Du Pain et des Idées sits at 34 Rue Yves Toudic in the 10th arrondissement — two blocks from Canal Saint-Martin, in an 1889 building with blue facade, Belle Époque ceilings and original mirrors. Christophe Vasseur's bakery: few products, queue almost daily and impeccable execution with organic flour and AOP Charentes-Poitou butter. In 2026 the pistachio-chocolate escargot, Pain des Amis and fresh apple chausson still sell out before noon. Open Monday to Friday at 7:00; closed Saturday and Sunday. No seating — buy and take to the canal or Septime in the 11th for a picnic before your reservation.
Christophe Vasseur and the 1889 shop
Christophe Vasseur left international trade in his thirties to open this bakery on Canal Saint-Martin — then not yet a gastronomic destination. The 1889 building preserves original details; Vasseur kept the aesthetic and invested in product quality. He works only with organic flour, AOP butter and seasonal fruit — short menu, no industrial expansion. Pain des Amis supplies starred Paris restaurants; the pistachio-chocolate escargot became a symbol of the city's artisan viennoiserie. Closing on weekends reflects commitment to staff and quality — the bakery works like an atelier, not a chain.
What to buy
Reference prices: pistachio escargot €4.50–€4.90; Pain des Amis slice €3.80; apple chausson €4.20. Products sell out through the day — arrive early or accept what remains in the afternoon.
Products worth taking:
L'Escargot Chocolat Pistache — Paris's most famous viennoiserie: puff spiral with pistache cream and dark chocolate. Seasonal versions include praline, red fruit and lemon.
Le Pain des Amis — rectangular loaf, thick crust, dense crumb, up to 48h fermentation. Keeps 5–6 days in paper bag. Supplied to starred restaurants — proof of quality.
Chausson à la Pomme Fraîche — half apple baked inside caramelised puff pastry. Fruity, not industrial — contrast with supermarket viennoiserie.
Le Flan Boulanger — firm flan with Madagascar vanilla on crisp puff base. Classic individual dessert — good to share after the escargot.
Pavé de Chocolate — when available, one of the house's most awarded products. Ask the counter what came out of the oven that morning.
Practical information
| Item | Practical information (2026) |
|---|---|
| Address | 34 Rue Yves Toudic, 75010 Paris, France (Canal Saint-Martin). |
| How to get there (Metro) | Stations Jacques Bonsergent (Line 5) or République (Lines 3, 5, 8, 9 and 11). Both about 5 minutes' walk. |
| Opening hours | Monday to Friday 7:00–19:30. Closed Saturday and Sunday. |
| Average price | Pistachio escargot: €4.50–€4.90; Pain des Amis slice: €3.80; Apple chausson: €4.20. |
| Official website | dupainetdesidees.com |
Practical tips
Queue and sell-outs are part of the experience — plan:
Closed weekends: Monday to Friday only. Prefer Tuesday to Thursday; avoid Monday if possible (restock after weekend).
Avoid queue peaks: 8:00–9:30 and 12:00–14:00 usually crowded. 10:00–11:30 is calmer; limited choice in the afternoon.
Picnic: No seating — buy and walk 2 blocks to Canal Saint-Martin. Or take to Le Bouillon Pigalle before a cheap lunch in the 18th.
Route tip: Combine with Hôtel Fabric (10th) and Septime same day — bakery in the morning, creative lunch in the afternoon.
Frequently asked questions
1. Why closed on weekends?
Vasseur's choice for staff rest and quality. Reflected in product consistency — not a convenience bakery.
2. Does Pain des Amis travel well?
Yes, up to 5–6 days in paper bag in a dry place. Touch the crust before eating — should be firm, not soft.
3. Gluten-free or vegan options?
No. Traditional baking with wheat and AOP butter — no alternative line.
Combine with guides on this site
To keep exploring on this site, these guides pair well with this article: Generator Paris, Septime and Hôtel Fabric.
Editorial note: prices, opening hours and booking conditions in this guide are references checked against official and institutional sources in July 2026. Confirm on the official website before your visit, as details may change.