The Sneaky Secret Phrase To Order The Best Bread Like A Local While In France

Renowned for its world-class cuisine and rich dining culture, France is all about indulgence in all the best ways. Dotted with cafes, boulangeries, and pâtisseries, it's no surprise that these culinary hotspots are the heart and soul of French gastronomy — especially when it comes to bread. Because whether it's the smell of fresh baked goods wafting through the air or the sight of delicate pastries in windows, local bakeries know a thing or two about quality.

That said, when it comes to experiencing la crème de la crème of French baked goods, knowing how and what to order comes in handy (especially if you want to avoid breaking any of the unspoken food rules the French hold so dearly). And, let's be honest, no trip to France would be complete without sampling a proper baguette. With its crisp crust and soft interior, baguettes are a staple of French cuisine and culture. Nonetheless, not all baguettes are created equal — and, believe it or not, ordering a simple "baguette" just doesn't cut it in terms of taste and texture.

Enter: the baguette tradition. A cut above the standard baguette and a true mark of quality, asking the local baker for a "baguette tradition" — or "tradi," if you really want to blend in — will be the key to elevating your bread game and enjoying the pinnacle of the French bakery experience.

Take a quick stroll through the streets of Paris and you'll probably see your fair share of busy locals and tourists walking with a baguette under their arm or securely tucked inside their bag. Morning, afternoon, and evening — a freshly-baked baguette is pretty much a way of life for the French. In fact, roughly 6 billion baguettes are baked yearly throughout the country — a pretty mind blowing number.

According to a law enacted in 1993 — and aptly named "Le Décret Pain" or "The Bread Decree" — a "baguette tradition" can only be made using four key ingredients: flour, yeast, water, and salt. It's also typically made by hand on-site, which makes it all the more authentic. To find one, you'll want to head over to a "boulangerie" — which is what you'd call a bakery back in the U.S. — and ask for it specifically. Whatever you do, don't try buying one in the supermarket unless you're ready to be disappointed.

Meanwhile, a "baguette classique" — the affordable and mass-produced version of the staple — can contain all sorts of additives to help extend shelf life, and will typically be found in local supermarkets and other chain stores. However, reaching for one of these pre-made loaves can ultimately result in a less flavorful and less satisfying bite — and life is way too short to waste your time on a bad baguette.

Now that you're clued in on what to order, it's time to perfect your technique further. First things first, timing is everything. For the freshest bread, try hitting up your bakery early in the morning or late in the afternoon when most locals are picking up their daily baguette. Don't want a whole baguette to yourself? Don't be afraid to ask the baker for a "demi-baguette" (which translates to "half-baguette") — most local shops will have these available to customers who ask. Finally, in terms of preferences, it's also helpful to know how to customize your order. For a well-cooked loaf with a thick crust, ask for it "bien cuite," or for a softer and lighter baguette, a simple "pas trop cuite" should do the trick.

Lastly, while French classics are iconic for a reason, there's a lot more to France than croissants and baguettes. Many boulangeries also double as pâtisseries, and offer a wide selection of local pastries and cakes that'll have you coming back for more. From delicate éclairs and tartes to hearty quiches, there's something on offer for pretty much every palate. Some spots even offer takeaway lunch options by combining the crunch of a fresh baguette with classic fillings — think ham, cheese, tuna, egg salad, and more — for a quick and delicious sandwich. Bon appétit!