Guide to Finding the Perfect Crêpe in France This Summer
If you're planning a trip to France this summer, you're likely eager to indulge in some of the country's most famous culinary delights. Among them, the crêpe stands out as a quintessentially French treat that you simply cannot miss. Whether you prefer sweet or savory, there's a crêpe for everyone. From bustling cities to charming seaside towns, here’s your guide to finding the best crêpes in France this summer.
1. Paris – Crêpes on Every Corner
No visit to France would be complete without spending time in Paris, and this city offers some of the best crêpes you’ll ever taste. While crêperies are scattered all over the city, a few places stand out.
Breizh Café (Le Marais): This is a must-visit for crêpe lovers. Breizh Café offers an array of both savory (galettes) and sweet crêpes, made with high-quality ingredients sourced directly from Brittany. Try the classic galette complète (with ham, cheese, and egg) followed by a sweet crêpe with salted butter caramel.
La Crêperie de Josselin (Montparnasse): Situated in the heart of Montparnasse, this charming crêperie has been serving up delicious crêpes for decades. The crêpes here are rich and buttery, with generous fillings. It’s a great place to experience a traditional Breton crêpe in Paris.
Chez Alain Miam Miam (Le Marais): A popular spot in Le Marais, Chez Alain Miam Miam is known for its massive and indulgent crêpes. The lines can be long, but it’s worth the wait for a freshly made crêpe filled with your choice of ingredients.
2. Brittany – The Cradle of the Crêpe
Brittany is the birthplace of the crêpe, and no one does it better. If you find yourself in this ruggedly beautiful region, be sure to indulge in a crêpe or two.
Crêperie Le Tournesol (Quimper): Located in the picturesque town of Quimper, this crêperie is famous for its perfectly crispy galettes. The ambiance is warm and inviting, making it the perfect spot to relax with a cider and enjoy a traditional meal.
La Crêperie du Port (Saint-Malo): Overlooking the harbor in the walled city of Saint-Malo, this crêperie offers both stunning views and exceptional crêpes. Their menu features a variety of options, including the seafood-filled galette de la mer, which is a nod to the city’s maritime heritage.
Ti Sav Breizh (Rennes): In the heart of Brittany’s capital, Ti Sav Breizh is known for its use of local, organic ingredients. The menu is extensive, but the andouille de Guémené galette is a standout, showcasing one of Brittany’s most famous sausages.
3. Normandy – Crêpes with a View
Normandy is another region where crêpes reign supreme. With its lush countryside and stunning coastlines, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a crêpe with a view.
Crêperie Le Blé Noir (Honfleur): This charming crêperie in the picturesque port town of Honfleur offers a delightful mix of traditional and innovative crêpes. The smoked salmon and crème fraîche galette is a popular choice, as is the apple and Calvados crêpe, which celebrates the region’s famous apple brandy.
Le Moulin de Connelles (Connelles): For a more luxurious experience, head to this riverside crêperie located in a beautiful old mill. The crêpes here are light and delicate, and the setting is absolutely enchanting. After your meal, take a stroll along the Seine for a truly memorable experience.
La Petite Crêperie (Deauville): In the glamorous seaside town of Deauville, La Petite Crêperie offers an array of crêpes perfect for a quick bite. The crêpes are simple yet delicious, making it a great stop while exploring the town’s famous boardwalk and beaches.
4. Lyon – A Gastronomic Haven
Lyon is known as the culinary capital of France, and its crêpes do not disappoint. The city is filled with eateries that serve up this French favorite in style.
La Crêperie du Major (Vieux Lyon): Situated in the historic Old Lyon, this crêperie is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. The crêpes are made with fresh, high-quality ingredients and served in a cozy, traditional setting. Don’t miss the Lyonnais sausage galette, which gives a local twist to the Breton classic.
Crêperie Belle-Île (Lyon): This popular crêperie offers a wide range of crêpes and galettes, all made with organic buckwheat flour. The menu is extensive, but the goat cheese and honey galette is a standout, combining sweet and savory flavors perfectly.
Le Krépiot (Lyon): A modern twist on the traditional crêperie, Le Krépiot offers creative crêpes with unique flavor combinations. Try the crêpe with duck confit and fig jam, or opt for a more traditional option like the Nutella and banana crêpe for dessert.
5. Provence – Crêpes in the Sun
In the sun-drenched region of Provence, crêpes take on a more Mediterranean flair, often featuring local ingredients like lavender, goat cheese, and honey.
La Crêperie de Bonnieux (Bonnieux): Nestled in one of the most beautiful villages in Provence, this crêperie offers stunning views of the Luberon Valley along with delicious crêpes. The lavender-infused crêpe is a must-try, as it perfectly captures the essence of Provence.
Crêperie Le Pitchounet (Aix-en-Provence): Located in the vibrant city of Aix-en-Provence, this crêperie is known for its creative and flavorful crêpes. The goat cheese, honey, and walnut galette is a local favorite, combining some of the best flavors of the region.
Le Comptoir de la Crêpe (Nice): In the bustling city of Nice, this crêperie offers a delightful escape from the heat. The menu features a variety of crêpes, but the lemon and sugar crêpe is a refreshing choice, perfect for a hot summer day.
6. Alsace – Crêpes with a Twist
In Alsace, crêpes often come with a German twist, reflecting the region’s unique blend of French and German cultures.
Crêperie du Vieux Port (Strasbourg): This charming crêperie in Strasbourg offers crêpes with a unique Alsatian twist. The choucroute (sauerkraut) galette is a standout, offering a delicious blend of French and German flavors.
La Petite France Crêperie (Colmar): Located in the heart of Colmar’s picturesque old town, this crêperie offers a wide range of crêpes and galettes. The flammekueche galette, inspired by the region’s famous tarte flambée, is a must-try.
La Grange à Crêpes (Mulhouse): In the industrial city of Mulhouse, this crêperie offers a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. The crêpes are hearty and delicious, with plenty of options for both sweet and savory lovers.
Conclusion
France is a crêpe lover's paradise, offering a wide variety of flavors and styles to suit every palate. Whether you're exploring the bustling streets of Paris, the rugged coast of Brittany, or the sun-drenched villages of Provence, you'll find that the humble crêpe is a perfect reflection of the region it comes from. So, as you travel through France this summer, be sure to indulge in this delightful treat at some of the country’s top crêperies. Bon appétit!