Paris mairie hails best baguette

PARIS’S 18th arrondissement has been confirmed as the best place in the capital to buy bread.

For the fifth time in six years a baker from the area, which includes Montmartre, has won the Paris Mairie’s annual prize for the best baguette.

Sébastien Maugieux, 37, from 159 rue Ordener, wins €4,000 and becomes official supplier to the Elysée for a year.

This year 169 bakers went in for the award, which all Paris bakers are eligible for.

There was a judging at the Chambre Professionnelle des Artisans Boulangers-Pâtissiers in the 4th arrondissement.

Each baguette must meet strict criteria – measure 55-65cm and weigh 250-300g. The jury ponders such aspects as its taste and smell and the consistency of its crust and the mie (soft part).

The judges include past winners, food industry figures, journalists, a deputy mayor and six volunteers picked by lots.

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