The art of baking is alive and well in Paris and the traditional baguette is king of bread. Parisians are serious baguette connoisseurs, so much so, that a yearly competition for the most perfect baguette is held in the city.

The Grand Prix de la Meilleure Baguette de Paris is a coveted award. The recipient is awarded the sum of 4000 euros and the honor of supplying the residence of the President of France, the Elysee Palace, with 25 baguettes per day for one year.

On March 17th, 2009, a jury headed by the deputy mayor of Paris, convened at the Chambre Professionnelle des Artisans Boulangers-Patissiers on Quai d'Anjou. They came prepared to assess the quality of 130 baguettes, adhering to strict criteria.

Firstly, a traditional baguette must be made with pure additive-free flour, water and salt. It must be kneaded, shaped and baked on the premises of the baker himself. Jurors inspect the loaves for length (must be 70cm), weight (between 250 and 300 grams) and certain artisanal, aesthetic qualities. Aroma, appearance, crust, interior, flavor...how does one declare a single baker's work to be better than all others in Paris? The neighborhood boulangerie, a thriving institution, offers residents freshly baked delicious loaves, daily and consumers become fiercely devoted to the work of their favorite bakers.

This year's recipient of the prize goes to:
Frank Tombarel
Le Grenier de Felix
64, avenue Felix Faure
15th Arrondissement

In 2008 the award was bestowed upon:
Anis Bouabsa
Au Duc del la Chapelle
32, rue Tristan Tzara
18th Arrondissement

In 2007 the baguette maker of the year was:
Arnaud Delmontel
57, rue des Abbesses
18th Arrondissement

2006 was the winning year for:
Jean-Pierre Cohier
270, rue Faubourg St. Honore
8th Arrondissement

For more great boulangeries go to:
http://paris-insider.com/food-shops-and-markets/boulangeries