12 Best French Breakfast foods for a typical breakfast in France!
Let’s start by busting a myth—French people don’t actually start their day with a croissant and café au lait every morning. I know, I know, the internet had me fooled too. In reality, breakfast in France (or le petit déjeuner) tends to be a light affair, just enough to tide you over until lunch, which, by the way, is considered the most important meal of the day. Sorry, breakfast-is-the-most-important-meal fans!
The French take a more laid-back approach to the first meal of the day. It’s often simple, consisting of a few select staples that are either sweet or slightly savory. But don’t let the simplicity fool you—each French breakfast food has its own story, tradition, and role in the daily life of the French.
Let’s dive into the typical French breakfast menu and explore some delicious foods French people actually enjoy for breakfast. And yes, croissants are involved… but not as often as you think!
The Simple Pleasures of a Typical French Breakfast
First off, don’t expect to see a heavy American breakfast of bacon, eggs, and pancakes in the French diet. The typical French breakfast is more about elegance, balance, and a satisfying cup of something warm. Let me break down the essentials for you.
1. Tartine: The Heart of a French Breakfast
A tartine is basically a slice of French bread, usually a fresh baguette or other rustic loaves, that’s toasted and slathered with delicious toppings. Think of it as a blank canvas for breakfast deliciousness. The most common toppings are butter and jam—and let me tell you, French butter is nothing like what you’re used to. It’s rich, creamy, and, if you’re lucky, salted.
What’s charming about this classic French breakfast item is the art of dunking. French people often dunk their tartines into their hot drink, whether that’s coffee, hot chocolate, or even tea. It’s the French version of biscotti dunking, but softer and more satisfying.
If you want to make your own bread for tartines, I would recommend this amazing cookbook!
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2. Viennoiseries: Breakfast Pastries—But Not Every Day!
You knew it was coming—croissants and pain au chocolat! But here’s the thing: many French people don’t actually eat these indulgent pastries every day. They’re more of a weekend treat or something you’d pick up when you’re stopping at a bakery (because, honestly, who can resist?).
Viennoiseries refers to a category of French breakfast pastries that include:
- Croissants (plain, buttery, or even almond-filled)
- Pain au Chocolat (those beautiful rectangles of flaky pastry filled with rich chocolate)
- Pain aux Raisins (a swirl of pastry dotted with raisins and pastry cream)
- Brioche (a soft, buttery bread that’s rich yet light)
- Chausson aux Pommes (apple turnovers filled with sweetened apple compote)
Be warned, though: once you’ve tasted a bakery-fresh croissant, you’ll never look at a supermarket version the same way again. The difference is night and day.
Joanne Chang has written an amazing cookbook about pastry in case you want to make your own!
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3. Drinks: Simple and Satisfying
If you’ve ever been to France, you’ve probably noticed that coffee is king. Most people drink café au lait (which is coffee with steamed milk) at home, often served in bowls rather than mugs. That’s right, a literal bowl of coffee, perfect for dunking your tartine.
For something stronger, there’s espresso (a quick, intense shot of coffee) or café américain, which is more similar to the brewed coffee you find in the States. Other popular options include tea, hot chocolate (especially if you’re a kid), and fruit juice—with orange juice leading the pack. In northern France, you’ll even find people sipping chicory, a caffeine-free alternative to coffee.
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12 Authentic French Breakfast Foods (Continued)
1. Baguette: The Quintessential French Bread
The baguette is probably the most iconic symbol of French cuisine. If you’ve ever wandered the streets of Paris early in the morning, you’ve likely seen people casually carrying a baguette or two under their arm—so French, right? But the baguette is more than just a visual cliché; it’s a daily necessity for most French people, and it often makes an appearance at breakfast time.
The baguette tradition is the most common type, made with simple ingredients (flour, water, salt, yeast) but crafted with skill. It’s crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, making it perfect for toasting. But that’s not the only kind you’ll find—there are variations like the baguette ancienne, which has a denser crumb, or the baguette complète, made with whole wheat for a healthier option. And then there’s the baguette céréales, a multigrain version packed with seeds.
