French bakeries and pastry shops hold a special place in Montreal's daily life. Whether tucked away on a quiet street or fronting a lively avenue, the scent of freshly baked dough alone is enough to create a sense of place. Some have stood the test of time; others have arrived more recently, but all have carved out a meaningful role in their neighbourhoods.
In recent years, this tradition has seen a powerful resurgence. Artisanal techniques are carried forward with precision; recipes are honoured or reimagined, yet always shaped with care. Some shops stay loyal to classic methods, while others embrace bold interpretations. What unites them is a commitment to quality-handmade creations, crafted from thoughtfully sourced ingredients.
Behind every buttery croissant or silky slice of flan lies time, technique, and instinct. These places stand out not by flair, but by quiet choices: slow fermentation, natural leavening, and balanced flavour. Many now supply acclaimed restaurants and train a new generation of bakers, further elevating the city's bread and pastry scene.
This article shines a light on the bakeries and patisseries that carry the spirit of French tradition through Montreal's streets, blending heritage with inventiveness in every bite.
1315 Rue Ontario E, Montréal, H2L 1R8
From his early days in the Plateau to his new address on Ontario Street, Christian Campos's journey reflects the evolution of a perfectionist turned artisan of emotion. His boutique, Farine & Cacao, is a place where pastry becomes a personal language, and every detail matters. The rose, grapefruit and white chocolate creation is a perfect example, a three-part harmony of floral notes, bright acidity and silky smoothness.
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The atmosphere invites quiet contemplation. You take your time, hesitate and savour, as though visiting a flavour gallery. The selection is focused and refined, steering clear of excess to let each creation shine. This subtle elegance appeals to those seeking a moment of stillness, suspended between precision and imagination. Every dessert tells a story, tracing the path of a craftsman who trained with culinary greats before offering Montreal a space as demanding as it is poetic.
Multiple locations
Founded in 2012, Le Marquis Sans-Gluten has become a staple in Montréal's gourmet scene. With locations in Villeray, Old Montréal and Boisbriand, the bakery champions a bold vision of gluten-free baking: meticulous, creative, and inclusive. Behind each carefully arranged counter lies a wide array of offerings, from sourdough loaves and quinoa wraps to moist cakes and golden pastries. The chocolate almond croissant, crisp on the outside and soft within, tends to win over even the staunchest skeptics.
It's hard to leave without a full bag, driven by the joy of discovering treats you can finally indulge in regardless of dietary needs. Made with certified organic flours and offering vegan and keto-friendly options, Le Marquis proves that specialized food can be every bit as joyful, refined and generous as its traditional counterparts.
Photo Credits: jaimequartiervilleray
Multiple locations
Two locations in the Plateau, one in Rosemont; Les Co'Pains d'abord map out a delicious trail through Montréal's east end. At each bakery, hands get to work at dawn, shaping hundreds of breads, pastries and ready-to-go savoury dishes. The croissants are perfectly flaky, the tourtières satisfyingly plump, and the quiches vanish as fast as they hit the counter. The Breton classics surprise and delight: caramel-laced kouign amann, delicately sweet farz and an apricot-studded gâteau breton. There may not be much room to sit, but the energy of the place makes you linger. The focus is on consistency, craftsmanship and that unmistakable Montréal flair, warm, unpretentious and genuine. Three locations mean three chances to reconnect with a neighbourhood bakery where tradition, creativity and heart go hand in hand.
4715 Rue Sainte-Catherine E, Montréal, H1V 1Z3
In Montréal's east end, Aube Boulangerie quietly shines from its understated space in Hochelaga. Behind large windows, a skilled team shapes breads, pastries and sweets with a precision that makes you want to try everything. The doors open early; by late afternoon, you grasp just how beloved the place is. Trays are empty, cookies are gone, and you promise yourself to come earlier next time. Financiers, scones, pizza al taglio, savoury puff pastries, nothing feels accidental. Their signature hot chocolate, spotted at the counter, invites you to linger. The service is swift yet thoughtful, reflecting a deep-rooted passion for the craft. Part neighbourhood café, part flavour workshop, Aube offers a quiet kind of beauty, the kind that stays with you.
