Paris, February 26 – Sithamparappillai Jegatheepan, a baker from Fournil Didot in the 14th arrondissement, has won the coveted Grand Prix de la baguette de Paris 2026. The prestigious award, presented by the City of Paris, recognizes the best traditional French baguette among 143 competitors.
The Grand Prix de la baguette: A Symbol of Parisian Excellence
The Grand Prix de la baguette is an emblematic competition that celebrates the art of French bread-making. This year, the jury, presided over by Nicolas Bonnet Oulaldj, Deputy Mayor of Paris in charge of craftsmanship, meticulously evaluated baguettes based on strict criteria including appearance, taste, baking, crumb, aeration, size, and salt content.
Sithamparappillai Jegatheepan’s baguette stood out for its impeccable quality, reflecting exceptional craftsmanship. The victory not only brings immense prestige but also a prize of 4000 euros and the honor of supplying the Élysée Palace with baguettes for an entire year.
A Rigorous Selection Process
The competition saw 143 baguettes vying for the top spot. A demanding jury, composed of professionals, journalists, and randomly selected residents, ensured a fair and thorough evaluation process. Their collective decision highlighted Fournil Didot’s commitment to traditional baking methods and superior ingredients.
Other Distinguished Bakeries
While Fournil Didot claimed the top prize, several other bakeries were also recognized for their outstanding contributions to Parisian boulangerie. These include:
- Boulangerie B&S Nation (12th arrondissement)
- L’Ecrin Gourmand (12th arrondissement)
- Maison Daguet (15th arrondissement)
- Boulangerie Laurent B. (7th arrondissement)
- Boulangerie Guyot Ferreira (5th arrondissement)
- Maison LEPARQ (15th arrondissement)
- Boulangerie Moderne Rabineau (5th arrondissement)
- Aux Délices de Glacière (13th arrondissement)
- Au Paradis du Gourmand (14th arrondissement)
These establishments offer Parisians and visitors alike a chance to discover some of the capital’s finest traditional baguettes.
A Commitment to Community and Sustainability
Beyond the competition, the event also demonstrated a commitment to social responsibility. All baguettes not consumed during the judging process were redistributed to the association La Chorba, a faithful partner of the event, ensuring that no food went to waste.
This annual event not only promotes the rich culinary heritage of Paris but also supports local artisans and contributes to community welfare. It’s a wonderful opportunity to explore Paris and savor the best baguettes the city has to offer.
