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In 2023, Online Mortgage Advisor named Bordeaux the 9th most beautiful city in the world, even ahead of Paris (12th). The crown went to Venice and Rome, but Bordeaux’s ranking came as no surprise. The city gleams with classical elegance, its architectural charm largely thanks to former mayor Alain Juppé’s ambitious facelift campaign that restored centuries-old façades.

But Bordeaux isn’t just a feast for the eyes—it’s also a haven for the tastebuds. Especially for lovers of the city’s most famous pastry: the canelé.

So, where do you find the best one? It’s a deliciously difficult question. Three legendary names dominate the debate: Baillardran, La Toque Cuivrée, and Cassonade.

📝 Fun fact: Baillardran and La Toque Cuivrée use “canelé” (one ‘n’), while Cassonade sticks with “cannelé” (two ‘n’s). Don’t worry—this spelling quirk causes less confusion than the famous “chocolatine” vs. “pain au chocolat” debate.

The Cartier of Canelés—With the Price to Match

You’ll spot Baillardran everywhere in Bordeaux. Its boutiques and tea salons, often lavishly decorated, exude the image of an elegant, refined Bordeaux—the kind that wears pearls and sips espresso in crystal cups.

Inside, canelés are displayed like luxury items, nestled in elegant gift boxes. This polish comes at a cost: prices here range from 30% to 300% higher than the competition.

The elegant packaging promises more than the treat delivers.

“But at Baillardran, you’re not just buying a pastry—you’re purchasing a status symbol.”

• The “petit classique” (€2.10) was underwhelming: soft, bland, with no rum aroma and a rubbery texture.

• The “large canelé with Madagascan vanilla” (€3.80) fared better—nice caramelization, rich flavor—but overly dense and sticky.

• Ingredients are conventional (non-organic), and no vegan options are available.

Customer service? Hit or miss. On one visit, despite purchasing eight canelés, staff refused to provide the brand’s signature box—because “only orders of six or more qualify.” (🤔)

💡 Tip: Visit a Baillardran tea room and order a café gourmand—a canelé and a macaron served together. It’s one of the rare offerings where price meets value.

Bordeaux’s Best Kept Sweet Secret

Ask any local, and they’ll point you to La Toque Cuivrée. Its canelés are beloved—and shockingly affordable:

• €0.25 for a small,

• €0.50 for medium,

• €0.75 for large.

“Crispy on the outside, soft inside, lightly caramelized, and perfectly rum-scented—La Toque Cuivrée hits every note.”

Yes, they’re a bit sticky, but for this price, it’s a sweet trade-off. They stay fresh for two days at room temperature or up to four in the fridge. Freezing is also an option if you’re traveling.

And unlike many upscale spots, service is consistently warm and efficient. Even a modest purchase earns you a beautiful red box—no request needed.

This is gourmet without the snobbery, and hospitality without the hassle.

The Gold Standard of Canelés in Bordeaux

For those seeking both flavor and ethics, Cassonade is the clear winner. These handcrafted canelés—made in traditional copper molds with certified organic ingredients—strike the perfect balance of texture, sweetness, and aroma.

“Less sweet. More elegant. Surprisingly light. And—hallelujah—not sticky.”

Cassonade’s cafés are often packed, a testament to their growing cult following. But takeaway is fast, and staff are always happy to explain their methods.

What makes them special:

• Prices stay reasonable: ~€0.90 for a small, ~€2.00 for vanilla versions

• All ingredients are organic: eggs, milk, flour

• Two flavors: rum and Madagascan vanilla—both exquisitely subtle

• Vegan canelés available—the only place in Bordeaux to offer them

“At Cassonade, every bite reveals bold, authentic flavors—never artificial, never excessive.”

Whether you’re drawn to luxury presentation, affordable indulgence, or organic craftsmanship, Bordeaux offers a canelé for every kind of sweet tooth.

Try one—or three. It’s the only way to be sure.

Pierre Scordia is a French writer and cultural blogger with a discerning palate and a deep appreciation for local traditions. Based in Bordeaux, he explores the intersections of culture, history, and identity—one pastry at a time. When he’s not reviewing canelés, you’ll likely find him on a café terrace, notebook in hand.