In France, the quality of a baguette can make or break your breakfast. Freshness is critical. A day-old baguette? Forget about it. That is why I like to either go out to the bakery first thing OR make my own. I even bought my own baguette bread pan!
French people will either buy a fresh one or use it to make French toast (pain perdu) or a crispy tartine. And no French person is going to settle for anything less than bakery-fresh.
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2. Croissant: Buttery, Flaky, and Iconic
Ah, the beloved croissant! I can’t even count the number of times this French pastry has graced Instagram feeds around the world. But did you know that the croissant isn’t actually French? It originated in Austria as the kipferl, a crescent-shaped pastry that was brought to France in the 19th century. However, the French added their own twist—using layers of butter and a delicate folding technique, turning it into the flaky, buttery perfection we know today.
Now, let’s talk variety. There’s the croissant ordinaire, made with margarine, which is cheaper but still tasty. However, the true star of the show is the croissant au beurre—made with butter, it’s richer, more golden, and absolutely delicious. And if you have a serious sweet tooth, go for the croissant aux amandes. This almond croissant is filled with sweet almond paste and sometimes dusted with powdered sugar for an extra treat.
While many French people enjoy croissants on the weekend, they don’t eat them every day. They’re considered a treat, not a staple. That said, if you’re visiting France, go ahead and indulge. Your breakfast spread will thank you.
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3. Pain au Chocolat: A Chocolate Lover’s Dream
Next on the list is the delicious, flaky wonder that is pain au chocolat. This square-shaped pastry is essentially a croissant with a hidden surprise: two thick sticks of dark chocolate running through the center. The crisp outer layer of the pastry contrasts perfectly with the soft, melty chocolate inside, making it a heavenly breakfast choice.
However, if you’re in the southwest of France, don’t ask for a pain au chocolat—there, it’s called chocolatine. The pain au chocolat vs. chocolatine debate is a bit of a friendly rivalry between regions, so feel free to engage in it if you want to sound like a local.
If you are making your own I would recommend getting some Belgian Chocolate sticks. These ones by Callebout are to die for!
Though pain au chocolat is enjoyed across the country, it’s still more of a special treat than an everyday item. And while I wish I could eat one every morning with my café au lait, French people usually reserve this pastry for a day when they’re stopping by the bakery for something extra indulgent.
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4. Pain aux Raisins: Sweet and Satisfying
Let’s move on to another beloved breakfast pastry: the pain aux raisins. Picture this—a spiral of flaky, buttery pastry, filled with pastry cream (also known as crème pâtissière) and plump raisins. It’s sweet, creamy, and a little fruity, giving you a break from the all-chocolate-all-the-time pastries.
What makes the pain aux raisins stand out is the combination of textures. The crispy edges of the pastry meet the softness of the cream in the center, and the raisins add a burst of sweetness. This pastry is typically enjoyed in the morning but can easily be a snack or dessert too—because, really, who could resist one?
This pastry is a bit more filling than a croissant, thanks to the rich pastry cream, so if you’re looking for something a bit more substantial, this is your French breakfast item.
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5. Brioche: Rich, Buttery, and Light
Brioche is another French breakfast staple, but don’t let its appearance fool you. While it might look like a simple loaf of bread, brioche is anything but. It’s an enriched dough made with butter, eggs, and sometimes milk, which gives it a delicate crumb and an irresistible buttery flavor.
There are many types of brioche. You’ll find loaves, rolls, and even brioche à tête (a round brioche with a little “head” on top). Some versions are studded with sugar crystals, others are filled with chocolat or fruit, and some are flavored with orange blossom water for a unique twist. Brioche is versatile—it can be eaten plain, toasted with butter and jam, or used to make French toast (yes, real French toast is made from brioche).
