux croissants, s’il vous plais 🙂
Ahh I would kill for quiche right now!
If only I had a bother who lived in Paris and I could get my fill of chocolate filled croissants and cafe au lait:D
I want to be there sooooo badly!
I love those things too, Zita! 🙂 I know my brother would be happy to meet up with you guys, but he just moved back to Amsterdam and isn’t in Paris anymore. BUT, if you’re ever in Amsterdam he’s a fantastic cook and would love to show you guys around. 🙂
Me too, Elra. 🙂 That’s my favorite!!
It was SUCH good quiche too, Ayngelina. 🙂 Yum!!
I know, Val!! I count myself most fortunate. 🙂 He just moved back to Amsterdam this month, so my next trip to Paris I’ll have to fend for myself. 🙂
Me too, Barbara!! I had to write this post today simply to indulge in these lovely memories. 🙂
Oh, my friend, Judit (twitter: @jucisjourney) moved to Rotterdam yesterday. I’m planing to visit her very soon! 🙂 There’s a chance to say hi to your brother! 🙂
That’s perfect, Zita!!! 🙂 Let me know if you have time to get in touch and I’ll send you his contact information. 🙂
I love them all. I hope to get to Paris someday soon…
I’d have to go for the pan chocolat…with hot chocolat. Double chocolate- that’s the way to start the day!
This is exactly why I need to go to Paris! A nutella-filled crepe. glorious.
I’m so jealous right now, the very short stay I had in Paris was spent people watching & (because I was so poor at the end of my holiday) all I could afford were wonderful, amazing, tempting pastries like these. I must get back, I must, I must 🙂
love all the snacks 🙂 making me hungry @ 11PM at night now!!! uh oh.
Have a fabulous week!!
jen @ http://www.passion4food.ca
Great tips! Who can resist crepe filled with Nutella? That will be my choice. 🙂
If only one of these could be my breakfast this morning! I would be happy with any! 🙂
Me too, Tracy. 🙂 I hope you get to return in the very near future. 🙂
How to decide? They all look amazing. I guess the best thing to do is stay in Paris for at least three days…
Double chocolate sounds idyllic, El! 🙂
It sure is, Joanne!! Can’t wait for you to go and hear all about your adventures. 🙂
I adore people-watching too, Anna! 🙂 I hope you get to go back soon with a little more money in your pocket. I always seem to be boot-strapping it on my trips and would LOVE to spoil myself some time. 🙂
Thank you, Jen! I hope you find something tempting to eat. 🙂
Thank you, Amy! 🙂 You REALLY can’t go wrong with Nutella. 🙂
Wouldn’t that be splendid, Nicole? Where’s a Parisian bakery when we need one. 🙂
The best idea yet, Beth! 🙂 Love that!
Oh how lovely! One of my favourite things about Paris is going for a fresh croissant and an espresso each morning. And how nice to have a brother living in Paris! I think I’ll need to send mine that way so I can have an excuse to go there 🙂
Oh to be in Paris for breakfast. Anything would be splendid.
When in Paris, I can’t go past a cafe creme and a buttered baguette dunked in the coffee. Simple and so French! 🙂
mmmm. What beautiful thing to experience vicariously through you. :o) thanks Krista – I don’t get to read your blog as much as I’d love to but I actually planned it into my schedule for today last Thursday. :o)