The Fête du Pain (Festival of Bread) is an annual celebration of French baking traditions, held in May across France, with the main event taking place in Paris near Notre-Dame Cathedral. The festival highlights the craftsmanship of artisan bakers, featuring live demonstrations, baking workshops, and competitions for the best baguette and croissant. Visitors can taste freshly baked French traditional bread, learn about the importance of authentic baking techniques, and meet master bakers. Established in 1996, the festival coincides with Saint Honoré’s Day, the patron saint of bakers, and honors France’s rich bread-making heritage.

DATES & TIMES
• Festival window (2026): Friday–Monday, 1–11 May 2026 — around Saint‑Honoré’s Day (16 May). Paris info · About the festival.
• Daily rhythm: Demonstrations, tastings and workshops on the forecourt; hours are typically 10:00–19:00 (confirm each year on the programme). Past hours (guide).

LOCATION
• Where: Parvis de Notre‑Dame (square in front of Notre‑Dame Cathedral), Paris 4e.
• Open in Google Maps.

TICKETS & ENTRY
• Free entry to the Paris village (no ticket required). Event page.
• Some workshops/competitions may have limited capacity — arrive early or check sign‑ups on site.

GOOD TO KNOW
• Competitions & awards: Includes the Best Baguette awards in Paris/Île‑de‑France and national contests scheduled across the week (dates announced annually). City of Paris (example) · Contest schedule (ref.).
• What to expect: Re‑created bakeries, artisan stalls, live baking, and tastings celebrating French bread culture. Preview.
• Getting there: Métro Cité (4), Saint‑Michel–Notre‑Dame (4/RER B‑C), or bus; plan with the RATP itinerary tool. Plan your route.

Craving warm baguettes, fresh from the oven? We’ll time your visit for key competitions, add a Left Bank food walk, and handle easy transfers—you just enjoy the aroma of fresh bread. Hire Tripologiste.