The Paris Bread Festival celebrates its 30th anniversary on the forecourt of Notre-Dame, from May 8 to May 17.
France’s largest pop-up bakery opens in Paris from Friday, May 8 to Sunday, May 17, 2026, on the forecourt of Notre-Dame Cathedral, celebrating the 30th edition of the Bread Festival. This unique and emblematic event is also the only professional gathering permitted to take place on the forecourt of Notre-Dame, at kilometer zero of France’s road network.
The 2026 edition marks the 30th anniversary of the Bread Festival. On this occasion, a special program celebrates three decades of passion, the passing on of skills and know-how, and baking excellence.
For ten days, visitors will enjoy competitions, watch demonstrations, discover new products, sample them, and explore how the baking profession has evolved. The final three days are particularly spectacular, featuring live creations of exceptional pieces by Meilleurs Ouvriers de France (France’s top master craftsmen), true works of skill and precision. A major retrospective of the past 30 years of the Bread Festival completes this immersive experience, making it an unmissable event for both the curious and the passionate.
Program
Friday, May 8
- Demonstration of regional breads by Lesaffre
Saturday, May 9
- Demonstration of regional breads by Lesaffre
- Regional Traditional French Baguette Competition (departments 77, 78, 91, and 95)
- 5:00 PM: Results and award ceremony
Sunday, May 10
- Regional Traditional French Baguette Competition (Paris, 92, 93, and 94)
- 4:00 PM: Results and award ceremony
- 6:00 PM: Bakers’ Mass at Notre-Dame Cathedral
Monday, May 11
- National Best Sandwich Competition
- 5:00 PM: Results and award ceremony
Tuesday, May 12
- National Traditional French Baguette Competition (qualifying rounds)
- 12:00 PM: Award ceremony for the Best Croissant in Greater Paris (Charentes-Poitou PDO butter)
- 5:00 PM: Selection of the 3 finalists for the National Traditional French Baguette Competition final (May 14)
- 6:30 PM: Medal ceremony
Wednesday, May 13
- National Traditional French Baguette Competition (qualifying rounds)
- 5:00 PM: Selection of the 3 finalists for the National Traditional French Baguette Competition final (May 14)
Thursday, May 14
- Final of the National Traditional French Baguette Competition
- 5:00 PM: Results and award ceremony
- Construction of the largest Eiffel Tower made of bread by Meilleurs Ouvriers de France
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