Looking for the best baguette in Paris? Head to the Montmartre area

Here's a heads-up for any Paris-destined travelers and carb lovers: if you're looking for the best baguettes in the city, head over to the 18th arrondissement, home to the Moulin Rouge, Montmartre, and some of the best bakeries in town.

For the third consecutive year and the fifth time in six years, a baker from the 18th arrondissement took home bragging rights as the maker of the best baguette in Paris Wednesday at -- coincidentally -- the 18th annual edition of the Grand Prix competition.

A panel of judges made up of journalists, bakers, previous winners and members of the public smelled, scrutinized, squashed and chewed on a total of 168 loaves before declaring Sébastien Mauvieux of the Boulangerie Mauvieux the grand prize winner.

It's a title that brings each year's recipient public notoriety, turning humble bakers into instant, local celebrities and attracting snaking lines outside their stores.

Mauvieux also received €4,000 and becomes the official baguette supplier for the next French president and the Elysée, the president's official residence.

To qualify for the competition, baguettes had to conform to a strict set of rules: they had to measure between 55 to 65 cm, and weigh between 250 to 300 g.

Breads are judged based on factors like doneness, taste, smell, and appearance.

Last year, Pascal Barillon's Au Levain d'Antan, also of the 18th arrondissement, took home the grand prize.

Boulangerie Mauvieux
159 rue Ordener
Paris