
Paillard
A renowned bakery in Quebec City, Paillard offers artisanal French pastries, sandwiches, and a warm atmosphere with communal tables.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Paillard

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A renowned bakery in Quebec City, Paillard offers artisanal French pastries, sandwiches, and a warm atmosphere with communal tables.
"Experience perfectly flaky croissants and divine pain au chocolat at this renowned bakery!"
Visit Early
Arrive early, especially on weekends, to beat the crowds and secure a seat.
Try Unique Pastries
Don't miss specialties like the pear with chocolate pastry or their famous breakfast bagel sandwich.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
French Bakery, Cafe
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+1 418-692-1221
Address
1097 Rue Saint-Jean, Québec City, Quebec G1R 1S3, Canada
Website
paillard.ca/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Flaky Pastries & Bagel Sandwiches
Indulge in exceptional breakfast bagels and perfectly flaky croissants. Don't miss unique options like pear with chocolate!

Convivial Atmosphere
Enjoy a warm, inviting atmosphere with long communal tables that encourage a friendly, convivial dining experience.

Renowned Boulangerie
Experience French bakery quality with artisanal bread, delicious pastries, and sandwiches rivaling the best in France.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Visit Early
Arrive early, especially on weekends, to beat the crowds and secure a seat.
Try Unique Pastries
Don't miss specialties like the pear with chocolate pastry or their famous breakfast bagel sandwich.
Consider Takeaway
If short on time, consider grabbing pastries to go to avoid potential wait times.
Breakfast Bagel
The breakfast bagel sandwich with homemade mayo is a must-try item.
Tips
from all over the internet
Visit Early
Arrive early, especially on weekends, to beat the crowds and secure a seat.
Try Unique Pastries
Don't miss specialties like the pear with chocolate pastry or their famous breakfast bagel sandwich.
Consider Takeaway
If short on time, consider grabbing pastries to go to avoid potential wait times.
Breakfast Bagel
The breakfast bagel sandwich with homemade mayo is a must-try item.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Paillard is highly praised for its exceptional pastries, flaky croissants, and delicious breakfast bagels, offering a taste of French bakery excellence. The warm, convivial atmosphere with communal tables is also a significant draw for many visitors. However, some reviews mention that sandwich prices can be high relative to their size and quality, and service can occasionally be slow during peak times.
"We enjoyed a fabulous breakfast here at this iconic bakery. We noticed there are actually a lot of locals mixed in with us tourists which is a testament to their delicious pastries and strong coffee. We ordered breakfast bagels and croissants along with several sweet pastries as well. All of them were prepared to Absolute perfection. Although the price is a little on the expensive side, I feel that it is well worth it because of the quality."
DR. ALVIN TUNG
"I visited this location twice and both times were average.
Food: 3/5 - first visit I bought a chocolate chip cookie and I can bake it better. Next and last visit was an order of the combo meal of a quiche Lorraine, choice of soup, a beverage (I chose green tea) and a tiny sweet. Both the quiche and mushroom soup tasty salty. I didn’t have the broccoli quiche as it looked overcooked that I couldn’t recognize the burnt broccoli.
Service: 3/5 - on the slow side even though there was no lineup.
Atmosphere: 4/5 - nice sitting area with two long tables"
Melanie E
"We drove up to Montreal for one day and then continued on to Quebec City for 4 days. We booked a hotel in the old city to make visiting the historic sites easy.
One morning we walked down to Paillard coffee/bakery for breakfast. Huge place with lots of seating. Bakery items on left, the sandwiches etc next and the coffee. Real food further back. We got a ham and cheese sandwich and coffee, we liked it so much that we came back another afternoon for a pastry and coffee.
Highly recommended. Staff were very helpful and pleasant."
THE EXPLORER
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Many visitors rave about the flaky croissants, the breakfast bagel sandwich, and unique pastries like the pear with chocolate.
Yes, Paillard is a great spot for both breakfast, known for its pastries and bagels, and lunch, with a selection of fresh salads and sandwiches.
The atmosphere is described as warm and convivial, featuring long communal tables that encourage interaction.
Information on specific gluten-free options is not readily available in the provided data, but they offer a wide variety of baked goods.
Yes, Paillard is highly recommended by locals and visitors for its delicious baked goods and inviting atmosphere.
It's recommended to visit early in the day, especially on weekends, to avoid crowds and find more available seating.
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Paillard: The long, communal tables at Paillard’s flagship location on Rue Saint-Jean give the bakery the feel of a small cafeteria—a warm and welcoming one. In fact, I felt so at home there that it became a touchstone during my extended stay, the place I returned to again and again to tune in to the rhythm of locals and visitors going about their days. From a coffee and croissant to a light dinner of fresh salads and sandwiches, Paillard’s homemade offerings rival the best boulangeries in France.
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Go to Paillard and grab a croissant or pick up a baguette from any bakery (they’re all good) and some local cheese, sausages and wine for a picnic. Then, take your food and a blanket up to the Pierre-Dugua-de-Mons terrace, which has probably the best view over the city.
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Speaking of cafeteria-style places (as zootsi did), in QC on Rue St. Jean (inside the wall) there is a place called "Paillard" that has great food - even the grilled cheese is terrific with their own bread - good coffee and a huge selection of desserts.
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This bakery, pastry counter, sandwich bar, pizza shop, and ice-cream parlor is a long-standing local favorite. Long wooden tables, designed to get customers talking to each other, create a convivial atmosphere.
Paillard 3,210 reviews Open Now Bakeries, French $ 3.2 km Quebec City “Excellent food and service” “I wish I could stop here every morning.” 2022 2. Cafe La Maison Smith 248 … WebPet-friendly Hotels in Levis 46.79442978 -71.25369263 Acacias b&b Acacias b&b 1336 Rue Marie-Rollet, QuebecQC- G1S 2H2 (855) 516-1090 3.21 miles Acacias Bed & Breakfast Is Located In Québec City. Within 12 Minutes, You Can Reach Old Québec Via The Bus Accessible At The Corner Of The Street.
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Our first lunch, in the Upper Town section of Quebec City, was scheduled at Café-boulangerie Paillard. Our research had suggested this would be similar to one of the quick, yet healthy, options we find in the U.S. (Kind of a Canadian version of Panera.) We were excited to be exploring the city, so we didn’t want to fill up too much time waiting for meal preparation. The idea behind this unique eatery is certainly something a little out of the ordinary.
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When it comes to indulging in the top pastries in Quebec City, Paillard Bakery should be at the top of your list. This beloved artisanal bakery is a favorite among both locals and tourists, offering a delectable range of sweet treats and savory delights to satisfy any craving. The moment you step into Paillard Bakery, you’ll be greeted by the irresistible aroma of freshly baked bread and pastries.
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If you’re on the hunt for a croissant that’s flaky, buttery, and absolutely unforgettable, Paillard in Quebec City has you covered. This cafe’s croissants are the kind you dream about, with a crispness that only the best Paris bakers can ever achieve. Their almond croissant is arguably the best in the menu—it’s a sweet, nutty masterpiece you’ll wish you could eat every day.
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Address: 1097 Rue Saint-Jean, Québec, QC G1R 1S3, CanadaPhone:+1 (418) 692-1221Website:paillard.caDetails: $$, Pastry shop. Welcome to Paillard, one of the best bakeries in Quebec City that promises a delightful experience for your taste buds. With a wide array of options to choose from, this bakery offers a menu filled with delectable treats and scrumptious delights.
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For a truly unique coffee experience, consider visiting Paillard, a local roastery and cafe that sources its beans from around the world. They offer a variety of specialty coffee drinks, as well as pastries and light lunch options. Whether you’re looking for a cozy spot to read a book or a trendy place to meet friends, Quebec City has a cafe to suit your needs.
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But it’s also croissants, biscuits, eclairs, sandwiches, soups, salads, gelato, cakes, chocolates … In short, it was a whole world of homemade delicacies that made the reputation of the Paillard coffee-come-bakery. I can’t even begin to describe how delicious their smoked meat sandwich was…It actually brought a tear to my eye. We ended up eating here twice!
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I love grabbing macarons from Paillard when visiting Quebec City’s historic district. It is no coincidence that many tourist guides have recommended this French bakery over the years. If you are wandering Old Quebec City and looking for a place to grab lunch, Paillard has everything you need, from sandwiches to more refined delicacies.
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Paillard is a well known bakery and patisserie in Quebec City since 2006. Unfortunately, their vegan items haven't increased since my last visit in 2017, but there are still a couple of solid lunch options in their ready-to-eat section. You can try the vegetable hummus sandwich or the grilled vegetable sandwich.
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Prior to my visit, they came up again and again: Paillard croissants. Even my friend’s partner who hails from France praises them. This spacious café-boulangerie is a Quebec City institution, and not just because of the croissants; it’s an ideal stop for a variety of sweet treats and a quick breakfast or lunch.
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Since it was the first bakery we visited, it was the first time I noticed that pastries and viennoiseries are kept apart from one another, just like they are on the websites. The space is cheerful and clean with pops of red against a white backdrop. When we went, it was a Sunday afternoon and it was BUSY.
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Croissant lovers take note: rumor has it that Paillard’s are the best in the Old City. In addition to these buttery works of art, you can sample an array of freshly baked breads (try the fig focaccia). Pair one of the café’s coffee drinks with a mouthwatering apple turnover or a crème brûlée.
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-Boulangerie Paillard (@boulangerie_paillard) on Nov 6, 2016 at 8:04am PST. You'll need to try this local institution simply because it took 2010's "best in Quebec City" butter croissanthonor -- not easy in light of the stiff competition. Praised by all the major guides, Paillard Caf?
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My go-to spots are Chocolat Favoris (for soft-serve dipped cones), Paillard (for breakfast), Chez Ashton (for classic Quebec eats like poutine & hot dogs), and my all-time favourite, Les Trois Garçons. It's a chic bistro with amazing onion rings, burgers, and delicious cocktails.
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Québec City’s “french charm” is hard to resist and its bakeries are even more difficult to resist!. Paillard is known around town as the best of the best and their chocolate croissant is a can’t miss!. Don’t forget to check out our guide for what to do and see in Québec City.
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The next morning I popped into Paillard, a very well-known pastry shop, also on Rue Saint-Jean. I had passed by it the day before but there were 50 people in line, so I skipped it. This morning there were only 30, so I decided to wait, and it was very much worth the wait.
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Paillard has a high-end fast-food feel to it, but it’s one of a kind, and thoroughly Québec. Frankly, it’s what one wishes all fast food could be. The bread is crusty and sometimes piping hot, either used on sandwiches or served with soups that are (and taste) homemade.
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At lunchtime, the artisan bakery Paillard (that I mentioned for breakfast) serves excellent soups and sandwiches, and great local beers too. Just remember that the pastry line is in the front, but the real food line is in the back. 1097 Rue Saint-Jean / paillard.ca
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Boulangerie Paillard is a local favorite, offering a wide variety of traditional French pastries, including croissants, baguettes, and éclairs. For a more contemporary take on baked goods, check out Bâtard et Fils, known for its sourdough bread and pastries.
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In Upper Town, we visited Cafe-Boulangerie Paillard, a bread-lover’s paradise. Owner Yves Simard still uses a bread yeast he brought back from France in 2005. As we lingered over lattes, Diane reminded me how much she enjoyed questions and compliments.
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Having breakfast together at Paillard is one of the best date ideas in Quebec City. This is a wonderful bakery where you can have a cup of coffee together and delicious pastries. Also, there are many other bread products that you can choose from.
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Following a very interesting and informative walking tour of Old Quebec City we stopped for lunch at an artisanal bakery and cafe called Paillard – a must for lovers of good bread like that used for the yummy jambon & fromage baguette sandwich.
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A healthy start helps you have a better day, especially when traveling. For the best breakfast in Quebec City, look no further than Paillard. This French bakery serves a large delicious selection of bread and baked goods that can’t be ignored.
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Paillard is an amazing bakery and café located on Rue Saint Jean. Inside you will find a selection of freshly baked croissants, bread, and pastries. The freshly baked croissants are delicious with their buttery flavor and flaky pastry.
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Cafe-Boulangerie Paillard offers healthy counter service meals in Upper Town. Everything is made in house, and they’re known for their bread. I had a unique tuna sandwich that included hard boiled eggs, tomatoes, and lettuce.
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It’s a Québec chain restaurant that makes fresh artisan breads and incredible, intricate pastries. To us, it seemed a similar concept to Panera, but far superior. Paillard is a great, casual stop for sandwiches and pizza.
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I seem to eat at least once here every time I come to Quebec City. It’s just so quick and easy, and the food is pretty solid every time. I’ve come here for a quick breakfast and lunch and was happy with it each time.
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A café-boulangerie (bakery), Paillard is an institution in the old city with its buttery croissants that melt in your mouth, vaulted white ceilings and communal tables. It is also the busiest café in the city!
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A family of bakers with over 25 years of experience runs the shop. Its specialty is artisanal bread-making, combining French and American techniques. At the bakery, you will find delicious options like:
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And can’t forget about the yummy baked goods and pastries at Paillard… Ah.. I have dreams about them. There are so many great little spots to eat in Quebec City, I need to go back to try some more!.
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For example, while Paillard’s rating was 4.4 (not the highest), it also had the most ratings, 3,500. There are bakeries in Québec City with a 4.9 rating, but not even 5 percent of the reviews.
Reddit - Dive into anything
I’ve gone to Paillards, La Boite a Pain, and Croquembouche Boulangerie and Patisserie. Got some eclairs from them but I haven’t been wowed yet. I want to eat a dessert that will wow me!.
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Quebec’s Paillard is a spacious, traditional bakery with lofty ceilings and community tables. This bakery’s proud founder is Yves Simard. Everything at Paillard starts with bread.
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Their fresh-baked bread and pastries, gourmet pizza and Italian-imported gelati impress, too. Paillard has four locations within Quebec City, including their flagship shop …
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Another place we love for the pastry is Paillard on rue St.Jean. Best croissants, napoleons, custard filled doughnuts. They also have sandwiches if you want a quick lunch.
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Paillard Bakery - on St. Jean (lots of cafes on this street) roast beef, hot mustard and tomato on baguette, maple cured ham, brie, and arugula , cro-beignets (OMG)
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I was in the city for 3 days, it was 2013, and my first time in Québec City. The croissant was flakey and buttery and divine.
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I did enjoy the sleek Paillard Cafe and Boulangerie at 1097 St. Jean and David’s Tea at 1048 Rue St. Jean.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit