Montreal is a dream destination for luxury travelers who love French culture and cuisine. The city is full of charm, history, and diversity, offering a range of attractions and activities for every taste and interest. Whether you want to explore the stunning architecture of Old Montreal, visit the world-class museums and art galleries, eat at the best bakeries in Montreal, or shop at the trendy boutiques and markets, you’ll never run out of things to do in Montreal.
Because one of the best ways to experience Montreal is through its breads and luxury hotels. The city has a rich baking tradition that reflects its multicultural heritage, offering a variety of baked goods that will delight your palate.
Introduction
Montreal is a city that knows how to make good bread. And good hotels. And good everything else. It’s a city that has a lot of charm and a lot of history. And a lot of French. But don’t let that scare you. You can still have a great time in Montreal, even if you don’t speak a word of French. Or maybe especially if you don’t speak a word of French. Either way, you still deserve to savor the best bread in Montreal. Probably.
In this blog post, we’ll show you how to find and enjoy the best breads and luxury hotels in Montreal. We’ll tell you where to go, what to eat, and what to avoid. We’ll be honest and witty and maybe a little sarcastic. But we’ll also be helpful and informative and maybe a little romantic.
Because Montreal is a city that deserves all that and more.
Baked Goods and the Best Bread in Montreal
Montreal has a rich baking tradition that offers something for everyone. Whether you prefer sweet or savory, soft or crunchy, you’ll find a bread that suits your palate. Here are some of the most popular and delicious breads and baked goods that you should try in Montreal:
Montreal-style bagels
Montreal-style bagels are not your ordinary bagels. They are smaller, denser, and sweeter than the New York variety. They are also boiled in honey water and baked in wood-fired ovens, giving them a unique flavor and texture. You can find them at St. Viateur or Fairmount Bagel, two legendary bagel shops that have been serving Montrealers for decades.
Croissants
No trip to Montreal is complete without trying a croissant. These buttery pastries are flaky on the outside and soft on the inside. They can be enjoyed plain or filled with chocolate, almond, or cheese. For the best croissants in town, head to Boulangerie Mr. Pinchot or Les Co’Pains d’abord, two artisanal bakeries that use high-quality ingredients and traditional methods.
Kouign amann
Kouign amann is a specialty from Brittany, France, that has become a favorite in Montreal. It’s made from layers of dough and butter that are folded and baked until they form a crispy, caramelized crust. The name means “butter cake” in Breton, and it’s as delicious as it sounds. You can find it at Au Kouign-Amann, a cozy bakery that specializes in this pastry.
Cannelés
Cannelés are small cylindrical cakes that have a dark caramelized crust and a custardy center. They are flavored with rum and vanilla and have a distinctive shape that comes from the copper molds they are baked in. They are a delicacy that originated in Bordeaux, France, but you can taste them at Maison Christian Faure, a renowned pastry shop that also offers cooking classes.
Pain au chocolat
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Pain au chocolat are croissant-like pastries filled with chocolate. They are perfect for breakfast or as a snack. You can find them at Mamie Clafoutis, a charming bakery that makes pain au chocolat and other pastries with organic ingredients.
Brioche
Brioche is a soft, rich bread that can be sweet or savory. It’s often topped with sugar or filled with cheese or ham. You can find it at Hof Kelsten, a trendy bakery that makes brioche and other breads with local grains and natural fermentation.
Chausson aux pommes
Chausson aux pommes are apple turnovers made with puff pastry and apple compote. They are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. You can find them at Pâtisserie Rhubarbe, an elegant bakery that makes chausson aux pommes and other desserts with seasonal fruits.
Best Bakeries in Montreal
Montreal is home to many fantastic bakeries that offer a wide variety of delicious breads and baked goods. Whether you’re looking for a classic croissant, a decadent cake, or a savory sandwich, you’ll find it at one of these bakeries. Here are some of the best bakeries in Montreal that you should visit:
Guillaume
Guillaume is a sleek and modern bakery that offers traditional French breads, such as baguettes, brioche, and sourdough. You can also enjoy sandwiches, salads, and tea at this bakery. Guillaume is known for its quality ingredients and friendly service.
Stay @ Hotel Le St-James (25-minute walk)
Mamie Clafoutis
Mamie Clafoutis is a cozy and comfortable bakery and cafe that serves refined French breads and pastries, such as croissants, kouign amann, and eclairs. You can also order sandwiches, quiches, and salads at this bakery. Mamie Clafoutis is known for its organic and local products and its charming atmosphere.
Stay @ Hotel Nelligan (15-minute walk)
Point G
Point G is a colorful and fun bakery that specializes in macarons. You can find over 20 flavors of macarons at this bakery, ranging from classic vanilla and chocolate to exotic passion fruit and lavender. You can also try other desserts, such as cakes, pies, and cookies at this bakery. Point G is known for its creativity and quality.
Stay @ Sofitel Montreal Golden Mile (20-minute walk)
Patisserie Kouign Amann
Patisserie Kouign Amann is a cozy and rustic bakery that specializes in kouign amann, a crispy and caramelized cake from Brittany. You can also find other Breton specialties, such as crepes and galettes at this bakery. Patisserie Kouign Amann is known for its authenticity and simplicity.
Stay @ Hotel Le Crystal (15-minute walk)
Alati Caserta
Alati Caserta is a legendary bakery that offers Italian pastries, such as cannoli, sfogliatelle, and zeppole. You can also find cakes, cookies, and breads at this bakery. Alati Caserta is known for its tradition and generosity.
Stay @ Hotel William Gray (20-minute walk)
Boulangerie Cheskie
Boulangerie Cheskie is a popular bakery that offers Jewish pastries, such as rugelach, babka, and challah. You can also find cakes, pies, and cookies at this bakery. Boulangerie Cheskie is known for its richness and freshness.
Stay @ Le Mount Stephen (25-minute walk)
Patisserie Rhubarbe
Patisserie Rhubarbe is an elegant and sophisticated bakery that offers French pastries, such as chausson aux pommes, tarte au citron, and mille-feuille. You can also find cakes, pies, and macarons at this bakery. Patisserie Rhubarbe is known for its finesse and beauty.
Stay @ The Ritz-Carlton Montreal (20-minute walk)
Boulangerie Jarry
Boulangerie Jarry is a new and trendy bakery that offers breads made with organic flour milled on-site. You can also find pastries, such as chocolatine, croissant aux amandes, and scones at this bakery. Boulangerie Jarry is known for its innovation and quality.
Stay @ Hotel Birks Montreal (25-minute walk)
Best Luxury Hotels Near The Best Bakeries in Montreal
One of the best ways to enjoy Montreal’s culinary scene is to stay at a luxury hotel near a bakery. That way, you can easily walk to the bakery and indulge in their delicious offerings. You can also enjoy the comfort, style, and amenities that these luxury hotels provide. Here are some of the best luxury hotels near bakeries in Montreal that you can choose from:
Four Seasons Hotel Montreal
The Four Seasons Hotel Montreal is a really nice hotel where really nice people do really nice things. In fact, it’s probably not worth me mentioning this, but if you go, you will feel really nice, and that will be really nice for you*
*my 4-year old dictated this paragraph about the four seasons and I wanted them to feel included, so I left it in.
Sofitel Montreal Golden Mile
This is a modern hotel that blends French elegance with Canadian flair. It’s located in downtown Montreal, near the Museum of Fine Arts and the McGill University campus. It’s also within walking distance of Au Kouign-Amann, where you can savor some kouign amann for dessert. The hotel offers spacious rooms and suites, a fitness center, a business center, and a French restaurant.
Hotel Le Crystal
This is a contemporary hotel that offers stunning views of the city and the mountains. It’s located in the heart of downtown Montreal, near the Bell Centre and the shopping district. It’s also within walking distance of Boulangerie Mr. Pinchot or Les Co’Pains d’abord, where you can grab some croissants for lunch. The hotel features chic rooms and suites, a spa, a pool, a gym, and a bistro.
Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth
What a gorgeous hotel! Just stay here, okay?
Hotel Nelligan
This is a stylish hotel that features a rooftop bar and terrace. It’s located in Old Montreal, near the Notre-Dame Basilica and the Old Port. It’s also within walking distance of St. Viateur or Fairmount Bagel, where you can get some bagels for breakfast. The hotel offers cozy rooms and suites, a fitness center, a business center, and two restaurants.
Hotel William Gray
This is a chic hotel that boasts a spa and a rooftop pool. It’s located in Old Montreal, near the Place Jacques-Cartier and the Pointe-à-Callière Museum. It’s also within walking distance of Mamie Clafoutis, where you can enjoy some pain au chocolat for snack. The hotel features modern rooms and suites, a fitness center, a business center, and two restaurants.
Le Mount Stephen
This is a luxurious hotel that occupies a historic mansion and a modern tower. It’s located in downtown Montreal, near the Golden Square Mile and the Crescent Street. It’s also within walking distance of Hof Kelsten, where you can try some brioche for brunch. The hotel offers refined rooms and suites, a spa, a gym, and a fine dining restaurant.
The Ritz-Carlton Montreal
This is an iconic hotel that offers refined rooms and suites. It’s located in downtown Montreal, near the Peel metro station and the Ogilvy department store. It’s also within walking distance of Pâtisserie Rhubarbe, where you can taste some chausson aux pommes for dessert. The hotel features an indoor pool, a fitness center, a business center, and two restaurants.
Conclusion
Montreal is more than just a city. It’s a feast for the senses. A place where you can indulge in French culture and cuisine without leaving North America. A place where you can find some of the best breads and luxury hotels in the world.
In this guide, I’ve shown you how to enjoy both. How to sample some of the most mouth-watering breads and pastries that Montreal has to offer. How to stay at some of the most amazing luxury hotels that will make you feel like royalty.
So don’t hesitate. Book your trip to Montreal now and get ready for a fabulous adventure with a French twist.
Additional Resources
If you want to learn more about Montreal or plan your trip better, here are some links to other relevant sources of information or inspiration:
