Where can I find the best natural sourdough in Lille?

BROOD, on boulevard Victor Hugo, and Il Forno in the city centre have made a name on natural sourdough and heritage flours. Alex Croquet, nicknamed the 'bread madman', remains a reference for specialty breads such as rye or spelt.

Which Lille bakery was awarded on television?

Boulangerie Mathieu, 82 rue du Molinel, was crowned best bakery in the Hauts-de-France region on the M6 show 'La Meilleure Boulangerie de France'. Maison Pitman also competed on the programme.

Where should I go for great pastries?

The French Bastards, arrived from Paris, are known for their croissants, pains au chocolat and kouign-amann. Boulangerie Degruson, in the Saint-André district, and Boulangerie Bèle in Lambersart are also praised for their buttery pastries.

Are any bakeries open in the afternoon?

Yes, BROOD stays open late in the day, which is rare in the trade. Most other addresses close earlier, so come in the morning for full choice and fresh-from-the-oven products.

Do these bakeries cover several neighbourhoods?

Yes. The centre has The French Bastards, Il Forno and Alex Croquet, Vieux-Lille has Degruson, BROOD is in Lille-Moulins, and Maison Pitman and Boulangerie Bèle are in Lambersart.

The Best Bakeries in Lille

Places in this guide

N°1Bakery and pastry shop
The French Bastards
The foodporn Paris brand has settled on rue Basse, in Vieux-Lille. Crisp croissants, babkas, kouign-amann and indulgent sourdough breads: the pastries are the real signature, so much so that people order and freeze them for the week.
« After conquering the whole capital with their pastries, cakes and to-die-for breads, The French Bastards choose Lille. »
— Le Bonbon
8 mentions
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N°2Bakery and pastry shop
Boulangerie - Pâtisserie Maison Pitman
Quality craft in a family-celebration style, praised by Gault&Millau and a competitor on 'La Meilleure Boulangerie de France'. Special spelt and sourdough breads, consistent pastries and custard tarts that come up again and again in reviews.
« Quality craftsmanship, locally loved, for everyday bread as well as family celebrations. »
— Gault&Millau
4 mentions
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N°3Bakery
BROOD - Pains au levain naturel
The new-wave bakery on boulevard Victor Hugo, where Sarah Cnudde and Louis Devos shape a short range of natural sourdough breads. A monthly limited edition, tender brioches and an address praised by Le Fooding and La Toque.
« Since you cannot be at both the oven and the mill, Sarah Cnudde and Louis Devos left their jobs (her in culture, him in communications). »
— Le Fooding
8 mentions
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N°4Bakery
Il Forno - Pain au Levain
A French-Italian bakery in Lille-Centre where sourdough is the heart of the craft, thick crust and dense crumb. Andrea also slips in focaccia, maritozzi and brioches, an Italian touch that quickly became essential.
« Since mid-February 2024, the Il Forno bakery has delighted with its natural sourdough breads, brioches and focaccias. Already an essential address. »
— actu.fr
6 mentions
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N°5Bakery and pastry shop
Boulangerie - Pâtisserie Alex Croquet
The metro area's "bread madman", a reference praised by Gault&Millau. His specialty breads, rye with raisins and spelt leading the way, and his fresh-butter pastries are worth the trip, especially in the morning straight from the oven.
« The name Alex Croquet stands as a benchmark for baking across the metro area. »
— Le Chti
9 mentions
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N°6Bakery
Boulangerie Mathieu
On rue du Molinel, the house crowned best bakery in the Hauts-de-France region on television. A recognition that spotlighted consistent, careful bread work in the heart of Lille.
« The Boulangerie Mathieu of Lille crowned Best Bakery in the Hauts-de-France. »
— francebleu.fr
6 mentions
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