The facade of the Boulangerie I featured yesterday was visually rich and character-filled. Inside, the treats and staples were a wonderland — it’s the kind of place you don’t see in the United States, though upscale supermarkets try to copy the concept. This place is a dedicated store, probably in business for many years, that sells only baked goods.

These tiny treats attracted me first, not because I have a sweet tooth, but because of their color and shape.

Then I saw the larger version — whole pies of visual goodness. Glass cabinets under the counters wrapped around the store with myriads of variations.

On the back wall, bread of all kinds.

My wife and I didn’t get anything fancy, just a pair of croissants, for a late breakfast, and we didn’t want to overeat. We sat at one of four tables in front of the store and enjoyed our first French food experience.

Usually, I follow a strict no-breakfast rule and intermittently fast, eating only lunch and dinner. I also reduce my carb intake. However, I relaxed these rules on vacation and in France. How could I pass up an opportunity for great bread? I grew up in New York and Philadelphia, where they have good bread, at least by American standards. I always complain about how bad the bread is in Austin — my wife doesn’t understand. She’s never really had outstanding ones. This first foray in France was an eye-opener for her.

I’m no bread expert, though I am opinionated. The croissants here were good but didn’t blow me away. I like flaky and buttery ones — though I wonder if that’s preferred in France. I’m happy to report that later, I found ones that I liked better, though the visuals of this bakery couldn’t be matched.

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