Morning Rituals: Pairing Croissants with Coffee Like a True Parisian

In France, breakfast is not about speed or quantity. It’s about quality, rhythm, and simplicity. The classic French morning ritual — a buttery croissant paired with a freshly brewed coffee — is not just a meal, but a moment of pause and pleasure. This ritual is deeply rooted in Parisian culture and has found its way into many homes and cafés around the world.

At Baudry Bakery, we bring this experience to Cincinnati by offering authentic French croissants that respect tradition in every layer. If you’ve ever wondered how to enjoy French breakfast pastries like a true Parisian, this guide is for you.

The French Breakfast Philosophy

Unlike the heavy, savory breakfasts common in other parts of the world, the French prefer something light, flaky, and elegant. A typical French breakfast consists of:

A freshly baked croissant or pain au chocolat
A cup of strong coffee, often café au lait
Sometimes a glass of juice or a piece of fruit

The key is balance — just enough to energize the day, but never too much to overwhelm.

In Paris, people often enjoy this ritual at a corner café, standing at the bar or sitting by the window. It’s a time to wake up slowly, read the paper, and savor each bite.

What Makes a Croissant Truly French?

A croissant might seem simple, but it is one of the most technical pastries in the French repertoire. At Baudry Bakery, each croissant we bake in Cincinnati is made using traditional French methods, including:

European-style cultured butter for deeper flavor
Hand-laminated dough, with layers folded and rested over three days
No artificial additives or shortcuts
Baked fresh in small batches, ensuring golden, flaky perfection

A true croissant is light but rich, crisp on the outside, and soft within. The layers should be visible when torn open, releasing the aroma of butter and flour.

The Role of Coffee in the Parisian Morning

Coffee in France is more than a caffeine fix — it’s a daily ritual. The pairing of coffee and pastry is not accidental; the bitter strength of coffee balances the buttery richness of the croissant.

Common French coffee choices include:

Café noir (black espresso)
Café crème (similar to a latte, with steamed milk)
Café au lait (coffee with hot milk, served in a large bowl at home)

At Baudry Bakery, many customers tell us they take our croissants home to enjoy with their preferred morning brew — recreating the café experience in their own kitchen.

How to Pair Croissants and Coffee Like a Parisian

If you want to elevate your breakfast into a Parisian-style ritual, consider these simple steps:

1. Choose Quality Over Quantity

Buy a single, well-made croissant rather than several mediocre ones. The quality of the butter and the texture of the dough make all the difference. At Baudry, our croissants are made in limited batches and often sell out early because of their handcrafted nature.

2. Warm It Slightly

A fresh croissant is best enjoyed slightly warm. If you are reheating, do so gently in an oven at low heat (not in a microwave), just enough to restore crispness without drying it out.

3. Pick the Right Coffee

Choose a coffee that complements the pastry, not one that overpowers it. A medium to dark roast without added flavors pairs best. If you enjoy milk in your coffee, balance it with a plain croissant. If you prefer stronger black coffee, try it with a pain au chocolat for a hint of sweetness.

4. Slow Down

Perhaps the most Parisian part of the ritual is the pace. Eat slowly. Sip between bites. Let the flavors develop. Whether at home or in a café, the experience should feel calm and mindful.

Baudry Bakery’s Croissants: Bringing Paris to Cincinnati

At Baudry Bakery, our croissants are not just pastries — they are a connection to tradition, technique, and taste. We currently offer:

Classic Butter Croissants – The timeless choice for purists
Almond Croissants – Filled with almond cream and topped with toasted nuts
Pain au Chocolat – A croissant dough folded with rich dark chocolate
Seasonal Croissant Specials – Rotating flavors like hazelnut, raspberry, and more

Our croissants are available at:

Hyde Park Farmers’ Market (Sundays)
Montgomery Farmers’ Market (Saturdays)
Special pop-up events — announced on our website and social pages
Pre-orders via baudrybakery.com — early pickup recommended due to limited quantities

Each croissant is made using the same multi-day process and real French ingredients that define quality patisserie.

Why This Morning Ritual Matters

In a busy world, the Parisian approach to breakfast reminds us to slow down and enjoy the moment. A fresh croissant and a cup of coffee might seem small, but together, they create something that feels luxurious, thoughtful, and grounding.

You don’t need to be in Paris to enjoy this tradition. With care, time, and the right ingredients, you can bring a bit of that magic into your own home — or let Baudry Bakery do it for you.

Final Thoughts

A true French breakfast is more than just fuel — it’s a daily ritual built on flavor, quality, and pace. At Baudry Bakery, we bring this spirit to Cincinnati through our hand-laminated croissants and commitment to traditional methods.

If you’ve been searching for authentic French breakfast pastries or simply want to start your day like a Parisian, let your morning begin with a warm croissant and a strong coffee. It’s not just breakfast. It’s a moment.

To explore our current offerings, order online, or plan your weekend visit, head to baudrybakery.com.