Have you really enjoyed French Culture without trying a crêpe? One of the most famous French foods, a crêpe is a great thing to savor while exploring Paris, where you can find everything from traditional Breton-style crêperies, to neighborhood favorites, and even casual spots serving crêpes as street food. To find the best crêperie for you, factor in a few things like the neighborhood, the type of crêpe you want, and whether you are looking for a quick bite or a relaxed meal. Our team has compiled a list of our favorite spots, and we also have a few tips and tricks on how to find your perfect crêpe (or galette… we’ll explain more on that later).
Where To Get The Best Crêpes In Paris
How many times will we say “crêpe” in this article? “The limit does not exist.” A crêpe is a very thin French pancake, oftentimes folded around a filling, and there’s easily a crêpe for every occasion! You could have a sweet crêpe or a savory galette, a petite crêpe as a snack or a large one as a meal, and they even have some that are gluten-free.
What Makes A Great Crêpe In Paris?
The crêpe itself is traditionally made of wheat flour, eggs, melted butter, milk (sometimes with a bit of water), and a pinch of salt. Galettes are even simpler, with just buckwheat flour, water, and salt. Galettes are typically gluten-free thanks to the buckwheat flour (although can cross-contaminate with gluten when cooked on the skillet so be mindful) while a traditional crêpe uses wheat flour and thus contains gluten. For clarity in this guide, we’re going to refer to the sweet and gluten-filled ones as crêpes and the savory ones as galettes. Either type is usually incredibly thin while taking up a surprisingly large diameter and then folded up with your favorite filling inside.
Some of the most famous crêpe fillings include Nutella, bananas, and/or berries, and we can’t forget the classic sugar and butter crêpe. They’re remarkably soft, and best enjoyed while fresh and warm. A galette has a bit of a crispier texture and an earthier flavor, which is perfect for a nice, savory meal. Add whatever cheese you like, maybe some French ham, a freshly cracked egg, your favorite vegetables… Almost anything savory is good in a galette. And they usually come with a salad on the side. The type and quality of the filling can make a significant difference in your crêpe/galette experience, but most of them benefit from a bit of salted butter, in our opinion (French butter is the best!).
Of course, if nothing here piques your interest, or you’re looking for even more mouth watering recommendations, be sure to check out our guide to Paris. In it, you’ll find hundreds of recommendations for the best places to eat and drink. With the interactive map, you can geolocate yourself to find the best places closest to you at any moment. Paris in my Pocket is the only guide to Paris you’ll need for your trip, for the best time guaranteed.
Where To Eat Crêpes In Paris?
Where do the locals eat in Paris, France? Definitely at some of our favorite crêperies! We decided to list them in order of arrondissement, not preference, because how do you even choose a favorite crêpe or galette? Maybe you just finished a Txango Tour and the excitement has left you feeling hungry for some quintessentially French food. Our suggestions have a little bit of everything, so you’ll be able to enjoy this classic treat next time you’re feeling hungry.
Au P’tit Grec
A classic go-to is Au P'tit Grec , located on the famous bustling student street: Rue Mouffetard (with another location between the Luxembourg Gardens and the Pantheon the 5th). Their crêpes are big, easy to take on the go, and delicious. It might not be traditional French crêperie, but don’t let that stop you from trying this place out. In business since 1981, they claim to have no magic recipe, but rather just fresh ingredients and the genuine ambition to create happy customers. Get directions
La Crêperie
We’ll stay in the Latin Quarter for a spot with a great view of the Pantheon. La Crêperie proudly states that they follow Breton tradition with Parisian spirit. Here you can expect traditional Breton recipes and a warm and welcome setting. We recommend you grab a coffee or cider on their terrace, eat one of their gigantic made-to-order galettes, prop up your phone on the trusty KenuStance+, and then you can film an epic timelapse video while you watch the world go by. Get directions
21 Martorell
Next we have a cozy crêperie in the 9th that is mostly frequented by locals. You know how much we love Pigalle, and 21 Martorell is definitely worth a visit. This place is run by David (who is exactly what you’d imagine when you think of a French crêpe-maker) and they’re known for some unique crêpes (even a Thai-inspired one) at a variety of prices. It’s a cute little spot, and sometimes there is a wait, but if you’re out for a crêpe, it’ll be worth it. Try the Duffy Duck and you’ll see what all the fuss is about. Get directions
Bernadette
Over in the 11th, right around the corner from Kott Café, is the delicious Bernadette. Named after the owner’s grandmother, they offer crêpes and galettes that are 100% Breizh-friendly. For those of us who don’t know what the heck “Breizh-friendly” means, they are making traditional Brittany culinary staples. Their recipes are inventive and crafted using local ingredients that are carefully sourced for their quality and inspired by the world of “bistronomy.” But nothing screams 'full Breton experience' like pairing your crêpe with one of their carefully selected ciders.
Just like wine at the table, complimenting your meal with the proper drink is something their staff would love to walk you through. With their bright and friendly atmosphere, this business is environmentally conscious (they sponsor a beehive and buy produce from local farms), their crêpes and galettes are delicious, and they have a cute little dog… Need we say more? Try the sausage and cheddar galette, it’s hearty and delicious and topped with crispy onions. Get directions
Le Petit Josselin
Established in 1984, Le Petit Josselin is a standout of the 14th (which is an arrondissement that’s notoriously quiet, especially when it comes to truly remarkable places to eat). On a street full of crêperies, this place is usually the one with a line out the door, likely due to their massive portions, fair prices, and longstanding reputation. Luckily, that line usually tends to move pretty quickly (and if you don’t feel like waiting, you could always take a quick walk down the street to the trusty PNY Gaité.) At Le Petit Josselin you can enjoy a different crêpe or galette as a starter, main, and dessert without realizing you’ve basically eaten a different version of the same thing thrice. That’s the magic of crêpes, and this tiny little staple on Rue du Montparnasse certainly understands that well. Get directions
How To Order Crêpes In Paris
If you’re about to run out the door to get yourself a crêpe or galette, here are some reminders on what to order and expect. Your crêpe/galette will be made to order, so hopefully you’re decisive, because you have quite a few things to consider! Or maybe you’ll just have quite a few types of crêpe to order…
- Crêpe = Usually sweet, with wheat flour
- Galette = Usually savory, with buckwheat flour, typically gluten-free
- Common crêpes can be filled with Nutella, fruit, or the classic salted butter with sugar
- Common galettes can be filled with meat, lots of cheese, veggies, and maybe even a freshly cracked egg
- Crêpes and galettes can be folded up and eaten on the go (emporter), or they can be plated and eaten in (sur place)
- Great as a snack or a meal, but the galettes at a sit-down restaurant usually come with a salad on the side
- Pair your choice with a cider or a coffee for a classic French experience
Want more great tips on how to enjoy Paris like a local? Check out our coffee roaster blog and don’t forget that you can buy our guide, which is full of restaurant suggestions, itineraries, helpful articles, and more! Bon appetit!