Multiple locations
It all started with a passionate Breton baker. Today, it's a dedicated family and two solidly rooted addresses in Montréal's Mile End and Hochelaga. Since 1999, Le Petit Breton has upheld a deeply artisanal approach, passed down with care and generosity. Over 70 types of bread are crafted by hand daily using mostly organic ingredients and a white dough that rests for at least eight hours, allowing the wheat's full flavour to develop.
You'll taste it in the golden crust of a country loaf, the tender crumb of a baguette or the airy texture of a Breton galette. Their crème brûlée with a raspberry Yule log, delicate and perfectly balanced, delights even the most seasoned pastry lovers. Behind the counter, the team greets with warmth and shares their know-how freely. This is a bakery where tradition doesn't stand still; it evolves with intention and quiet boldness.
7024 Avenue Casgrain, Montréal, H2S 3A2
Right on the edge of Jean-Talon Market, Joe la Croûte chalks up his daily bread lineup on a board by the entrance. Sourdough, rye, white baguette, and the Mythique - a small loaf with black olives, garlic flower and goat cheese - all wait for their turn on the shelves. Each loaf is the result of slow fermentation, organic flours and a patient hand guided by skill. Some breads are even sold by weight, a quiet gesture that speaks volumes.
Since 2012, Joe has been shaping loaves with care, precision and just the right amount of humour. On weekends, things get sweeter: maple walnut brioche, choco raisin rolls, the Popeye with goat cheese and sea spinach, the fluffy Nuage, or the round and ready Joenut. A small bakery with a big presence, where the baker's personality is baked into every crust. Honest, inventive and unmistakably handcrafted.
Boulangerie de Froment et de Sève
Multiple locations
Since 1995, De Froment et de Sève has been part of the morning rhythm in Rosemont, the Plateau and Petite Italie. Sourdough loaves are shaped overnight, filling the shop with their warm aroma by dawn, followed closely by crisp, generous pastries. The croissant, voted best in Montréal in 2023, cracks apart with the perfect flake. The bakery relies on Quebec-milled flours, carefully selected ingredients and a dedication to craft that values time, slow fermentation, practiced hands, and unwavering consistency.
In the display case, melted cheese seeps from the loaf, chocolatines burst with filling and buttery brioches hold their own beside the house's specialty loaves of bread. Even the portions speak of abundance; some viennoiseries might give Toulouse a run for its money. Rooted in artisan tradition yet never stuck in place, this neighbourhood institution holds steady while always moving forward.
1592 Avenue Mont-Royal E, Montréal, H2J 1Z2
Between France, Guadeloupe, and Montréal, Bastien and Maxime honed their craft before taking over a small bakery on the Plateau. Since then, Ô Petit Paris has made a name for itself with precise technique and generous creations. Bastien, a baker since his teens, handles dough like a second language; Maxime, trained at the ITHQ, brings balance and finesse to every pastry.
The flan trembles delicately when sliced, the baguette, voted best in Montréal in 2024, cracks with the right crunch, and the Paris-Brest hides a silky, well-balanced hazelnut cream. Nearby, you'll find grapefruit-rosemary cheesecake, lemon meringue tart, and golden brioche lining the display case. Service is friendly, efficient and never forced. Even the morning latte, quietly enriched with maple syrup, speaks of thoughtful intention. This isn't just a bakery you visit-it's one you grow attached to.
5170 Boulevard St-Laurent, Montréal, H2T 1R8
Since 2010, Boulangerie Guillaume has been rethinking the bakery model with its own distinct rhythm: no checkered tablecloths, no vintage décor, just generous output, smart design, and a strong sense of place. In the heart of Mile-End, the bakery works through the night so that by 7 a.m., shelves are stacked high with sourdough loaves, pillowy brioches, viennois buns, melting cruffins, and savoury "fesses" filled with herbs or cheddar.
Their signature mushroom-shaped vanilla brioche has become iconic. Alongside it, you'll find beet-coloured navettes and rustic loaves made with kamut, rye or spelt, all crafted with unbleached Québec flours, high hydration and long fermentation for lasting freshness. The lab stretches in back, the breads line up in front, and the pastries tower behind the register. Everything pulses with purpose, abundance, and a certain joyful chaos. No frills, just a team fuelled by craft, care, and the pleasure of doing things right.
