It’s time to take advantage of the long light-filled days of summer and there’s no better way than to indulge at one of several Twin Cities French-style pâtisseries. Listed below are a few bakeries that are perfect for a little summertime joie de vivre, chosen for their outside seating areas and proximity to the beautiful parks and lakes of the Twin Cities. We’ve also included a few additional bakeries that are worthy of a visit - rain or shine.

1. PÂTISSERIE 46

The tall windows topped with black awnings, the unique features of the angled façade, and of course, the busy counter buzz of Patisserie 46 would be right at home on the village streets of France. A generous number of café tables and benches lining the tree-filled patio of this southwest Minneapolis bakery add to the authenticity of this traditional-style patisserie. Choose from an array of breakfast items from pain au chocolat to kouign-amann, or indulge in a quiche or crusty baguette sandwich for lunch en plein air. Enjoy your treat at an outdoor table or consider walking west to Lake Harriet or south to Minnehaha Creek to soak up the long-awaited summer sun.

Website: Patisserie 46

Location*: 4552 Grand Ave. South, Minneapolis, MN 55419
*And for the St. Paulites, you’ll enjoy Patisserie 46’s sister bakery, Rose Street Patisserie, at 171 Snelling Ave N., St. Paul, MN 55104

Hours: Tuesday - Friday & Sunday 7 AM to 2 PM, Saturday 7 AM to 3 PM, Closed Mondays

2. BLACK WALNUT

Just a few blocks east of Bde Maka Ska is a more contemporary twist on the traditional French-style patisserie. The high ceilings, large windows, and crisp white interior infuse Black Walnut with natural light, creating a spacious and airy ambiance. Both the inside seating area and the lovely patio fill up quickly with patrons enjoying an artisanal croissant or a hot pressed sandwich. This Uptown bakery invites a longer linger with an extensive beer and wine menu, specialty coffee drinks, and a variety of rare teas. Grab a café table on the patio overlooking W. 32nd Street or take a stroll to Bde Maka Ska and find a bench to enjoy your Black Walnut treat.

Website: Black Walnut Bakery

Location: 3157 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55408

Hours: Wednesday - Sunday, 8 AM to 2 PM

3. MARC HEU PÂTISSERIE PARIS

Marc Heu’s long-standing bakery in Frogtown has recently moved to its new location on North Dale Street in St. Paul and a visit to this sleek new space is highly recommended. Never has waiting in line been so enjoyable - delicate tarts and generously-sized butter croissants are displayed as les objets des art under individual glass cases, giving customers time to carefully consider the exquisite creations. The concrete floors and spacious marble countertop balances well with the deep green-upholstered chairs and soft glowing lights, evoking a global flair that lands this pâtisserie somewhere between Bali and Paris. Grab a table to savor your delectable treat or take advantage of the summer sun and walk to one of six nearby greenspaces.

Website: Marc Heu Patisserie Paris

Location: 156 Dale St. N., Suite B, St. Paul, MN 55102

Hours: Monday - Sunday 9 AM to 3 PM

Read more about Marc Heu’s intriguing life story here: Mpls. St. Paul Magazine

4. LA BOULANGERIE MARGUERITE - St. Paul and Coming Soon to NE Minneapolis!

A new bakery is moving into the Cōzette neighborhood! François Kiemde, a West African born French pastry chef, and his wife and business partner, Melissa Borgmann-Kiemde, already operate the popular La Boulangerie Marguerite on Randolph Avenue in St. Paul, and are soon headed across the river to open a new location. Visit their St. Paul bakery for a taste test or peruse their website to start dreaming of the fresh baked bread, pâtisseries and viennoiseries coming soon to Northeast Minneapolis, just blocks away from your favorite French school!

Website: La Boulangerie Marguerite

Locations:

St. Paul: 1279 Randolph Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55015

Coming Soon to Minneapolis: 300 13th Avenue NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413

St. Paul Hours: Mondays, 6 AM - 12 PM and Tuesdays - Saturdays, 6 AM to 3 PM

5. BELLECOUR BAKERY

The Twin Cities culinary staple, Cooks of Crocus Hill, has partnered with Bellecour Bakery by offering its space and neighborhood for Chef Gavin Keysen to create French pastries, homemade sandwiches and nourishing soups and salads. Bellecour is named after the Place Bellecour, the vibrant town center of Lyon, France where French bistro culture thrives. Experience that same feeling by stopping by one of three locations to grab a croissant or to enjoy a light lunch at one of the chic sidewalk tables.

Locations:

Minneapolis North Loop: 210 N. 1st St., Minneapolis, MN 55401
St. Paul Grand Avenue: 877 Grand Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55105
Market Street Edina: 3934 Market Street, Edina, MN 55424

Minneapolis Hours: Monday - Friday: 7 AM to 6 PM, Saturday: 8 AM to 6 PM, Sunday: 8 AM to 5 PM

St. Paul Hours: Monday - Friday: 8 AM to 6 PM, Saturday: 8 AM to 6 PM, Sunday: 8 AM to 5 PM

Edina Hours: Monday - Wednesday: 7 AM to 6 PM, Thursday - Friday: 7 AM to 8 PM, Saturday: 8 AM - 8 PM, Sunday: 8 AM - 5 PM

6. RUSTICA

Rustica is a staple for freshly baked artisan breads, handmade pastries, enticing desserts and a selection of drinks including seasonal specialities like their lavender- honey latte. Consider their Minneapolis Lake Street location for grabbing a croissant to go and heading across the street to Bde Maka Ska to enjoy a leisurely breakfast.

Website: Rustica Bakery

Minneapolis Location: 3220 West Lake Street, Minneapolis, MN 55416

Edina Location: 200 Southdale Center, Suite A, Edina, MN 55435

Hours for both locations: 7am - 6 pm daily

7. B’BERI DESSERTS

B’beri Desserts uses natural and high quality ingredients to create their custom order perfections that are conveniently delivered to your home. Visit their website to place an order, or take advantage of the Twin Cities farmers market scene and stop by one of their booths to purchase a sweet, handcrafted treat!

Website: B'beri Desserts

Farmers Market Booth Locations:

Northeast Farmers Market (Saturdays): 629 Northeast 2nd Street, Minneapolis, MN 55413
Maple Grove Farmers Market (Tuesdays): Maple Grove Community Center, 12951 Weaver Lake Road, Maple Grove, MN 55369

Top Twin Cities French Bakeries for a Summer Day