And here’s a fun tidbit: in some regions, brioche is used for special occasions, like weddings and baptisms, where it’s often baked in enormous quantities.
If you want to make your own, you can get an amazing recipe in The Perfect Loaf!
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6. Chausson aux Pommes: Apple-Filled Goodness
Ever wanted to eat a mini apple pie for breakfast? Enter the chausson aux pommes. This French pastry is like a hand-held pie, made with puff pastry and filled with sweetened apple compote. It’s not as sugary as a traditional American pie, though—the French keep it light, allowing the flavor of the apples to shine through.
The beauty of the chausson aux pommes lies in its simplicity. It’s perfect for those who want a fruit-based breakfast pastry without the heaviness of cream or chocolate. Plus, it pairs beautifully with a cup of hot chocolate or coffee.
While you won’t find chausson aux pommes on every French breakfast menu, it’s definitely a popular option at bakeries, especially in the fall when apples are in season.
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7. Tartine with Jam and Butter: A Classic Combination
Remember our earlier chat about tartines? Well, this is the most traditional version—a slice of baguette toasted or fresh, spread with high-quality butter and jam. And when I say “high-quality,” I mean it. French butter, especially the kind made in Normandy, is often richer and creamier than what you might be used to.
As for the jam, French markets and bakeries offer a mind-boggling array of options: strawberry, raspberry, fig, apricot, and even more unusual choices like black currant or rhubarb. French people love to keep it seasonal and homemade when possible.
You can even make your own jam!
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8. Yogurt with Fruit and Honey: A Lighter Option
If you’re looking for something on the lighter side, a bowl of yogurt with fresh fruit and a drizzle of honey is a great option. Yogurt is a staple in many French households, especially for breakfast or a mid-morning snack. The French take pride in their dairy products, and yogurt is no exception—it’s rich, creamy, and often made from whole milk.
Pair it with seasonal fruit, like berries or stone fruits, and a bit of honey or jam, and you’ve got a delicious, health-conscious start to your day. This option is especially popular among those who want a light breakfast or need something quick before heading out the door.
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9. Breakfast Cereals: A Growing Trend
Surprise, surprise—cereal is making its way into French breakfasts, especially among kids. While the French still value their baguettes and pastries, brands like Chocapic (a chocolate-flavored cereal) are becoming more popular. This might feel more familiar if you’re used to an American breakfast spread.
French adults don’t typically opt for cereal for their first meal of the day, but it’s a quick option for families on the go. Just don’t expect to see a French table overloaded with sugary cereals—it’s more of a growing trend among the younger generation.
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10. Oeufs Cocotte: A Special Occasion Treat
When it comes to eggs, scrambled eggs or omelettes aren’t the stars of a typical French breakfast. But on special occasions or for a leisurely brunch, the French do like to whip up oeufs cocotte. These are eggs baked in small ramekins with cream and sometimes cheese, herbs, or even a bit of ham or smoked salmon.
Each serving is an individual portion, and it’s usually served with a slice of toasted baguette. Oeufs cocotte aren’t a daily affair—they’re more of a Sunday brunch dish, enjoyed with a bit more leisure.
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11. Croque Monsieur/Madame: A Savory French Classic
While the croque monsieur and croque madame are often considered lunch items, they’re so popular that they occasionally make their way onto French breakfast menus, especially for a late morning meal or brunch. And really, who could say no to a sandwich that combines crispy toast, melty cheese, and savory ham?
A croque monsieur is essentially a grilled ham and cheese sandwich, but with a French twist. The bread is toasted with butter, and inside you’ll find slices of ham and plenty of gruyère or comté cheese. But the secret to the croque’s greatness? It’s often topped with a layer of creamy béchamel sauce before being broiled, creating a crispy, golden crust.
Now, if you want to take things up a notch (and add some breakfast vibes), order a croque madame. It’s the same delicious sandwich, but with a fried egg perched on top, making it a bit heartier and certainly more appropriate for a savory breakfast. This is not your everyday breakfast fare—it’s more of a weekend indulgence or something you’d order when enjoying a leisurely breakfast at a café in Paris.
12. Regional Specialties: Exploring French Diversity
One of the most fascinating things about breakfast in France is how much it can change depending on where you are. Regional specialties add incredible diversity to the French breakfast table, so if you ever get the chance to explore beyond Paris, be sure to try these unique dishes!
- Crêpes and Galettes (Brittany): While crêpes are well-known worldwide, in Brittany they’re considered a traditional breakfast option. Crêpes are sweet, made with wheat flour, and often served with butter and jam, Nutella, or fruit. Their savory cousin, the galette, is made with buckwheat flour and can be filled with ham, cheese, and egg for a heartier meal.
- Teurgoule (Normandy): This spiced rice pudding is slow-cooked with cinnamon and milk until it becomes thick and creamy. It’s a warm and comforting dish, typically served in the morning or as a snack.
- Kougelhopf (Alsace): Hailing from Alsace, kougelhopf is a brioche-like cake baked in a distinctive bundt shape. It’s studded with raisins and almonds, making it a slightly sweet option for breakfast or even dessert. You’ll find it on breakfast tables during special occasions.
- Fougasse (Provence): Unlike the sweeter options, fougasse is a savory bread, often flavored with olives, herbs, or even bits of bacon. It’s not the most typical French breakfast item, but in the south of France, it might accompany a cup of coffee or be part of a light breakfast with some fruit.
- Praline Rose Brioche (Lyon): This version of brioche is famous in the Lyon region. It’s made with pink praline (candied almonds), which gives it a beautiful rose color. While it’s sweet, it’s not overwhelming, making it a perfect treat for breakfast or a mid-morning snack.
- Canistrelli (Corsica): If you find yourself on the island of Corsica, canistrelli are a must-try. These crunchy, rustic biscuits are flavored with anise or lemon and are perfect for dipping into your coffee or tea in the morning. They’re not overly sweet, which makes them great as a lighter French breakfast food.
- Pain aux Noix (Auvergne): Bread in France is a serious affair, and in the Auvergne region, they do it right with pain aux noix—a hearty, nut-filled bread. It’s rich in flavor and often enjoyed with cheese or even just butter and jam.
How the French Eat Breakfast
Now that we’ve covered the most delicious part of the French breakfast menu, let’s talk about the culture and habits around breakfast itself. Many French people view breakfast as a simple, relaxed meal, typically eaten at home or at a café on the go. Unlike in some other cultures, breakfast is generally light and meant to hold you over until lunch, which is often a more substantial and important meal.
While French people do enjoy a good pastry or tartine, they tend to avoid heavy foods like scrambled eggs and bacon in the morning. If you’re imagining a full breakfast with eggs, sausage, hash browns, and toast, you’ll be hard-pressed to find it in a typical French home. The French prefer simplicity—a bit of bread, a hot drink, and maybe a small breakfast pastry if it’s a special day.
On weekdays, breakfast time is often quick. Families might grab a slice of toast, or kids will have cereal with milk before heading to school. But on weekends, breakfast becomes more leisurely, especially if you stop by a bakery for fresh baguettes or viennoiseries. Sitting down with a croissant, a bowl of café au lait, and some orange juice feels more indulgent when there’s no rush.
In terms of the drink of choice, coffee reigns supreme in France. The French generally drink café au lait at home, where it’s more common to serve it in bowls rather than mugs. In cafés, espresso is the go-to order for a quick pick-me-up, and occasionally you’ll see people opt for café américain (a more diluted version of espresso). But don’t forget about hot chocolate, especially for the kids, which can be just as popular a French breakfast drink.
This simple breakfast fare is a reflection of French food culture: quality over quantity. It’s not about piling your plate with heavy dishes, but enjoying each bite for its taste and texture. Tartine with butter and jam is as much about the experience as it is about the food.
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