Photo Credits: _julien_lp_
5002 Chemin de la Cote-des-Neiges, Montréal, H3V 1G6
Some places carry their charm through generations without ever losing their shine. Since 1952, Duc de Lorraine has done just that, firmly rooted in Outremont with a clear view of Saint Joseph's Oratory. Its crisp mille-feuille, buttery viennoiseries, macaron croissants, and raspberry cube are timeless favourites. The brunch menu is equally compelling: poached eggs on brioche, thick-cut quiches, and gooey crookies make their rounds from morning till afternoon.
Outside, the terrace looks out onto the boulevard, ideal for solo cappuccinos or long conversations with friends (and pets). Inside, the pace is precise: the displays are full, the team polished, the service traditional yet warm. The whole space blends Parisian café elegance with the discipline of a seasoned institution. Time passes, but the standards stay. Here, the French technique is tasted, not proclaimed.
Photo Credits: lfayos
380 Avenue Victoria, Montréal, H3Z 2N4
Café Bazin might look like a quiet neighbourhood spot at first glance, but Bertrand Bazin's touch quickly changes the tone. Every pastry feels like a well-composed piece. The fraisier layers orange blossom ganache and strawberry jam with restraint, while the Tout Choco Amande dives deep into unapologetic, chocolatey richness.
The pistachio tartlet plays with contrasts: bright raspberry, smooth praline cream and a whisper of crunch. The lime-basil dessert lands like summer in slow motion. The dining room, flooded with natural light, balances the calm of a local café with the finesse of a French bistro. Service moves with quiet precision, unfazed even when the room fills up. In Westmount, Café Bazin doesn't raise its voice; it lets its textures and clean flavours speak for themselves.
Multiple locations
Since 2009, Le Pain dans les Voiles has been baking more than bread; it's been cultivating a connection between craftsmanship, place, and people. From Mont-Saint-Hilaire to Villeray, through Saint-Bruno and Blainville, each location radiates the same energy: precise, collaborative and deeply rooted.
Bakers work through the night, shaping carefully selected flours into crusty loaves with airy crumb and tangy levain notes. Their signature Pain du Peuple took first prize in its category at Maudits Français's 2019 competition, and their baguette tradition regularly earns top rankings. They've also stood out at France's Mondial du Pain. But beyond awards, it is the thick quiches, warm viennoiseries, and hearty sandwiches, often vegetarian and always seasonal, that keep regulars coming back. Each morning, the space comes alive with quiet precision; a well-rehearsed rhythm from oven to counter. Le Pain dans les Voiles never repeats itself entirely; it reinvents the gesture every day.
1410 Boulevard de Rome, Brossard, J4W 2T4
Since 2019, Mon Secret Gourmand in Brossard has enchanted pastry lovers with creations of remarkable refinement. What began online quickly blossomed into a sought-after boutique, where every cake feels like it emerged from a couture workshop. Behind the glass, the selection evolves daily, blending technical precision with visual boldness. The Paris-Brest transforms into a trompe-l'oeil, fruit tarts flirt with sculpture, and layered entremets melt in silky succession.
Inside, the space is bright and minimalist, offering a few seats to enjoy a quiet moment over coffee and pastry. As soon as the doors open, specialties begin to disappear. Arriving early or pre-ordering is wise. Mon Secret Gourmand also stands out for its custom celebration cakes: for weddings, engagements and special occasions. Each piece is handcrafted using meticulously selected ingredients. Every detail reflects a devotion to balance, precision, and emotion. Behind every creation lies a lasting passion, a refined technique, and a clear desire to elevate every sweet moment.
6151 Avenue Monkland, Montréal, H4B 1G3
In NDG, Meunerie Urbaine stands out for its quiet discipline: every loaf begins with grain milled in-house, visible just behind the counter. Founded in 2017 by Martin Falardeau, co-founder of Le Pain dans les Voiles, the bakery focuses on freshness, nutrition, and precision. Baguettes sell out early, but it's the Grains Toastés-with its dense crumb and smoky depth keeps regulars coming back. The pastry counter tells its own story: tender galettes, sticky cinnamon rolls, airy brioches and sharply layered croissants. Around lunchtime, the quiches (Lorraine or Forestière) share the spotlight with rustic pizzas and sandwiches. No matter the hour, each batch reflects an artisanal effort. Bread, here, holds meaning. Nothing is left to chance, and every bake feels like a fresh definition of what good can be.
