Circus Bakery Paris: In Search of the Best Cinnamon Bun in Paris

Last Updated on 6th November 2021 by Sophie Nadeau

Behind a plain wooden façade in the Latin Quarter, not far from Notre Dame, a single scrawled notation in pen denotes what lies behind. And yet it’s here, behind a simple wooden door where you’ll find some of the best cinnamon buns in Paris, as well as some pretty great coffee! Circus Bakery Paris is the newest offering from the team at Fragments, a popular café in the 3rd arrondissement of the city.

2021 Circus Bakery update: As of late 2021, Circus Bakery has permanently closed. You can discover more of our bakery suggestions in our guide to the best bakeries in Paris.

As of early 2021, it would appear that there is no longer a physical shop for Circus Bakery (which has since rebranded itself Flying Circus Bakery). There is little information online, but every time I have walked past the store in recent weeks, the façade has been boarded up. You can still order delivery or click and collect for all your baked good needs.

Circus Bakery Paris | 63 Rue Galande, 75005 Paris

Circus Bakery has been open to the public since late October of 2018 and has quickly become the go-to destination for cinnamon buns and good coffee in the Latin Quarter.

Aside from the organic cinnamon sourdough buns (which are often still warm, having freshly emerged from the oven!), other items on the menu include tasty treats such as, apple tarts, chocolate concoctions and other patisserie selections.

For those who prefer savoury to sweet, the main offering from Circus is a crusty sourdough loaf. And if you’re looking for something a little smaller, then there are always several seeded rolls for sale. Lin, sesame, pumpkin, sunflower, and poppy seeds are all to be found within the baked goods.

Meanwhile, comté, jams, and homemade butter can all be purchased to go alongside the sourdough bread. Open from Friday through to Monday on a weekly basis, there are just two coffees on the menu: an espresso or a cappuccino. Coffee comes from Hexagone, meaning that it’s roasted to perfection. The ambience is warm and friendly, though prices do tend to err on the more expensive side of things.

Rue Galande: A road dating back to Gallo-Roman times

Close to famous Parisian attractions such as Notre Dame, Shakespeare and Co. bookstore, and the Paris Pantheon Rue Galande is little-traversed in comparison with major nearby streets. After all, the Sorbonne University and the Paris quays are all just a five-minute stroll away.

However, this ancient street hides plenty of secrets, including what is alleged to be the oldest sign in Paris; a small stone carved depiction dating back to the 14th-century and depicting Saint Julien. Earlier still, this route connected the city of Lutetia (Paris’ original name) to Fontainebleau, and beyond to the cities of Lyon and Marseille.

Things to see near Circus Bakery

Église Saint Severin

What may well be my favourite church in Paris, Eglise Saint Severin is atypical in Gothic style. When entering from the main road, you are plunged straight into the wood of stone arches. I won’t spoil the surprise, but go see for yourself!

The Abbey Bookshop

Paris’ ‘other’ Anglophone bookstore can be found in the form of the Abbey Bookshop. Run by Canadian, Brian, there’s always coffee brewing to sip on while you browse the many books (shelves are stacked floor to ceiling and spill out the door).

Musée de Cluny

If you want to find out more about Paris during the Middle Ages, then you should look no further than the Musée de Cluny. Located adjacent to the Roman baths and with its own gardens, within the château-like museum you’ll find a myriad of stonework, tapestries, and other historic artefacts.

The oldest tree in Paris

Located within Square René Viviani, the oldest tree in Paris is said to date back to the early 17th-century. The square itself is based on the site of an early Christian cemetery, while the views to nearby Notre Dame are practically unparalleled. In the spring, this is also one of the best spots in the city to enjoy the Paris cherry blossom.

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