316 Avenue du Mont-Royal E, Montréal, H2T 1P7
The Plateau still holds a few quiet treasures where craftsmanship takes center stage. At Au Kouing-Amann, Breton tradition is expressed through pure technique and restraint. No fuss - just hand-laminated dough, a flawless balance of sugar and butter, and that golden caramelization that shatters lightly between the teeth. The kouign-amann is sold by the slice, best enjoyed warm with its crisp top and melt-in-your-mouth center. Around it, the display leans into comfort: buttery croissants, golden galettes, fruit-filled brioches, thick quiches, and simple sandwiches. The space is small; the counter is always active. Early risers, curious newcomers, and seasoned pastry lovers all find their way in. You might come in for just one bite, but you'll leave with a new respect for the art of restraint and repetition.
3417 Boulevard le Carrefour, Laval, H7T 0M9
In Laval, ÔFauria treats pastry as a serious craft, never losing sight of delight. Led by the precision of Christian Faure, Meilleur Ouvrier de France, this refined shop focuses on freshness and balance. Everything is made on the same day, with a level of care that's rare to find. The mille-feuille, both crisp and creamy, is reason enough to make the trip. Miniature pastries shine in elegant boxes filled with praline puffs, passion fruit tarts, rich chocolate squares and more. For special occasions, the Belle-Hélène Charlotte or the gluten-free Paradis brings a touch of elegance to any table. The space is unpretentious, and the atmosphere is focused. Service is poised and thoughtful. And for those unable to visit in person, online ordering and delivery in Montréal make indulgence just a few clicks away.
6500 Avenue Christophe-Colomb, Montréal, H2S 2G8
In Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie, Automne Boulangerie has reshaped what it means to make bread. It all began in 2014 when Julien and Seth met and quickly realized they shared a vision. By 2016, they opened a bakery that reflected their values-rooted in craftsmanship, transparency, and respect for the seasons. Every loaf is made by hand, using Quebec flours, often organic, and seasonal ingredients sourced from trusted local producers. In 2022, Quentin Lamensch joined as co-owner, reinforcing the bakery's thoughtful and ambitious spirit.
The menu evolves with the harvest: braided brioches, fruit-filled viennoiseries and crusty sourdoughs all come out of the same quiet oven, baked fresh on-site every morning. There's a small sunlit café space where regulars enjoy still-warm croissants with a morning coffee. Though Automne remains grounded in its neighbourhood roots, its reach has extended across the city. Several of Montreal's most renowned restaurants now rely on them for their bread, drawn by the bakery's consistency, attention to detail, and deep respect for ingredients. What began as a shared dream has become a benchmark for quality, powered daily by the precision of the hand.
380 Rue Jarry E, Montréal, H2P 1T9
On the lively streets of Villeray, Boulangerie Jarry has long been a neighbourhood staple. Every morning, the window fills with golden-crusted sourdough loaves, crisp baguettes and flaky viennoiseries. The still-warm chocolatines vanish quickly, while the apple turnovers charm with their tender filling and delicately caramelized pastry. Behind the counter, the team rolls out batch after batch of fresh bread, makes sandwiches to order, and prepares comforting hot dishes for a quick lunch. Regulars settle into one of the wooden tables for a coffee, while others head out with warm bags in hand. Quietly, the bakery has also become a trusted supplier for several nearby restaurants. A down-to-earth spot where substance matters more than show and where taste is always the top priority.
Selecting the best French bakeries and pastry shops in Montreal is no simple task. The city is home to a wealth of inspiring addresses, shaped by passionate artisans and a diversity of styles. Each neighbourhood hides its own gems, many of which would easily deserve a spot on this list.
To discover more standout spots across Greater Montreal, be sure to visit our dedicated sections on bakeries and pastry shops, as well as our feature on the best croissants in town.
